PublicUrbanWestern Washington University
Western Washington State College
Bellingham, Washington 98225-9008
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
Western Washington University is a public urban institution in Bellingham, Washington. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1235.
A large campus of 13.6K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,569 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,680.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Old Main In 1886, WWU was established as the Northwest Normal School, a teachers' school predominantly for women although men also enrolled, by Phoebe Judson in Lynden, Washington.
- •The school later moved to Bellingham (then "New Whatcom").
- •Governor John McGraw signed legislation establishing the New Whatcom Normal School on February 24, 1893.
- •In 1895, construction began on a permanent school building, now known as Old Main, the current administration building.
- •The first official class entered in 1899, composed of 88 students.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1235
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
72.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,500
Programs (117)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
80%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
103
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from WA state average + city premium