Western Washington University

Western Washington University

Bellingham, United States • Public
Ranked 24 in regional-universities-west
Western Washington University
Quick Facts
$8703Tuition (In-State)
13933Undergraduate Enrollment
3.5GPA Average
1206SAT Average
0.86%International Students
$13080Room & Board
Sabah RandhawaPresident
96.10%Acceptance Rate
Overview
Western Washington University (WWU or Western) is a public university in Bellingham, Washington. The northernmost university in the contiguous United States, WWU was founded in 1893 as the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School, succeeding a private school of teaching for women founded in 1886. In 1977, the university adopted its present name.
WWU offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degrees. In 2019, there were 16,142 students, 15,240 of whom were undergraduate students, and 664 full time faculty. Its athletic teams are known as the Vikings, which compete in division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The main campus is located on 215 acres in Bellingham, Washington. Branch campuses are located in Anacortes and Lakewood, Washington. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additional accreditation is held by individual colleges.
History
Western Washington University was founded in 1893 as the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School. The school was established to provide teacher training for the growing population of Whatcom County. The first classes were held in a rented building in Bellingham. In 1895, the school moved to a new campus on the bluffs overlooking Bellingham Bay.
In 1915, the school's name was changed to Western Washington State Normal School. The school continued to grow, and in 1925, it added a four-year program in liberal arts. In 1937, the school's name was changed to Western Washington College of Education.
In 1961, the school became a four-year university and was renamed Western Washington University. In 1977, the university's main campus was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Today, Western Washington University is a comprehensive public university with over 16,000 students. The university offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. WWU is also home to a number of research centers and institutes.
Academics
Western Washington University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university is divided into six colleges:
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business and Economics
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences
The university also offers a number of online degree programs.
Student Life
Western Washington University has a diverse student body of over 16,000 students. The university offers a number of student organizations and activities, including clubs, fraternities and sororities, and intramural sports. The university also has a number of cultural centers and student support services.
Athletics
Western Washington University's athletic teams are known as the Vikings. The Vikings compete in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The university has 16 varsity sports teams, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer.
Campus
Western Washington University's main campus is located on 215 acres in Bellingham, Washington. The campus is situated on the bluffs overlooking Bellingham Bay. The campus is home to a number of academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic facilities.
Accreditation
Western Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additional accreditation is held by individual colleges.
Rankings
Western Washington University is ranked #145 in the U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Best Colleges rankings. The university is also ranked #101 in the 2023 Forbes' America's Top Colleges rankings.
Admissions
The average high school GPA for admitted students to Western Washington University is 3.6. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1170. The average ACT score for admitted students is 26.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year at Western Washington University is $10,596 for in-state students and $24,996 for out-of-state students.
Financial Aid
Western Washington University offers a variety of financial aid options to help students afford the cost of attendance. The university offers need-based and merit-based scholarships, grants, and loans.
Conclusion
Western Washington University is a public university with over 16,000 students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. WWU is also home to a number of research centers and institutes
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Schools & Programs

Academic Stats
  • Rank 24
  • Location Bellingham, WA
  • Enrollment 13933
  • Admission Rate 96%
  • Average Income $69215
  • Tuition (in-state) $8703
  • Tuition (out-of-state) $25930
  • Average SAT 1206
  • Average GPA 3.5
Demographics
  • White

    68%

  • Black

    1%

  • Hispanic

    10%

  • Asian

    6%

  • Native American

    0%

  • Non-Hispanic

    0%

  • Two or More

    9%

  • International

    0%

  • Unknown:

    1%

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0 overall GPA
  • GRE: Not required
  • SAT: Not required
  • Other:
  • Two letters of recommendationPersonal statementWriting sampleInterview (optional)

Student Life

Western Washington University is a vibrant and diverse community of over 16,000 students. Students come from all over the world to study at WWU, and they bring with them a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The university offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports teams.

Academics

WWU is committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The university has a strong focus on research, and its faculty are actively engaged in their fields. Students have the opportunity to work closely with their professors and to participate in cutting-edge research projects. WWU is also home to a number of nationally ranked programs, including the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and the School of Music.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance at WWU varies depending on a student's financial aid status. The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $10,500 for in-state students and $24,500 for out-of-state students. Students who qualify for financial aid may receive grants, scholarships, and loans to help cover the cost of attendance.

Location

WWU is located in Bellingham, Washington, a city of about 80,000 people. Bellingham is situated on the shores of Bellingham Bay, and it is just a short drive from the Canadian border. The city is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. Bellingham is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities nearby.

