Western 2023-24 Campus Visit Piece

WESTERN

~15,000 enrollment

3,000+ student jobs

26 average class size 200+ academic programs 93% undergraduates

17:1

student-tofaculty ratio

250+

student-run clubs and organizations

4.3 Yrs average time to graduation <100 miles to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

50+ countries available for studying abroad

Best in the Pacific Northwest

Western has been named #1 in the region for 23 years in a row.

- U.S. News & World Report

This is Your Place to...

MAKE WAVES

From the beautiful natural environment to the welcoming community, Western Washington University is a wonderful place to call home. Get ready to collaborate with faculty who are equal parts expert and mentor, have thoughtprovoking conversations, make deep connections, and develop innovative solutions to problems that matter to you.

Our Location is Extraordinary

Western Washington University is nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, offering breathtaking landscapes wherever you look. Where else can you walk among 800-year-old Alaskan yellow cedars in the morning, watch an orca pod from one of the San Juan Islands in the afternoon, and explore the glaciers and mountain waterfalls of North Cascades National Park in the evening? Get outside and research your world!

Bellingham

Where Academic Brilliance Thrives

Connect with Internships

Western students have interned for Microsoft, Boeing, REI, Swedish Hospital, the Seattle Mariners, Tesla, NASA, and more!

Study Abroad

Earn credit while experiencing other cultures and languages during a quarter, semester, or year-long study abroad program.

Engage in Research

93% of our students are pursuing their first degree. As an undergraduatefocused university, you’ll find opportunities to engage in research that is frequently reserved for graduate students at other universities.

Explore more ofyour interests

Western’s Honors College

Recognized as one of the best in the nation, Western’s Honors College is a diverse, interactive learning community in which high-achieving students and award-winning faculty seek to challenge themselves and each other. Honors College students can pursue any major they choose, and there are no additional fees.

Live in the Honors Residential Community Take courses that average 18 students per classroom

