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Colleges / WA / Bellingham
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Western Washington University

Public Bellingham, WA · Urban · Far West · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
65%
Graduation Rate
$62,569
Earnings (10yr)
$21,193
Net Price
93%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 13,500 students and a high acceptance rate of 93%, Western Washington University is a welcoming place for those eager to learn and grow. It attracts a diverse student body, especially those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Education, and English & Literature. This wide range of programs means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to understanding human behavior or diving into the world of commerce.

Looking ahead, graduates can expect to earn an average of $62,569 within ten years of completing their degree. This is a solid figure that suggests a good return on investment, especially when you consider the affordability of the education here. With a net price of $21,193 after aid, students can navigate their financial futures more easily. While 21% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some economic diversity, many find ways to succeed and advance their careers post-graduation.

When it comes to the financial bottom line, the median debt sits at $18,500, which is manageable for many graduates. This balance between cost and future earnings helps students thrive after they leave campus. Those who tend to excel here are often motivated and engaged, ready to take advantage of the supportive community and the resources available to them. It’s about setting yourself up for a fulfilling life, both during and after your time at Western Washington University.

Rankings

How Western Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation65%Earnings 10yr$63KNet Price$21KRetention79%Median Debt$19KPell Grant Rate21%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$13K$0-30K$14K$30-48K$18K$48-75K$28K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%337.5%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3345.9%MOBILITY112.92%

Cost & Financial Aid

$9,582
In-State Tuition
$28,707
Out-of-State
$21,193
Avg Net Price
$18,500
Median Debt
21%
Pell Grant Rate
29%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,915
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,147
Family Income $30K–$48K
$17,539
Family Income $48K–$75K
$27,984
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$45,272
6 Years After Entry
$53,473
8 Years
$62,569
10 Years
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
65%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$45,272 6yr $53,473 8yr $62,569 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

112.92%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3345.9%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
337.5%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$108,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.74
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
12.0%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.673%
Inventor Rate
218
Total Patents
454
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 93%
Retention Rate 79%
SAT Average 1289
ACT Midpoint 26
SAT Range 1150–1390
ACT Range 24–31
Full-Time Faculty 71%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,802
Diversity Index 0.50
First-Gen Students 27%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 11%
Business & Marketing 10%
Psychology 8%
Education 7%
English & Literature 6%
Biology & Biomedical 6%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Communications 5%