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Western Washington University

7.8(3)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1893
Founded
1893
Type
Public
University Guide

About Western Washington University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Western Washington University is a renowned public University located in Bellingham, Washington founded in 1893. Western students call Bellingham an adventure, a breath of fresh air, and a great place to call home. Western Washington University offers its undergraduate and graduate courses to more than 16,142 students from all across the globe. 96% of admitted students are in the undergraduate course. Currently, Western's student body includes international students coming from 35 countries to study in the USA.

Western Washington University programs are offered in 175+ academic disciplines with 74% of its faculty holding the highest degree in their field. The university also offers International Achievement Awards to its meritorious international students. The amount varies 4,000 USD - 10,000 USD per annum. According to PayScale, the average salary of Western Washington University graduates is 69,130 USD per year.

Western Washington University Campus

Admission at Western Washington University is recognized internationally for its successes as one of the most sustainable, “green” campuses in the nation by the Sierra club to one of the highest-ranking public, Masters granting University in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the excellent academic reputation and affordable tuition, the institute’s proximity to Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is one of the primary reasons students choose Western.

Western Washington University Rankings

Times Higher Education Rankings:

  • #601–800th: World University Rankings 2021
  • #401-500th: US College Rankings 2021

US News and World Report 2021 Rankings:

  • #18 in Regional Universities West 
  • #11 in Best Colleges for Veterans 
  • #41 in Best Value Schools

Niche 2021 Rankings:

  • #60 of 1,674: Most Liberal Colleges in America
  • #126 of 1,605: Best College Locations in America
  • #153 of 676: Top Public Universities in America
  • #466 of 1,577: Colleges with the Best Academics in America
  • #469 of 1,572: Best Value Colleges in America
  • #992 of 1,589: Most Diverse Colleges in America

Highlights

Type Public
Campus setting Urban
Endowment 86.5 million USD
Cost of attendance 41,632 USD
Student retention rate 82%
Campus housing student 88%
Financial aid Scholarships, discounts, grants.

Western Washington University Campus

  • Western Washington University campus is located in Bellingham. It is located 90 miles north of Seattle, 55 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and a 1-hour drive from 10,778 foot Mount Baker.
  • The campus of Western Washington University covers a total of 215 acres of the plot. It also includes 38 acres of Sehome Arboretum.
  • The campus of Western Washington University includes an electronic music Studio, an air pollution lab, a motor vehicle research lab, a Marine research lab, a wind tunnel, an electronic microscope, and a neutron generator lab.
  • Western Washington University also has an off-campus facility at Shannon point Marine Center in Anacortes, Washington. It is a 15-acre student University facility at nearby Lake Whatcom.
  • Furthermore, students can be a part of any of the 250+ student clubs and organizations available on-campus.
  • Students interested in sports can participate in 8 conference championships in the great northwest athletic conference (gnac): women's soccer and volleyball, men's track & field (indoor & outdoor), men's and women's basketball and golf.
  • For students interested in adventure, Bellingham is also a hub of outdoor activity, with easy access to snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and sailing.

Western Washington University Residence

  • 88% of first-year students live on campus.
  • Western Washington University offers 16 unique residences halls in a variety of sizes and styles distributed in South Campus, North Campus, and Ridgeway Complex.
  • It has corridor style of residence having a central hallway and residents share one or two large bathrooms down the hall.
  • It also has suite-style apartments. It also has residence halls having single, double, and triple occupancy.
  • It also provides housing to students who are particularly seeking an LGBTQ+ affirming and gender-inclusive living experience.
  • Every residence hall is coeducational and most are open to students of all ages and class standings.
  • Double occupancy rooms are the campus standard, but some halls also offer triples and a few singles.
  • Each community has a front desk, laundry facilities, community kitchens, study areas, computer lab, TV lounge, piano, game room, bike storage, and limited permit parking.
  • Various dining facilities are available for students on the campus. Applicants can opt for any meal plan accordingly to their will.

Western Washington University Programs

  • The Western Washington University offers 175+ academic programs at UG, PG, and certificate levels.
  • The university constitutes of 6 colleges- College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, Huxley College of the Environment, Woodring College of Education, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies and Graduate School.
  • Western Washington University offers various degree types in the interest area of Arts and Humanities, business, environment, education, health and Behavioral Sciences, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences.
  • The university offers Bachelor of Arts degree, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in nursing, additional endorsement, Honors program in undergraduate sections.
  • It also offers Master of Business administration, Master of Arts, Master of Education, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Music, Master of professional accounting, Master of Science, Master in Teaching, minor programs, WWU certificate, State issued Certificate preparation and clinical Doctorate in Masters programs.
  • The institute has 18:1student to faculty ratio and 27is the average class size.