Meet with specialized Honors advisors

Learn more about Western’s HonorsCollege

Explore more than 200academic programs

Accounting

Accounting

Finance Concentration

Financial

Operations Concentration

American Cultural Studies

Find Your Passion

East

Biocultural Concentration

Behavioral

Biochemistry

Biology/Anthropology

Biology/Mathematics

Ecology,

General Emphasis

Marine Emphasis

Molecular

Business

Finance Concentration

General Concentration

Education for Inclusive Environments

French BA*

French/German BA

French/Spanish BA G

General Science (Elementary or Middle) BAE

Geography/Social Studies BA Geology BA BS

Geophysics BS

German BA*

German/Spanish BA

Creative Writing Emphasis BA*

Literature Emphasis BA*

Multilingual Education Emphasis BA*

English

Learners & Bilingual

Terrestrial

History BA*

History/Social Studies BA

Human Services BA

Humanities: History of Culture BA*

Humanities & Social Science Student/ Faculty Designed Major BA BS

Inclusive Education (Elementary & Special Education) BAE

Industrial Design BS

International Business German BA

Education & Eco-Social Justice Emphasis BA

Environmental Studies/Journalism BA Geographic Information Science Emphasis BA

Geography Emphasis BA*

Justice & Community Resilience Emphasis BA

Policy, Politics, & Governance Emphasis BA

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Concentration BA

Interdisciplinary Concentration – Law, Diversity, & Justice Emphasis BA

Financial Economics BA

Japanese BA* Journalism

News/Editorial BA Public Relations BA Visual Journalism BA

Kinesiology

Exercise Science Specialization BS

Pre-Healthcare Professions Specialization BS Sport Psychology Specialization BS

L

Language, Literacy, & Cultural Studies BAE

Latin American Studies BA

Linguistics BA

Linguistics, Literature, & Writing BA*

M

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Management BS

Marine & Coastal Science BS

Mathematics BA BS*

Mathematics/Computer Science BS

Multidisciplinary Studies BA

Music

Music BA BMus

Composition Concentration BMus

Musicology BMus

Performance Concentration BMus

Music Education P-12 BMus

P

Philosophy BA

Physical Education & Health P-12 BAE

Physics BS*

Political Science BA

Political Science/Social Studies BA

Politics/Philosophy/Economics BA

Psychology BS

Public Health BS R

Recreation Management & Leadership BA

Religion & Culture BA

RN-to-BSN BSN†

S

Sociology BA BS*

Sociology/Social Studies BA

Spanish BA*

Statistics BS

Theater BA* U

Urban Planning & Sustainable Development BA

Urban Sustainability BA W

Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies BA

Key

BA = Bachelor of Arts

BS = Bachelor of Science

BAE = Bachelor of Arts, Education

BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts

BMus = Bachelor of Music

BSN = Bachelor of Science, Nursing

* = Related Bachelor of Arts, Education (BAE) degree or teaching endorsement available

† = Requires special transfer degree

This list of academic programs is subject to change without advanced notice.

Additional Academic Opportunities

In addition to bachelor's degrees, you can enrich your experience through the Honors College, Distinguished Scholars programs, certificates, and 90+ minors, including:

Arabic & Islamic Studies

Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation

Business Analytics

Disability and Advocacy

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Environmental Justice

Film Studies

Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Honors

Human Rights

International Studies

Latinx Studies

Leadership Studies

Queer Studies

Raza Latina Studies

Salish Sea Studies

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics)

Sustainable Design

User Experience (UX) Design Women's Literature

Pre-Professional Pathways

While these are not majors, preprofessional pathways can be incorporated into or taken alongside the 175+ majors offered at Western.

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Law

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nutrition

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Assistant

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Veterinary

Build Your Own Major

Through Western's Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, students can design their own majors, called interdisciplinary concentrations. Fairhaven faculty work closely with students through intensive advising and classes of 15-20 students. Curriculum focuses on social and environmental justice and diversity.

It’s All About Balance

We recognize the college experience extends beyond the classroom. With so many clubs, organizations, outdoor activities, and events, you'll have many opportunities to make connections and explore your interests.

200+ Student Clubs and Organizations

Join a club or two – or more! We’ve got everything from art and politics to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Here are just a few:

• Bee Club

• Ceramics Club

• Comedians at Western

• Design Club

• Health at Every Size Club

• Inclusion Assistants

• Rec Club

• Swifties of Western

Learn more about student life at Western

Get in the Game

Western is a fierce NCAA Division II competitor that has won a combined 12 National Championships, including Women’s Soccer in 2022. Western also boasts 25 club sports, a generous number of intramural sports for all skill levels, and a state-of-the-art recreation center.

NCAA Division II Teams

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Golf

• Women's Rowing

• Soccer

• Softball

• Track & Field

• Women's Volleyball

• Baseball

• Climbing

• Hockey

• Lacrosse

• Rugby

A Few of Our Club Sports

• Sailing

• Swimming

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Water Polo

Full list of club sports and intramurals

Follow WWU Athletics on Instagram

You’ll Be Supported

Academic Support

In addition to advising and tutoring, Western provides equal access to students with disabilities and outreach to multicultural and non-traditional students. Plus, Western has been nationally recognized as a First-Gen Forward Institution!

Financial Support

Our Financial Aid department is always ready to help you connect with student employment and scholarship opportunities. And there are programs on- and off-campus that help students experiencing food and shelter insecurity.

Learn more about

Health & Wellness

Our Student Health Center and Counseling & Wellness Center provide care and resources to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. We also have campus security and a multichannel emergency alert system to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

WWU’s student resources

Career Services

Need help finding an internship? Not sure how to write a resume? We have dedicated staff to help you with your career path and connect you with jobs and internships. And all Western alumni can access these resources for life!

Your Home Away From Home

Living on campus is optional, yet nearly 90% of first-year students and 30% of transfer students do. That’s because your residence hall is more than a place to sleep – it’s your community.

New students who meet deadlines are guaranteed housing for their first year.

Room rates are based on amenities and size, so you can select a housing plan that fits your budget.

Our dining halls provide vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options with a focus on sourcing responsibility, minimizing food waste, and reducing our environmental impact.

Invest In Yourself

Western's rates of graduation, employment, and admission to competitive graduate programs are among the best in the nation for universities of our type and size.

