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Western Washington University

Bellingham, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 26,376
  • Tuition Fee From$ 26,562
  • Country Rank-
  • 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

Ranking

Western Washington University (WWU), a highly regarded public institution in the United States, has established itself as a center of academic excellence and research. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the university has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for its diverse array of programmes and educational quality.

In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Western Washington University secured a position in the 1401+ bracket globally. This ranking reflects the university's standing among institutions worldwide. Furthermore, the US News & World Report Global Universities ranking placed WWU at 1303 in its 2023 assessment of global universities. These rankings underscore WWU's growing presence on the international academic stage.

 

Western Washington University: QS Ranking 2025

In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, Western Washington University is ranked 1401st globally, consistent with its 2024 position and down from 1201st in 2023. This reflects its relative standing among international universities according to QS assessments over the recent years.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

World University

1201

1401

1401

 

Western Washington University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

In the US News & World Report rankings for 2023, Western Washington University was positioned 1303rd among Global Universities.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

-

1303

-

 

Western Washington University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

In the US News & World Report rankings for 2024, Western Washington University's undergraduate Business programme is ranked 310th, showing an improvement from 326th in 2023, though slightly down from 278th in 2022. These rankings highlight the programme's changing performance and recognition in the national landscape.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

UG Business

278

326

310

 

Learn More About: Western Washington University’s Admission

 

Course Rankings

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - UG Business

278

326

310

 

Learn More About: Western Washington University’s Courses

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - UG Business

278

326

310

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#1401

-

2024

#1401

#1435

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

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of the Western Washington University is 93%, with an even higher early acceptance rate of 97.4%. Admissions officials prioritise GPA as a significant academic factor, while also considering letters of recommendation. For applicants submitting test scores, 50% admitted have SAT scores between 1130 and 1340 or ACT scores of 25 to 30. Additionally, 25% scored above this range, with another 25% scoring below.

 

Entry Requirements 

Whether you're a first-time applicant to Western Washington University, an undergraduate student seeking advanced status, or a returning student re-enrolling after a break, the admissions standards are the same for all applicants. Students wishing to be admitted to WWU must make a mandatory application fee payment of 60 USD for both graduates and undergraduates which is non-refundable. International students need to have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.6 in their secondary education. Each applicant must provide the following: 

  • SAT Subject Tests (if applicable)
  • Official transcripts from each college and high school attended (in English or with translations)
  • 3 teacher recommendations
  • Post Graduate students are asked to attach their work experience proof along with the rest of the details
  • A valid Passport
  • LOR 

 

English Language Requirements  

International students applying to Western Washington University, USA, must showcase proficiency in the English language as a prerequisite for admission. This requirement can be fulfilled by submitting standardised English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS and TOEFL.

 

Test

Minimum Scores Required (UG)

Minimum Scores Required (PG)

TOEFL

80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based)

86 (iBT)

IELTS

6.5

7.0

Duolingo English Test

105 or higher

 

Fees 

  • Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science - INR 18.7 L/Yr 
  • Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - INR 28 L/Yr
  • Master of Science [M.S] Chemistry - INR 18.7 L/Yr
  • Master of Science [M.S] Professional Accounting - INR 26.6 L/Yr
  • Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Anthropology - Archaeology Concentration - INR 20.5 L/Yr
  • M.Mus - INR 25 L/Yr

 

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