Public Institution

Western Washington University — Bellingham, Washington

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Annual Tuition $9,286

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 91.3%

Open Admission

Enrollment 13,574

Active Students

Avg. Salary $62,569

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Bellingham, Washington

Institution type Public

Accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Western Washington University stands as a pillar of higher education in Bellingham, providing a robust academic foundation for 13,574 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Western Washington University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Western Washington University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

12.1%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

9.9%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

8.8%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

7.3%

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources

6.6%

Enrollment Share

Education

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Western Washington University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Western Washington University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at Western Washington University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Western Washington University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 91.3%

Difficulty Low

Western Washington University maintains an acceptance rate of 91.3%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42.4%

Women Enrollment 57.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 570 - 690

SAT Mathematics 540 - 660

ACT English 22 - 31

ACT Mathematics 21 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Western Washington University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,286

Out-of-State Tuition $27,853

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 20.8%

Median Student Debt $18,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,286, graduates see a median starting salary of $62,569, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Washington.

What salary can Western Washington University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $62,569

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 65.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,680

Median Salary (6yr) $45,272

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Western Washington University in Bellingham?

13,574 Students

Gender Comparison

42.4% Men

57.6% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

79.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

5.8%

Black

White

69.4%

Unknown

1.4%

Hispanic

11%

Two or More Races

9.1%

International

0.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 26.7%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 53.5%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 4.3%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 49.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$66,707
Average Family Income	$69,215
Median Family Income	$51,312

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52%

48%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Bellingham Campus Environment

Located at 516 High Street, Western Washington University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Washington. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Western Washington University compare?

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Common Questions about Western Washington University

Is Western Washington University a good college in Bellingham, Washington?

Western Washington University is a recognized institution in Bellingham with an enrollment of 13,574 students. It is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers a robust ROI for students in Washington based on Department of Education data.

Is Western Washington University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Western Washington University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $62,569. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Western Washington University cost for Washington residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Western Washington University is approximately $9,286. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $27,853. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Western Washington University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Western Washington University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 53.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Western Washington University good for Business & Marketing and Social Sciences programs?

Western Washington University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Social Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Western Washington University?

Graduates of Western Washington University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $62,569, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Western Washington University?

Western Washington University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Western Washington University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Western Washington University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Western Washington University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Western Washington University earn a median salary of $62,569 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Western Washington University a good investment compared to other WA colleges?

Western Washington University stands out as a high-value investment in Washington. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

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

Western Washington University is located at 516 High Street in Bellingham, WA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 13,574 learners.

Who typically attends Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA?

The student body at Western Washington University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 26.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Washington

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Western Washington University with other leading institutions in Washington across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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