Learnmore about Western' s awards and recognition

One of the top 40 “best bang for the buck” schools in the west, based on graduation rates and low loan default rates.

– Washington Monthly

One of the 100 best values in Washington and nationwide.

– Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

2023-24 Estimated Costs

In-State Tuition & Fees

$7,995 Housing & Meals** $15,894 Books & Supplies** $1,176 Transportation** $1,920 Personal & Misc.** $2,670 Additional Required Fees* $1,590 In-State Total $31,245 Out of State Tuition & Fees

$26,562 Out of State Total $49,812

Costs represent annual expenses for full-time students (10-18 credits)

*Fees include a one-time enrollment confirmation fee, technology, health services, student recreation center, public transportation, etc.

**Not fixed costs; varies depending on student, living arrangements, and meals plan

Scholarships

Western Washington University provides scholarships to students which recognize academic achievement, commitment to diversity, leadership, and special talents. Most scholarships are awarded based on information you provide in your application, but some may require additional materials.

Learn more about scholarships at Western

Scholarships Eligibility Amount

Admissions Achievement Award All WA Residents

All-Washington Academic Team Scholarships Select WA Residents

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program**

Select Out of State Residents

Western Award for Excellence (WAE)** All Out of State Residents

Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship* All Students

National Merit Scholarship* All Students

$1,000-$4,000

$2,000 minimum

$14,934

$8,000-$12,000

$2,000-$3,000

$10,000 minimum

*May require additional application materials

**This scholarship is only available for First-Year students

Apply for Financial Aid

Even if you don't think you qualify, we encourage all students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid† (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid†† (WASFA) to ensure they receive the best financial aid package possible. Learn more about financial aid at Western

Important Dates

December – FAFSA and WASFA open

Just a heads up, the FAFSA† and WASFA†† forms usually become available on October 1 every year. But for the 2024-2025 academic year, they will open in December 2023. Learn more at fafsa.gov and wsac.wa.gov/wasfa.

January 31 – WWU's Priority Filing Deadline

Students who are admitted for the fall and submit their FAFSA† or WASFA†† before this date will receive their financial aid packages ahead of the May 1 National College Decision Day.

† WWU's FAFSA School Code is: 003802

†† Washington residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for financial aid by completing the WASFA

The Whole You

Grades are important, but we know there is much more to you than your GPA. At WWU, we also consider the following:

• Grade trends

• Course rigor

• Contributions to community

• Achievements

• Diverse experiences

• Your admission essay and activities list

• For transfer students: preparation for your intended major

Test Scores are Optional (Seriously)

SAT or ACT scores are not required to apply for admission at Western. We will consider test scores if submitted, but admission decisions are made on an individual basis.

Apply to Western

It Pays to Apply Early

Students who submit their application by the deadline will receive priority scholarship review and financial aid notification. Admitted Early Action students will also receive priority scholarship review and financial aid notification.

You can startyour application today

Fall 2024 Admissions Timeline

Set a reminder for these important dates to ensure you stay on track.

August 1 Fall application for admission opens

November 1 Early Action Deadline (First-Year only)

December FAFSA and WASFA applications become available

January 31 Regular Decision/Financial Aid Priority Deadline

March 1 Transfer Application Deadline

May 1 National College Decision Day

Application Timeline

First-Year/Running Start

November 1 Fall Quarter Early Action

January 31 Fall Quarter Regular Decision

September 15 Winter Quarter

January 1 Spring Quarter

Transfer/Post-Baccalaureate

March 1 Fall Quarter

September 15 Winter Quarter

January 1 Spring Quarter

March 1 Summer Quarter

Have questions? Connect with your Admissions Counselor.

Don't wait! Get started on your application now.

Office of Admissions

(360) 650-3440 admissions@wwu.edu admissions.wwu.edu @WWUBOUND

Western Washington University (WWU), in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 345, MS 9021, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-650-3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu.

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request an accommodation, please contact the Disability Access Center, Wilson Library 170; (360) 650-3083 (voice) or (360) 255-7175 (VP); drs@wwu.edu. One week advance notice appreciated. To request this document in an alternate format, please contact the Office of Admissions, Old Main 200; (360) 650-3440; admissions@wwu.edu. (8/2023 version)