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Western Washington University

Bellingham, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 26,376
  • Tuition Fee From$ 17,742
  • Country Rank#240
  • Batch Strength16,142
  • Global Diversity1%
  • Gender Ratio58:42

Overview

About

Western Washington University is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It was founded in 1893 and is the oldest public university in the state.

 

WWU is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as arts and humanities, business, education, and the sciences. There are 175+ academic disciplines at every level at its 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 


 

The university has a diverse student body, with students coming from all 50 states and more than 50 countries. Fall 2021 saw a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,019 students. WWU has a strong tradition of sustainability and is committed to promoting environmental responsibility and social justice. The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Economic and Business Research and the Institute for Energy Studies.

 

WWU is located in Bellingham, a city located in the northwest corner of Washington state, about 90 miles north of Seattle. The university is situated on a beautiful campus overlooking Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. The campus is home to a number of residence halls, academic buildings, and recreational facilities

University Name Western Washington University
Official Website https://www.wwu.edu/
Year of Establishment 1893
Average Living Cost $23,260
Total Students Enrolled 14,747
University Type Public
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Ranking

Western Washington University is recognised for its academic excellence and commitment to student success, reflected in its standings in various university rankings. Consistently lauded for its quality education and vibrant campus community, Western Washington University maintains a strong presence in national and international rankings. Its notable achievements across diverse academic disciplines contribute to its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. Here are some rankings of Western Washington University in 2024: 

 

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

  • #24 in Regional Universities West 2024
  • #10 in Top Public Schools 2024
  • #33 in Best Value Schools 2024
  • #121 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programmes 2024
  • #268 in Economics 2024
  • #13 in Best Colleges for Veterans 2024
  • #99 in Top Performers on Social Mobility 2024

 

Course Wise Rankings

  • #252 - Best Colleges for Chemistry in America 
  • #272 - Best Colleges for Computer Science 
  • #322 - Best Colleges for Athletics in America 
  • #370 - Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#1401

#1303

Facilities

Bellingham is home to the Western Washington University campus. It is 90 miles north of Seattle, 55 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and a one-hour drive from Mount Baker, which stands at 10,778 feet. Western Washington University's campus takes up 215 acres of land. It also has the 38-acre Sehome Arboretum. Additionally, students can participate in any of the 250+ student clubs and organizations on campus.

 

Housing Facilities

Western Washington University (WWU) offers a variety of housing options for its students. There are traditional residence halls that offer a variety of room styles, including single, double, and triple rooms. Also, apartment-style housing offers apartment-style housing in its Fairhaven, Hilltop, and Ridgeway Complexes. These apartments typically have a kitchen and living room in addition to bedrooms. There is also family housing at WWU which offer housing for students who are married or have children.


 

Library Facilities

The campus has a large and well-equipped library that provides a variety of resources and services to students, faculty, and staff. The library is called the Western Libraries, and it is located on the main campus in Bellingham, Washington. The Western Libraries has a collection of over 1.4 million print and electronic books, as well as over 100,000 e-books. It also has access to thousands of online databases, journals, and other research materials. In addition, the library offers a number of services to students, including research assistance, study space, and workshops on research and study skills.

 

Dining Facilities 

The main dining facility is called the Viking Commons, and it is located in the Residential and Dining Services building on campus. The Viking Commons offers a variety of meal options, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a salad bar and a deli. In addition to the Viking Commons, WWU also has several other dining facilities on campus, including the Viking Union Food Court, which offers fast food options, and the Perk, which serves coffee and pastries. There are also several other dining options available in the surrounding area, including local restaurants and cafes.

Notable Alumni

Michael Farris
Michael Farris
American Lawyer
Ben Dragavon
Ben Dragavon
American Soccer Player
Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein
American Musician

Courses

Admission

Placements 

During the winter and spring semesters, Western Washington University hosts on-campus career placement and employment events. Students who get a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Washington make up the highest-paid graduates at the university.

The average annual pay of Western Washington University graduates is 69,130 USD, according to PayScale. Graduates with the highest-paying jobs include Software Developer, Operations Manager, Account Manager, and Marketing Director.

Graduates receive an average starting income of $56,000 USD per year. This rises to roughly 102,000 USD by mid-career.

Scholarship

Given below are some of the scholarships offered at Western Washington University: 

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Benefits

International Achievement Award

Strong academics (min 3.6 GPA), 24 ACT or 1180 SAT scores

$20,000 - $24,000 over 4 years

All-Washington Academic Team Scholarship

Member of the All Washington Academic Team

$2,000

James Michael Haskell Memorial Scholarship

Entering freshman from WA with exemplary academics

$2,500 per year for 4 years

Lorraine M. Mortimer Scholarship

Entering freshman from WA with academics, leadership, community service

Covers tuition for 4 years

Western Award for Excellence

Incoming first year, min 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1320 SAT

$8,000 per year for 4 years

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Western Washington University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Western Washington University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Bellingham is a city located in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the largest city in and the county seat of Whatcom County. Bellingham is situated about 90 miles north of Seattle and about 30 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. It is located on Bellingham Bay, which is a deepwater port that connects the city to the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the world. The city has a population of about 87,000 people and is known for its strong economy, diverse culture, and access to outdoor recreation. Some popular attractions in Bellingham include the Whatcom Museum, the Mount Baker Theatre, and the Bellingham Farmers Market. 


 

Items

Cost

On-Campus Accommodation 

$949

Off-Campus Accommodation

$1,445

Transportation (Monthly)

$29

Food Cost (Monthly)

$518

Utility Cost (Monthly)

$207

Groceries (Monthly)

$54

Clothing (Monthly)

$163

Entertainment Cost (Monthly)

$60

Total On-Campus Accommodation 

$1,938

Total Off-Campus Accommodation

$2,434

Total 

$23,260

FAQs