Public Institution

Whatcom Community College — Bellingham, Washington

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Annual Tuition $5,146

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,280

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,092

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Bellingham, Washington

Institution type Public

Accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Founded 11/1/1971

Academic Mission & Environment

"Whatcom Community College stands as a pillar of higher education in Bellingham, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,280 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 Whatcom Community College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Whatcom Community College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities

38.8%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

19.5%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

14.8%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

12.6%

Enrollment Share

Education

7.2%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science

2.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

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

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at Whatcom Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Whatcom Community College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Whatcom Community College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, 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 not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 45.6%

Women Enrollment 54.4%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Whatcom Community College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Whatcom Community College.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Whatcom Community College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $5,146

Out-of-State Tuition $11,096

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 18.6%

Median Student Debt $10,643

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $5,146, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,092, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Washington.

What salary can Whatcom Community College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,092

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 36.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $9,608

Median Salary (6yr) $38,429

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham?

2,280 Students

Gender Comparison

45.6% Men

54.4% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

6.5%

Black

1.7%

White

53.5%

Unknown

13.1%

Hispanic

14.9%

Two or More Races

6.7%

International

2.4%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 25

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First-Generation 41.2%

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Receive Pell Grant 85.4%

🎖️

Veterans 0.8%

💍

Married Students 13.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$55,345
Average Family Income	$28,639
Median Family Income	$19,256

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

41.1%

58.9%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Bellingham Campus Environment

Located at 237 W Kellogg Rd, Whatcom Community College 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 Whatcom Community College compare?

Direct Comparison Whatcom Community College vs Bellingham Technical College →

Direct Comparison Whatcom Community College vs Western Washington University →

Direct Comparison Whatcom Community College vs Northwest Indian College →

Direct Comparison Whatcom Community College vs Zorganics Institute of Beauty and Wellness →

Common Questions about Whatcom Community College

Is Whatcom Community College a good college in Bellingham, Washington?

Whatcom Community College is a recognized institution in Bellingham with an enrollment of 2,280 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Washington.

Is Whatcom Community College worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,092 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Whatcom Community College cost for Washington residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Whatcom Community College is approximately $5,146. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $11,096. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Whatcom Community College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Whatcom Community College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 85.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Whatcom Community College good for Humanities and Business & Marketing programs?

Whatcom Community College reports program activity in Humanities and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Whatcom Community College?

Graduates of Whatcom Community College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $44,092, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Whatcom Community College?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Whatcom Community College's official admissions website.

Does Whatcom Community College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Whatcom Community College's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Whatcom Community College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Whatcom Community College earn a median salary of $44,092 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Whatcom Community College a good investment compared to other WA colleges?

Compare Whatcom Community College's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Washington to judge value for your goals.

Where is Whatcom Community College located and what is the campus like?

Whatcom Community College is located at 237 W Kellogg Rd in Bellingham, WA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,280 learners.

Who typically attends Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA?

The student body at Whatcom Community College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 41.2% 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 Whatcom Community College with other leading institutions in Washington across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration