Overview
Founded in 1893 as the New Whatcom Normal School to train teachers, Western Washington University evolved through the 20th century into a comprehensive public university offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It has built a strong reputation for undergraduate education, environmental and marine sciences, business, and the arts, frequently ranking among top public master's-level universities in the West. The university operates primarily through Huxley College of the Environment and several other colleges, emphasizing hands-on learning and faculty-student interaction.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Bellingham, Washington |
| Founded | 1893 |
| Total students | 14,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 92% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,600 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $25,700 |
| Room & board | $13,200 |
| Average financial aid | $10,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1050-1240 |
| ACT range | 20-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.45 |
| Regular deadline | January 31 |
Top Programs
- Environmental Science
- Business Administration
- Education
- Computer Science
- Marine Biology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.