Western Washington University Application Process

Western Washington University accepts applications from students from all over the world. The applicants need to meet all the eligibility criteria in the deadline.

Application portal: online

The applicants need to apply from the university official website.

Application fee: 60 USD (non-refundable)

Supporting documents:

  • Academic transcript
  • Letters of recommendation
  • SAT or ACT scores/ GMAT or GRE scores
  • English test scores
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement/ Essay
  • Statement of financial responsibility

The admissions team may ask for some additional documents. Applicants are requested to provide all the documents. If the transcripts are not in English, the translated transcript along with the original must be provided. All documents submitted with the application become the property of the Office of Admissions and will not be released to the student.

ACT and SAT scores are not mandatory.

English Proficiency Test Scores

Tests accepted Scores required
TOEFL (iBT) 80
TOEFL (PBT) 550
IELTS 6.5

Western Washington University Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance depends on several factors like the course applied type of accommodation, food, and personal items.

Expenses Cost in USD (annual)
Tuition fees 22,890
Enrollment fees 2,080
Housing and meals 12,036
Books and supplies 954
Transportation 1,299
Personal expense 2,373
Total cost of attendance 41,632

The average cost of attendance for attending Western Washington University is 41,632 USD.

Western Washington University Financial Aid

  • Western Washington University provides financial aid to their admitted students. It offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships for international students.
  • The students can also choose to work on campus to earn a little. Several discounts and grants via external agencies can also be received.
  • The international achievement award is a 4-year merit scholarship awarded to a student demonstrating strong academic performance. Selection is based upon the application including essays, GPA, evidence of English proficiency. It is a competitive 20,000 USD to 24,000 USD worth merit scholarships. The minimum GPA required is 3.6 and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT scores.
  • All-Washington Academic Team Scholarship is awarded to any member of the All Washington Academic Team who enrolls at Washington with 2000 USD.
  • James Michael Haskell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to entering freshmen from Washington State who demonstrates exemplary academic achievement with 2500 USD per year for four years. Applicants are considered on the basis of admission application material.
  • Lorraine M.Mortimer Scholarship is awarded to entering freshmen from Washington who demonstrates academic excellence, financial need, history of community-oriented activity and potential leadership quality. The award covers tuition fees for four years. Applicants are considered on the basis of admission application material.
  • Western award for excellence is a highly competitive 32,000 USD merit scholarship awarded to incoming first year students. 8000 USD per year for four years is awarded. It is based on academic performance. The average GPA required is 3.8 and 28 ACT or 1320 Sat scores. It is based on the information provided in the admission application.
  • External scholarships are also available for the funding of student scholarships to study in the United States. Applicants must check the information in Scholarship sections.

Western Washington University Alumni Network

  • For more than 25 years, the WWU Alumni Association has provided more than 1.3 million USD in scholarships to deserving Western students.
  • The institute has a portal called WeConnect where alumni and students connect for professional and personal growth.
  • As a part of the alumni association, one can enjoy benefits such as transcript services, discounted accommodation, scholarships, etc.

Notable alumni include:

  • Ben Gibbard- American singer
  • Robert Angel- Creator of Pictionary
  • Randy Couture- American actor
  • Douglas Massey- American sociologist
  • Ben Dragavon- American soccer player
  • Michael Farris- Founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association
  • Kelli Linville- American politician

Western Washington University Placements

  • Western Washington University organizes on-campus job placement and internship fairs during the winter and spring semesters. 
  • Some of the highest-paid designations of graduates include Software Developer, Operations Manager, Account Manager, and Marketing Director.
  • On average, graduates earn a starting salary of 56,000 USD per year. In mid-career, this increases to around 102,000 USD.
  • Students who graduate from Western Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree are among the highest-paid graduates at the institute. 
  • According to PayScale, the average salary of Western Washington University graduates is 69,130 USD per year.

The average salaries of  Western Washington University graduates by job designation are tabulated below:

Designation Average Salary Per Annum (USD)
Marketing Manager 62,000
Software Engineer 90,000
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) 69,000
Software Developer 69,000
Operations Manager 60,000
Account Manager 53,000

FAQs

Ques. What is the cost of attending Western Washington University?

Ans. On average, the cost of attending Western Washington University is 42,860 USD.