Overall

Western Washington University is a great option for students who are looking for a vibrant and diverse academic community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. WWU is also committed to providing students with a high-quality education, and its faculty are actively engaged in their fields.

Facility Services

Western Washington University’s Technology and IT Services department provides a wide range of services to support the university’s academic and administrative functions. These services include:

  • Network services: The department provides and maintains the university’s network infrastructure, which includes wired and wireless networks, as well as servers and storage devices. The department also provides support for email, web browsing, and other network applications.
  • Computer support: The department provides support for faculty, staff, and students who use computers for work or study. This includes help with software installation and configuration, troubleshooting problems, and providing training.
  • Information security: The department is responsible for protecting the university’s information assets from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes developing and enforcing security policies and procedures, as well as monitoring the network for suspicious activity.
  • Telephone services: The department provides telephone service to all university buildings. This includes voice mail, call forwarding, and conference calling.
  • Video conferencing: The department provides video conferencing equipment and services to support remote meetings and collaboration.
  • Printing and copying: The department provides printing and copying services to faculty, staff, and students. This includes black-and-white and color printing, as well as scanning and faxing.
  • Technology training: The department offers a variety of technology training courses for faculty, staff, and students. These courses cover topics such as computer basics, software applications, and web design.

The Technology and IT Services department is committed to providing high-quality, reliable services that support the university’s mission. The department is also committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the university’s information assets.

In addition to the services listed above, the Technology and IT Services department also offers a number of other services, such as:

  • Technical support for the university’s website and online applications
  • Help with research data management
  • Support for distance learning
  • Consulting services for faculty and staff who are developing new technology projects

The Technology and IT Services department is located in the Student Services Building on the Western Washington University campus. The department’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit the department’s website or call (360) 650-3900.

Financial

Housing

Western Washington University offers a variety of housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and off-campus housing.

Residence Halls

Western's residence halls are located on campus and offer a variety of amenities, including air conditioning, laundry facilities, and study lounges. Students can choose from single-occupancy rooms, double-occupancy rooms, and suites.

Apartment-Style Living

Western also offers apartment-style living for students who want more privacy and independence. Apartments are located on and off campus and typically include a kitchen, living area, and bedrooms.

Off-Campus Housing

There are a variety of off-campus housing options available to Western students, including apartments, houses, and condos. Students can find off-campus housing near campus or in the surrounding community.

Housing Costs

The cost of housing varies depending on the type of housing and the location. Residence halls typically cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per semester, while apartment-style living costs between $1,500 and $2,000 per month. Off-campus housing costs vary depending on the type of housing and the location.

Housing Application

Students who want to live on campus must submit a housing application. The housing application deadline is typically in March for the following fall semester. Students who want to live off campus can start looking for housing as early as they want.

Housing Selection

Students who apply for on-campus housing will be assigned a housing contract based on their preferences and availability. Students who live off campus can find housing on their own or through a housing agency.

Moving In

Students who live on campus must move in during the designated move-in period. Students who live off campus can move in whenever they want.

Housing Policies

Western has a variety of housing policies, including policies on alcohol, drugs, and guests. Students must abide by these policies in order to live on campus.

Housing Resources

The Housing and Residential Life Office is a resource for students who have questions about housing. The office can help students find housing, apply for housing, and resolve housing issues.

Student Life

Sports

Western Washington University offers a variety of sports for students to participate in, including:

  • Men's and women's basketball
  • Men's and women's soccer
  • Men's and women's cross country
  • Men's and women's track and field
  • Men's and women's swimming and diving
  • Men's and women's golf
  • Men's and women's tennis
  • Men's and women's volleyball
  • Men's and women's rugby
  • Men's and women's ultimate frisbee
  • Men's and women's ice hockey
  • Men's and women's lacrosse

In addition to varsity sports, WWU also offers a variety of intramural sports for students to participate in. Intramural sports are a great way to stay active and meet new people.

WWU's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). The Vikings have won 11 GNAC championships in the past 10 years.

The WWU football team plays its home games at Civic Stadium in Bellingham. The Vikings have made the playoffs four times in the past 10 years, and they won the GNAC championship in 2015.

The WWU men's basketball team plays its home games at Carver Gym. The Vikings have made the NCAA tournament twice in the past 10 years, and they won the GNAC championship in 2017.

The WWU women's basketball team plays its home games at Carver Gym. The Vikings have made the NCAA tournament three times in the past 10 years, and they won the GNAC championship in 2016.

The WWU athletic department is committed to providing student-athletes with a positive and supportive environment in which they can develop both athletically and academically. WWU student-athletes have a strong graduation rate, and they have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields.

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