Campus Identity
Western Washington University is a mid-size public university in Bellingham, WA. Approximately 13,544 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 93% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Whatcom, just 3 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 38 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Western Washington University is a mid-size public university in Bellingham, WA. Approximately 13,544 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 93% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Whatcom, just 3 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 38 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Western Washington University is a 10,000–19,999, urban school. The campus is 38 miles from Mt. Baker Ski Area.
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Urban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
48°F avg school-year
Ski Town
Western Washington University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mt. Baker Ski Area, 38 miles away with 10 lifts and 1,000 skiable acres. All are within 51 miles of campus.
Washington
British Columbia
British Columbia
Lake Life Campus
Lake Whatcom is 3 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Western Washington University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Whatcom
Lake access within 3.4 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Bellingham, WA
Bellingham has a cool climate, with winters averaging 41°F in Dec and summers peaking around 64°F in Jul.
Station: BELLINGHAM 3 SSW · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Western Washington University in WA earns a composite safety score of 43/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,582 | $28,707 |
| Fees | $1,131 | $1,131 |
| Room & Board | $15,629 | $15,629 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $26,342 | $45,467 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
151 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Western Washington University located?
Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, WA. The main campus address is 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Western Washington University?
Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%, making it accessible. Out of 14,115 applicants, 13,162 were admitted in the most recent year. 13,544 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Western Washington University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Western Washington University scored between 24 and 31 on the ACT, with a median of 28. About 2% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Western Washington University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Western Washington University charges $9,582/year for in-state students and $28,707/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($15,629/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $25,930/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $21,193/year — what students actually pay. Use Western Washington University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Western Washington University?
The undergraduate application fee at Western Washington University is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Is Western Washington University the right fit for me?
Whether Western Washington University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (93% admit rate), avg net price ($21,193/year after aid), campus culture in Bellingham, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Washington University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Washington University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Bellingham, WA
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 48°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 43/100
- Nearest Airport
- Bellingham, WA (BLI) · 5 mialso ESD (19 mi), NUW (28 mi)
Location
Bellingham, WA