Western Washington University

School Overview

Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, WA, 98225, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #23 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1110-1320 and ACT scores of 22-30. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4. Applications are due by Jan. 31, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With 13,752 undergraduates, Western Washington University is large enough to offer a wide range of academic programs yet maintains a sense of campus community that helps students find their place. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 43% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 40%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Western Washington University include Social Sciences (10% of students, median early-career salary: $46,798), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (10% of students, median early-career salary: $80,761), and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (9% of students, median early-career salary: $48,524). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $15,832. However, the average net price after financial aid is $18,373, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $24,228 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Western Washington University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Western Washington University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Western Washington University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.