WESTERN
~14,500 enrolled students
3,000+ student jobs
200+ academic programs 93% undergraduates
<100 miles to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
26 average class size
17:1 student-tofaculty 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 25 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!
100 miles of Salish Sea shoreline 10 lakes
22 rivers and creeks
1,500 miles of trails in the Mount Baker Wilderness
Bellingham
Level Up Your Academic Experience
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.
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 Engage in Research
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
Find Your Passion
Marketing Concentration BA Operations Management
Accounting
Accounting BA
Economics Concentration BS
Finance Concentration BS
Financial Economics Concentration BS
Management Information Systems
Concentration BS
Operations Concentration BS
Anthropology Anthropology BA*
Anthropology/Biology BA Anthropology/Social Studies BA
Archaeology Concentration BA
Biocultural Concentration BA
Art BAE*
Art History BA
Art Studio BA BFA
B
Behavioral Neuroscience BS
Biochemistry BA BS
Biology
Biology BA*
Biology/Anthropology BS
Biology/Mathematics BS
Ecology, Evolution & Organismal Biology Emphasis BS
General Emphasis BS
Marine Emphasis BS
Molecular & Cell Biology
Emphasis BS
Business Administration
Finance Concentration BA
General Concentration BA
International Business
Concentration BA
Management Concentration BA
Economics/Accounting BA
Economics/Environmental Studies BA
Economics/Mathematics BS
Economics/Political Science BA
Economics/Social Studies BA
Education for Inclusive
Environments BAE*
Elementary Education BAE*
Energy Policy & Management BA
Energy Science & Technology BA
General Science BAE*
Geography/Social Studies BA
Geology BA BS
Geophysics BS
German BA*
Concentration BA
Business & Sustainability
Business & Sustainability BA
Energy Studies Concentration BA
Canadian-American Studies BA
Chemistry
Chemistry BA BS*
Chemistry/Biology BAE*
Chemistry/Mathematics BAE*
Chemistry/Physics BAE*
Chinese Language & Culture BA*
College of the Environment Student/ Faculty Designed Major BA BS
Communication Sciences & Disorders BA
Communication Studies BA Computer Science BS*
Cybersecurity BS†
Earth Science/General Science BAE* East Asian Studies BA Economics Economics BA BS A
Management Information Systems
Concentration BA
Dance BA BFA* Data Science BS
Design BFA
Disability & Advocacy BAE E
Early Childhood Education BAE* Early Childhood Special Education BAE* Earth Science BAE*
Engineering
Electrical & Computer Engineering BS
Manufacturing Engineering BS
Polymer Materials Engineering BS
English
Creative Writing Emphasis BA*
Film & Media Studies Emphasis BA
Literature Emphasis BA*
Multilingual Education Emphasis BA*
Environmental Science
Environmental Science BS
Freshwater & Terrestrial Ecology Emphasis BS
Marine Science Emphasis BS
Toxicology Emphasis BS
Environmental Studies
Education & Eco-Social Justice Emphasis BA Environmental Policy BA Environmental Studies BA*
Environmental Studies/Journalism BA
Geographic Information Science Emphasis BA
Geography Emphasis BA*
Policy, Politics, & Governance Emphasis BA
Ethnic Studies BA F
Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary Concentration BA
Interdisciplinary Concentration – Law, Diversity, & Justice Emphasis BA
Financial Economics BA
French BA*
French/German BA
French/Spanish BA
History/Social Studies BA Human Services BA
Humanities: History of Culture BA*
&
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Management BS
Marine & Coastal Science BS
Mathematics BA BS*
Applied Mathematics BS
Mathematics/Computer Science BS
Multidisciplinary Studies BA
Multilingual Elementary Education BAE*
Multilingual Special Education BAE*
Music
Music BA
Composition Concentration BMus
Musicology BMus
Performance Concentration BMus
Music Education P-12 BMus
Nursing RN-to-BSN BSN†
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*
Special Education BAE
Statistics BS
Urban & Environmental Planning & Policy
Urban Planning & Sustainable Development BA
Urban Sustainability BA
BA = Bachelor of Arts
BAE = Bachelor of Arts, Education
BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
BMus = Bachelor of Music
BS = Bachelor of Science
BSN = Bachelor of Science in 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:
African Studies
Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation
Business Analytics
Cybersecurity
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
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.
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
Learn more about student life at Western
Get in the Game
Western is a fierce NCAA Division II competitor that has won a combined 13 National Championships, including Women’s Rowing in 2024. 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
A Few of Our Club Sports
• Baseball
• Climbing
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rugby
• 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 for our commitment to first-generation college students.
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 increase the safety of everyone 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.
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.
Learn more about housing options atWestern
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
2024-25 Estimated Costs
In-State Tuition & Fees
$8,241 Housing & Meals** $15,747 Books & Supplies** $1,224 Transportation** $1,995 Personal & Misc.** $2,670 Additional Required Fees* $1,691 In-State Total $31,568 Out of State Tuition & Fees
$27,366 Out of State Total $50,693
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 meal 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. Visit our website for more details and the most up-to-date information: admissions.wwu.edu/scholarships.
Learn more about scholarships at Western
Scholarships
Who is Eligible
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*
National Merit Finalists
$1,500-$4,000
$2,500 minimum
$15,381
$12,000-$15,000
$2,000-$3,000
$10,000 minimum†
*Requires additional application materials
**This scholarship is only available for First-Year students
† Distributed over 4 years
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
December 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
Students who 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, 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.
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 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 1 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 Transfer/Post-Baccalaureate
November 1 Fall Quarter Early Action
January 31 Fall Quarter Regular Decision
September 15 Winter Quarter
January 1 Spring Quarter
March 1 Fall Quarter
September 15 Winter Quarter
January 1 Spring Quarter
March 1 Summer Quarter
Have questions? Connect with your Admissions Counselor.
Access this booklet and all the linked resources online.
@WWUBOUND 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 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. (7/2024 version)