Whatcom Community College: $5,146 Tuition

$5,146Tuition

2,280Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,092Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College serves as the primary stepping stone for students in northwest Washington who want to transfer to four-year universities or jump into the workforce. The college enrolls 2,280 students in Bellingham, a small city known for its outdoor recreation and proximity to both Seattle and Vancouver. Students typically choose Whatcom for its strong transfer agreements with Washington state universities and its career-focused programs that respond directly to regional employer needs.

Students pay an average net price of $9,608 after financial aid, making it one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in the Pacific Northwest. Graduates earn a median of $44,092 ten years after starting, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $10,643. The employment rate reaches 86.6%, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical skills training. Students who need to work can manage monthly loan payments of just $113.

The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 ensures personalized attention that larger universities cannot match. Nearly all students (97%) come from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Orcas compete in five varsity sports with 85 total athletes, though most student energy focuses on academics and transfer preparation rather than campus life.

Academics & Faculty

Whatcom Community College focuses on transfer preparation and career training for students planning to continue their education or enter the workforce directly. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes typical of community colleges. With a 39.68% four-year graduation rate, the school serves students who often balance work and family commitments alongside their studies. The college offers strong transfer pathways to four-year universities, particularly Western Washington University located in the same city. Popular programs include nursing, business, and liberal arts transfer degrees. Many students complete their general education requirements here before transferring, taking advantage of lower costs and smaller class sizes than traditional universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,092

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,020
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$40,209
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$27,494
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,649
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Associate	$18,771

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Whatcom Community College sits in Bellingham, about 90 minutes north of Seattle near the Canadian border. With housing capacity for just 230 students and total enrollment of 2,280, only about 10% of students live on campus. The Pacific Northwest location means you'll need rain gear and layers year-round, with mild summers and wet winters that rarely see snow.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. With 97% of students from Washington state, the campus has a distinctly local feel. The Orcas compete in five varsity sports with 85 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Weekend activities often revolve around Bellingham's outdoor scene, from hiking in nearby mountains to exploring the waterfront. The quarter system keeps academic pace quick and focused. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees, with many heading to Western Washington University just across town or University of Washington in Seattle.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 230 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	3
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	1
Robbery	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–45°F
July Avg: 53°–71°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.8"
Annual Snowfall: -767.3"

Student Demographics

Whatcom draws almost entirely from Washington state, with 97% of students staying close to home for their education. The student body reflects the Pacific Northwest's diversity, with about half being white students and growing Hispanic and Asian populations. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and social services programs. Nearly one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Whatcom serves working families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The college functions as an essential stepping stone for northwest Washington's local communities.

Men: 45.6%
Women: 54.4%
White: 53.5%
Black: 1.7%
Hispanic: 14.9%
Asian: 6.5%
In-State Students: 97.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.6%

Location

Bellingham sits 90 miles north of Seattle in Washington's northwest corner, just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The city of 91,000 residents combines Pacific Northwest outdoors access with college town energy from Western Washington University. Students at Whatcom Community College find themselves between Puget Sound's waters and the North Cascade Mountains. The area draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, skiing, and sailing. Bellingham's historic downtown features local breweries and coffee shops that reflect the region's laid-back culture. The 97% in-state enrollment reflects the college's role serving local northwest Washington communities. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Whatcom Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bellingham, Washington 98226

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,092
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,786
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $113/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,643

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Whatcom Community College?

Whatcom Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 2,280 students and draws 97% of its enrollment from Washington state. Students can begin their educational journey here whether they're seeking workforce training or planning to transfer to four-year universities.

How much does Whatcom Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,608 annually at Whatcom Community College. In-state tuition runs $5,146 while out-of-state students pay $11,096. The college keeps costs manageable with graduates carrying a median debt of just $10,643 and monthly loan payments averaging $113.

What academic programs is Whatcom Community College known for?

Whatcom Community College operates on a quarter system with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. The college focuses heavily on transfer preparation and workforce development programs that serve the needs of northwest Washington. Students benefit from small class sizes and programs designed to either launch careers immediately or prepare for transfer to four-year institutions.

What are the job prospects for Whatcom Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 86.6% employment rate with median earnings of $44,092 ten years after enrollment. Recent graduates earn a median of $36,852 in their first year post-graduation. The college's focus on practical workforce training helps students enter the job market quickly in fields that serve the Pacific Northwest economy.

Does Whatcom Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for 230 students with room and board costs of $19,422 annually. The student body is 54.4% women and 45.6% men, creating a balanced campus environment. Most students commute since 97% come from Washington state and many live locally in the Bellingham area.

What athletic opportunities exist at Whatcom Community College?

The Orcas compete in 5 varsity sports with 85 total student-athletes participating. The athletic program distributes $120,104 in scholarships to support student-athletes. While athletics play a smaller role than at four-year institutions, the programs provide opportunities for students to continue competing while pursuing their academic goals.