WESTERN
3,000+ student jobs
~14,700 enrolled students
93% undergraduate students
<100 miles to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
26 average class size
18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
4.3 Yrs average time to graduation
250+ student-run clubs and organizations
50+ countries available for studying abroad
Best in the Pacific Northwest
Western has been named one of the top universities in the region for 26 years in a row.
- U.S. News & World Report
We're Building It. We Don't Just Imagine a Better Future...
Western Washington University offers an immersive, personalized university experience that’s increasingly rare. This place is rooted in a real community that shapes how we teach, learn, and live. Our students and faculty turn ideas into action, tackling challenges from the lecture hall to the lab, from the coast to the Cascades, and beyond.
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!
10 incredible lakes where you can swim, kayak, or just relax and enjoy the view
100 miles of shoreline along the Salish Sea, known for its beauty, and rich cultural history
22 beautiful rivers and creeks, several of which are just a short walk from campus
1,500 miles of scenic trails in the Mt. Baker Wilderness, perfect for new and experienced hikers
Where Academic Brilliance Thrives
Connect with Internships
Western can help connect you with internships with Fortune 500 companies, regional organizations, local schools & small businesses, 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 highachieving 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
Engage with specialized Honors advisors
Biocultural
Art BAE*
Find Your Passion
Biomedical Sciences I Concentration
Biomedical Sciences II Concentration
Ecology, Biodiversity, and Organismal Biology Concentration BS
Genes, Genomes, and Evolution Concentration
Marine Biology Concentration
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Concentration
Secondary Education Concentration
Business Administration
Business Analytics BA
Finance Concentration
General Concentration
Manufacturing
Management
Marine
Mathematics/Computer Science
Multilingual Elementary Education BAE*
Multilingual Special Education BAE*
Composition
Music Education P-12 BMus
Musicology BMus
Performance Concentration BMus
Psychology BS*
Psychology: Human Development BAE Public Health
* = Related Bachelor of Arts, Education (BAE) degree or teaching endorsement available † = Specialized transfer degree required.
This list of academic programs is subject to change.
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:
African Studies
Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation
Digital Humanities
Education & Social Justice
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Environmental Justice
Film Studies
Global Studies
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Human Rights
Leadership Studies
Salish Sea Studies
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics)
Sustainable Design
Pre-Professional Pathways
While these are not majors, pre-professional 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-Physician 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, economic and environmental justice.
Recreation Management & Leadership
Sociology/Social Studies
Special Education BAE*
Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
Student Life at Western
At Western, 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.
250+ Student Clubs and Organizations
Join a club or two – or more! In addition to academic clubs, 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
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 committed to improving the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Learn more about
Health & Safety
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 all students, staff, and faculty on campus.
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.
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!
For more casual athletes, Western also offers 23 active club sports, and a popular intramural sports program. And in our state-of-the-art Wade King Student Recreation Center, you can run around the track, go for a swim, climb a bouldering wall, take a yoga class, or build your strength with free weights and fitness equipment.
Club Sports Include:
• Baseball
• Climbing
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rugby
• Sailing
• Swimming
• Ultimate Frisbee ...and more!
Intramurals Include:
• Badminton
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Dodgeball
• Flag Football
• Kickball
• Pickelball
• Spikeball ...and more!
Housing and Dining
Living on campus is optional, yet nearly 90% of first-year students and 25% of transfer students choose to do so. 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.
You can request to live with a friend, let us assign you a roommate, or search for a good match using our portal.
Our housing communities are open to all students and include options like substance-free, gender-inclusive, Black Affinity, Pride, Honors College, La Comunidad, and international communities.
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 responsibily, minimizing food waste, and reducing packaging to mitigate our environmental impact.
An Inclusive Community
The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement brings together Multicultural Student Services (MSS), LGBTQ+ Western, and the Disability Access & Disability Outreach Centers. Together they support student success through programs, advocacy, and spaces that foster connection, inclusion, and understanding across our student body.
Our Multicultural Center (MCC) is a “home away from home” for all Western students. This welcoming space is also home to MSS, which includes the Black Student Coalition, Blue Resource Center, Ethnic Student Center, La Plaza, LGBTQ+ Western, Tribal Relations, and the Department of Health Promotion and Resilience. The MCC also includes beautiful community space to study, hold club meetings, and meet friends.
Tuition & Costs
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.
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
Start planning for your future after college through the Merriman Financial Literacy Program
One of the 100 best values in Washington and nationwide.
– Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
Cost of Attendance
Please note that these are estimates for the 2025-26 academic year, and these costs are updated annually in late Spring. You can find the most up-to-date information at admissions.wwu.edu/cost.
*Fees include confirmation fee, technology, health services, student recreation center, public transportation, etc. **Not fixed costs; varies depending on student, living arrangement, and meal plan
Scholarships
Western Washington University provides scholarships to students which recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, special talents, and multicultural achievement. Many of these scholarships are awarded based on information you provide in your application, but some may require additional materials. Visit our website for more details and the most upto-date information: admissions.wwu.edu/scholarships.
Scholarships
Who is ConsideredAmount
Admissions Achievement Award WA Residents First-Year: $1,500-$4,000
Transfer: $2,000
All-Washington Academic Team ScholarshipsWA Residents First-Year: $2,500 minimum
Transfer: $2,500 minimum
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program Out of State Residents First-Year: around $15,000
Transfer: around $15,000
Western Award for Excellence (WAE) Out of State Residents First-Year: $5,000-$12,000
Transfer: $10,000-$12,000
Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship*
National Merit Scholarship
*Requires additional application materials
All Students First-Year: $2,000-$3,000
Transfer: $2,000-$3,000
Select Students First-Year: $10,000 minimum
Transfer: $1,000 minimum
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.
Important Dates
October
1 – FAFSA and WASFA open
We recommend starting the FAFSA or WASFA as soon as they are available to give you enough time to complete it before the priority deadline.
January 31 – WWU's Priority Filing Deadline
Completing your FAFSA or WASFA by the Priority Filing Date ensures that you will be eligible for financial aid for the upcoming academic year. Filing after the deadline may also delay your financial aid package.
† 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, when we review your application for admission, 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.
Applying to Western: Transfer
You are a transfer student if you attempted college credit after graduating from high school or after earning your GED.
We take the guesswork out of transfer! We’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way. Whether you're wondering how your credits will transfer, what majors are available, or what your next steps should be, we’ve got resources ready when you are. Apply as a Transfer
Transfer Application Deadlines
Fall
We’re Here to Help!
Our team of Admissions Counselors are committed to helping you throughout your college search. No matter your background or where you're from, we welcome you to reach out to our team to learn more and get those questions you have about Western answered.
Notes:
Campus Tours
Explore our beautiful campus, learn more about the application process, and take a closer look inside a residence hall room during a 60-minute tour led by a current Western student.
Have questions? Connect with your Admissions Counselor.
Virtual Connections
Can’t make it to campus? Check out our hosted & selfguided virtual tours, register for an online info session, or schedule a 1-on-1 video chat with your Admissions Counselor.
admissions.wwu.edu/visit
Special Events
We also hold large, openhouse events in the fall, winter, and spring. Please visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events.
Office of Admissions
(360) 650-3440 admissions@wwu.edu admissions.wwu.edu
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 126, 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's 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. (8/2025 version)