Ques. What are the most popular majors at Western Washington University?

Ans. Some of the most popularly pursued majors at the university include Marketing & Business Management, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Natural Resources & Conservation, and Psychology.

Ques. What is the average salary of Western Washington University graduates?

Ans. According to PayScale, the average salary of Western Washington University graduates is 69,130 USD per year.

Ques. Does Western Washington University require letters of recommendation?

Ans. The university does not mandatorily require undergraduate students to submit letters of recommendation. 

Ques. Is Western Washington University test-optional?

Ans. The university is Test-Optional, which means SAT/ACT standardized test scores are not a mandatory requirement but will be considered if submitted. 

Ques. What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Washington University?

Ans. The student to faculty ratio at the Western Washington University is 18:1.

Ques. What are the application closing dates for Western Washington University?

Ans. The application deadline for the fall quarter is January 31, for the winter quarter it is September 15 and for the spring quarter, it is January 1.

Ques. What programs of study are offered at Western Washington University?

Ans. Western Washington University offers degrees and certificate programs in science, business, humanities, and a wide number of other disciplines.

Ques. What sort of financial aid is available to international students at Western Washington University?

Ans. International students are eligible for various merit and activity-based financial aid offered by the university and private organizations. 

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

113

Fee from

₹22,59,104.64

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 85 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 16.6 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 17,742 /Yr
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Western Washington University is one of the largest educational institutes in Washington presently home to over 16,000 students from 35+ countries across the globe. Applications at WWU are invited thrice a year in Fall, Winter and spring seasons. The college recorded an acceptance rate of 90.4%, indicating a lenient admissions policy.

Over 200 undergraduate, graduate and certificate degrees are offered at WWU across 150 academic areas of study. Some of the popular programs at Western Washington University include Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Natural Resources and Conservation and Psychology.

International students applying to the WWU must meet the course specific entry requirements and submit the supplementary documents such as reference letters, personal statement and TOEFL/ IELTS scores for ELP. The Western Washington University adopts a test optional policy, meaning submission of SAT/ ACT scores are optional for all the candidates. However, GMAT/GRE scores may be required for admission to some graduate programs.

Highlights

Application Fee Undergraduate: 60 USD Graduate: 100 USD
IELTS minimum score 6.5
Application Season Fall/Spring/Winter
Standardized Test SAT or ACT optional
Acceptance Rate 90.4%
Early Acceptance Rate 96.3%
Admission Decisions mind January or September
Official Website https://www.wwu.edu/

Western Washington University Admission Deadlines

Western Washington University has three intake seasons in a year during fall, spring and winter. However, admission deadlines for some courses at WWU may vary depending upon the choice of program and faculty. The main application deadlines for first year students are as follows:

Season Application Date
Spring Quarter January 1
Fall Quarter (Regular Decision) January 31
Winter Quarter September 15
Fall Quarter (Early Action) November 1

Students' applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates are also encouraged to submit their paperwork before the deadline.

Western Washington University International Admission

WWU offers admissions to various major,minor and post baccalaureate programs in a number of disciplines. Applications are judged on the basis of previous academic records and achievements. It is suggested that international students connect with the admission department and send in their applications on time.

Where to Apply: Online Application Portal

Admission Requirement for International Students

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts in English language sent directly to the University by issuing college or school
  • Certified English translations if necessary
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • An essay underlining academic goals/professional goals/related experience
  • English Language Proficiency exams to study in USA

English Proficiency Requirements

International Students need to demonstrate that they are capable in the English Language to study in the Western Washington University, USA. One way to do so is to submit their Standardized English Proficiency test scores like IELTS and TOEFL.

Tests Minimum Scores Required(UG) Minimum Scores Required(PG)
TOEFL 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based) 86 (iBT)
IELTS 6.5 7.0
Duolingo English Test 105 or higher -

However, the language proficiency requirement can be waived for students who completed their education in countries where English was the language of instruction at primary and secondary level. In that case, candidates need to send an official letter from the school where they have completed their education to the University.

USA Student Visa Process

International students require a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for a visa to study in the USA. This certificate is issued by International Student & Scholar Services at WWU and can either be the Form I-20 or the Form DS-2019. In general, students applying for full-time study will be provided with Form I-20 required for F1 Visa.

