Western Washington University: 92.7% Acceptance Rate

92.7%Acceptance

$9,286Tuition

13,574Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,569Earnings

#11 in WashingtonPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University builds its reputation around environmental sustainability and outdoor education programs that take advantage of the Pacific Northwest setting. The 13,574 students benefit from strong environmental science and education departments that reflect the school's commitment to green initiatives. Notable graduates include comedian Ryan Stiles and Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, who both launched successful careers from this Bellingham campus.

Students pay an average net price of $18,680 after financial aid, making this a relatively affordable option for public education. Graduates earn a median of $62,569 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $18,500. The monthly loan payment of $196 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Only 20.76% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body comes from middle-class backgrounds rather than high-need families.

The Vikings compete in NCAA Division II athletics across 11 sports with 292 total athletes. The 92.69% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 65.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong self-motivation to succeed. The quarter system keeps academic pace intense, while the 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors in this mid-sized university environment.

Academics & Faculty

Western Washington University operates as a full public university with particularly strong environmental science and education programs that reflect the Pacific Northwest's sustainability focus. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though larger than what you'd find at small liberal arts colleges. With a 65% six-year graduation rate, students need to stay motivated as the university doesn't hand-hold through completion. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace. WWU has built its reputation on outdoor recreation programs, business, and teacher preparation that feeds into Washington state schools. Students often choose majors that connect to the region's natural resources and progressive values.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 65.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.5%
Retention Rate: 79.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,569
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$81,333
Mathematics.	Master	$78,343
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$76,460
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$63,005
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$60,920
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$60,325
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$57,318
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$51,482
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$50,465
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$49,572

View all 117 programs →

Campus Life

Western Washington University sits in Bellingham, just 90 minutes north of Seattle and 20 minutes from the Canadian border. The campus houses 31% of students in residence halls that overlook Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. You'll need a good rain jacket for the Pacific Northwest drizzle, but snow is rare and temperatures stay moderate year-round.

The quarter system keeps academic pace quick, with 79.73% of freshmen returning for sophomore year. Students embrace the outdoor culture that defines the region. Weekends mean hiking in the nearby North Cascades, kayaking on Bellingham Bay, or exploring the historic Fairhaven district downtown. The campus sits on 215 acres of forest and hills, creating a natural laboratory for the school's well-known environmental science programs. The 57.56% female student body contributes to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Many students bike between classes despite the hilly terrain. The Vikings compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports, though outdoor recreation clubs draw more participation than spectator sports.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 4,196 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1893

Campus Safety (2023)

90 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Burglary	9	6	4
Rape	9	9	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	17	0	0
Fondling	8	5	0
Domestic Violence	5	5	0
Dating Violence	2	2	0
Statutory Rape	2	2	0
Stalking	2	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0
Arson	1	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–47°F
July Avg: 53°–73°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.3"
Annual Snowfall: 3.6"

Student Demographics

Western Washington draws primarily local students, with 86% coming from in-state, reflecting its strong regional reputation in the Pacific Northwest. Women make up 58% of the student body, which aligns with the university's emphasis on education and social sciences programs. The campus attracts environmentally conscious students drawn to Bellingham's outdoor culture and WWU's sustainability focus. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking quality public education. The diverse academic interests span from future teachers to environmental scientists, creating a collaborative community centered around making positive social impact.

Men: 42.4%
Women: 57.6%
White: 69.4%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 11.0%
Asian: 5.8%
In-State Students: 85.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.8%

Location

Bellingham sits 90 miles north of Seattle in Washington's northwest corner, just 20 miles from the Canadian border. The city of 91,000 residents embraces its role as a quintessential Pacific Northwest college town. Students find themselves between Puget Sound's waters and the Cascade Mountains, with Mount Baker's ski slopes an hour away. The area's commitment to environmental consciousness matches Western Washington's sustainability focus. Bellingham Bay offers sailing and kayaking opportunities, while the city's walkable downtown features local breweries and coffee shops that cater to the university's 13,574 students. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Western Washington University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bellingham, Washington 98225-9008

Western Washington University Looking North

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,569
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,459
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 74.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Western Washington University?

Western Washington University accepts 92.69% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130-1340 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of academic abilities.

How much does Western Washington University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Western Washington University is $18,680 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,416 on average, while the median debt load of $18,500 is relatively manageable with monthly payments of $196.

What academic programs is Western Washington University known for?

Western Washington University has built a strong reputation for environmental science and education programs, reflecting the Pacific Northwest's commitment to sustainability. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for meaningful mentorship, particularly valuable in these hands-on fields that WWU has championed since its founding in 1893.

What are the career outcomes for Western Washington University graduates?

Western Washington University graduates earn a median salary of $62,569 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 94.7% employment rate. The 65.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's supportive environment for students who often balance work with their studies.

Where is Western Washington University located and what is campus life like?

Western Washington University sits in Bellingham, a small city known for outdoor recreation and environmental consciousness. With housing for 4,196 students out of 13,574 total enrollment, many students experience both on-campus community and the broader Pacific Northwest lifestyle that defines this Viking athletics school.

Does Western Washington University have famous alumni?

Western Washington University has produced notable entertainment figures including comedian Ryan Stiles and Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank. With 85.85% of students coming from in-state, the university maintains strong connections to Washington's creative and professional communities while serving as an accessible pathway to success.