Western Washington Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Western Washington University is a public research university in Bellingham, Washington, with about 13,544 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 93.25% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $62,569 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $9,582
- 2024 Average Net Price: $21,193 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 93.25% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 13,544 91.1% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 64.64%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
- First-Generation Students: 26.7%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 3.6% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 1.7% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 71.4%
- Average SAT Score: 1289
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,170
- Applicants (IPEDS): 14,243
- Room & Board: $15,747 annual estimate
Western Washington University: what the data shows
Common questions about Western Washington University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Western Washington University?
Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, WA (ZIP 98225-9008).
NCES locale classification: Town.
Is Western Washington University public or private?
Western Washington University is a Public institution.
How much does Western Washington University cost?
Published tuition: $9,582 in-state, $28,707 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $21,193.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $12,915 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,147 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,539 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,301 |
| $110,001+ | $27,984 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $38,328.
How hard is it to get into Western Washington University?
Admission rate: 93.25%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1289 and midpoint ACT 26.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Western Washington University?
Total enrollment: 13,544 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 15,170 students.
Graduate enrollment: 958 students.
About 91% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Western Washington University?
150%-time completion rate: 64.64%.
First-year retention: 79.4%.
What do graduates of Western Washington University earn?
Median earnings: $45,272 six years after entry; $62,569 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $18,500.
20.89% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Western Washington University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Psychology, General (234 completions)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (137 completions)
- Creative Writing (129 completions)
- Environmental Science (118 completions)
- Sociology, General (114 completions)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (110 completions)
- Speech Communication and Rhetoric (101 completions)
- Special Education and Teaching, General (99 completions)
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General (95 completions)
- Political Science and Government, General (83 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Western Washington University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 93.25%; completion rate 64.64%; median earnings $62,569 at 10 years; net price $21,193. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$9,582
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Western Washington University was $9,582.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$21,193
2024 Value
In 2024 Western Washington University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $21,193.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,772 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$21,193 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$38,328 4-Year In-State Tuition
$114,828 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$15,747 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,224 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$26,553 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$106,212 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Western Washington University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
20.89% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
29.21% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Western Washington University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Western Washington University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $8,863 | $19,752 | $16,325 |
| 2014 | $8,965 | $20,407 | $16,551 |
| 2015 | $8,611 | $20,963 | $15,957 |
| 2016 | $7,903 | $21,847 | $15,845 |
| 2017 | $8,183 | $22,695 | $16,220 |
| 2018 | $8,126 | $23,540 | $16,439 |
| 2019 | $8,343 | $24,690 | $16,529 |
| 2020 | $8,508 | $25,266 | $17,070 |
| 2021 | $8,703 | $25,930 | $9,717 |
| 2022 | $8,967 | $26,873 | $18,373 |
| 2023 | $9,286 | $27,853 | $18,680 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
93.25% Acceptance Rate
14,243 Total Applicants
13,005 Students Admitted
3,184 First-Time Students Enrolled
24.48% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1289
ACT Average: 26
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.3 - 3.5
Estimated Median GPA: 3.40
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Western Washington University reported total enrollment of about 13,544 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 43% male and 57% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (69.1%), Hispanic or Latino (11.3%), and Two or More Races (8.5%). About 20.89% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 26.7% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
91.1% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Western Washington University in 2024 is 13,544 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 15,170 students. Graduate enrollment is about 958 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
79.4%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 69.1%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
40.49% 100% Completion Time
64.64% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 40.49% of students graduating from Western Washington University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Psychology, General: 24% male / 76% female
- Computer and Information Sciences, General: 78% male / 22% female
- Creative Writing: 26% male / 74% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Western Washington University.
Return on Investment
$18,500 Median Student Debt
$62,569 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
29.57% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
638.09% Return on Investment
3.0 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Western Washington University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 118 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Psychology, General: 234 completions
2. Computer and Information Sciences, General: 137 completions
3. Creative Writing: 129 completions
4. Environmental Science: 118 completions
5. Sociology, General: 114 completions
6. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 110 completions
7. Speech Communication and Rhetoric: 101 completions
8. Special Education and Teaching, General: 99 completions
9. Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 95 completions
Most popular programs at Western Washington University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Western Washington University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Western Washington University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 71.4%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $11,802
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $13,138
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Western Washington University is a public institution located in Bellingham, WA, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Psychology, General, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Creative Writing. Enrollment is approximately 13,544 students. Student body composition includes White (69.1%), Hispanic or Latino (11.3%), Two or More Races (8.5%). The admission rate is 93.25%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1289. The 150%-time completion rate is 64.64%. Approximately 20.89% of students receive Pell Grants. About 26.7% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
Location
Bellingham, WA 98225-9008
Region: Far West
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 118 distinct degree programs, Western Washington University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Western Washington University located?
Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, WA.
What is Western Washington University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Western Washington University is 93.2% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 14,243 applicants and 13,005 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Western Washington University cost?
Reported tuition is $9,582 and average net price is $21,193 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $15,747 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Western Washington University?
Western Washington University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 15,170 students, White (69.1%), Hispanic or Latino (11.3%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Western Washington University?
About 26.7% of students at Western Washington University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Western Washington University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Western Washington University reports midpoint SAT about 1289 and midpoint ACT about 26.
What do graduates of Western Washington University earn?
Median earnings are $45,272 six years after entry and $62,569 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Western Washington University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 64.6% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Western Washington University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $18,500.
Is Western Washington University public or private?
Western Washington University is a public institution located in Bellingham, WA.
Is Western Washington University an HBCU?
No. Western Washington University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Western Washington University a tribal college?
No. Western Washington University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Washington college profile
- Washington college costs
- Washington colleges by ROI
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs Washington State University vs Western Washington University
- Bellingham, Washington city profile
- Far West regional profile
- Town college profile
- Campus-setting profiles
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Washington
- Washington college costs
- Washington colleges by ROI
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs Washington State University vs Western Washington University
- Bellingham, Washington city profile
- Far West regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Washington
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.