Application for a Student Visa can be made at the nearest American Consulate or Consular Section of the American Embassy. Candidates must carry the following documents with them when they visit the U.S Embassy Office -

  • Certificate of Eligibility
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page
  • A valid passport
  • Bank statements or other documents as proof of sufficient funds
  • resume or curriculum vitae
  • Letter of admission and invitation obtained from the college
  • Academic transcripts
  • Diplomas/Degrees or certificates received from previous educational institutions
  • Scores of English Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, TOEFL-PBT, etc
  • Intent to depart United States upon completion of Study

Western Washington University Undergraduate Programs Admissions

Western Washington University offers an array of Majors at undergraduate level to international students. Some of the Major programs are offered in study areas such as Management, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accounting, Anthropology, French, General Science, Geology, History, Biology, Journalism, Music, Nursing and Fine Arts.

Admission Portal: Online, Application Fee: 60 USD
Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

  • Completed application form
  • Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)
  • Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates
  • SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Personal Statement or essay
  • One letter of recommendation
  • List of extracurricular activities(if any)
  • Portfolio

Western Washington University Admissions to Graduate Programs

Western Washington University offers admissions to 1,000 plus graduate students in more than 30 graduate degrees and certificates across disciplines like education, social and health sciences, STEM, humanities History, Computer Science, Creative Writing, English, Geology, Teaching, Counselling etc. Each course has some specific admission requirements and varies from program to program.

Admission Portal: Graduate admission portal
Application Fee: 100 USD
Academic Requirements:

  • Completed application form
  • English Proficiency test scores of TOEFL-iBT or IELTS
  • Unofficial or Official transcript issued by all the previously attended educational institutions
  • UG degree from a recognised foreign university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, this is equivalent to 83-86% or B grade
  • Competitive GRE, MAT or GMAT scores
  • At least 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of purpose

The different requirements for admission to some of the graduate courses at Western Washington University are mentioned in the table below,

Requirements Master of Professional Accounting Master of Arts Anthropology Master of Science Biology Master of Science Computer Science
Bachelor’s degree or work experience Min. 3.3 GPA in Bachelor's degree with accounting
(86% or more)
Bachelor degree Bachelor Certificate Bachelor Certificate
Statement of Purpose Required Required Required Required
GRE/GMAT scores Required Required Required
Recommendations Required 3 3 3
Resume Required Not Required Not Required Not Required

Once an admission decision has been made by the University, applicants will be informed via an email. Candidates can view the decision letter on their Application Activity page. They can click on a link to the ‘complete your decision form’ provided on the Activity page to accept or decline the decision letter. Prospective students should note that they are required to pay a non-refundable fee of 100 USD, if they decide to accept the offer of Admission and confirm their intent to enroll at Western Washington University.

FAQs

Q1. How do I check my application status?

Ans. You can check the application status at university applyweb website. On the homepage click on View Checklist to see the status information for references, transcripts (unofficial and official) and test scores.

Q2. Can I apply to more than one program at WWU?

Ans. Yes, It is possible to apply to more than one program under one ApplyWeb account, yet you can just have one app in progress at a time. You should complete and submit the first, and afterward when you get back to your account, you will see the option to start another application.

Q3. What are the most popular major programs at Western Washington University?

Ans. Some of the most popular majors programs at the university include Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Marketing & Business Management, Natural Resources & Conservation, and Psychology.

Q4. What is the average GPA for Western Washington University?

Ans. The average GPA required at Western Washington University is 3.46. With a GPA of 3.46, WWU requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need combine of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower grade point, you can compensate with harder programs like AP or IB classes.

Q5. Are Western Washington University test-optional?

Ans. The university is Test-Optional, which means SAT/ACT standardized test scores are not a mandatory requirement but will be considered if you submit during admission

Q6.. What are the colleges of Western Washington University?

Ans. The university comprises 6 colleges namely College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, Huxley College of the Environment, College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts, Woodring College of Education, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies and Graduate School.

Placements & Recruiters

Western Washington University Placement Details

Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Bellingham, Washington, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2021

Highlights
2021
  • Best overall country rank: #63
  • Earth Sciences: #29 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 5 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Education
  • 3 ranking records in 2021

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #276
  • Earth Sciences: #28 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 2 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Earth Sciences, Overall
  • 2 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #87
  • Overall: #87 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 1 ranking record in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #96
  • Overall: #96 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 2 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #101
  • Overall: #101 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 2 ranking records in 2025

Contact Information

516 High St, Bellingham, WA 98225

360-650-3000

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.8/10
Top Rated

Based on 3 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.7/10
Faculty
8.3/10
Infrastructure
8.3/10
Accommodation
6.7/10
Placement
7.7/10
Extracurricular
7.3/10