About

University Type

Public

University Type

QS Global Rank

1401

QS Global Rank

Average Living Expenses

$46,782

Average Living Expenses

Founded in 1893, Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington. It is the largest university in the state's northwest corner, with a total enrollment of 15,197 students. WWU is known for its beautiful campus, which is situated on a bluff overlooking Bellingham Bay. The university also has a strong academic reputation, offering 200+ majors and programs. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 96% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1.

WWU's most popular majors include business, social sciences, natural resources and conservation, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, visual and performing arts, education, and English language. The average annual tuition fee for international students at Western Washington University is nearly $26,562 for undergrad. WWU is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Center for Environmental Science and Technology, the Center for Sustainable Food Systems, and the Center for Innovation in Learning and Teaching.

WWU is a member of the Association of American Universities and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the Northwest. Western Washington University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #14 in Regional Universities West.

Top Reasons to Study in the Western Washington University

  • Small Class Sizes: Western Washington University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, which means that you will get a lot of individualized attention from your professors. This is especially important for students who are first-generation college students or who are from underrepresented groups.
  • Beautiful Campus: Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, Washington, which is a beautiful city in Puget Sound. The campus is also home to a variety of natural features, such as forests, lakes, and mountains.
  • Active Student Life: Western Washington University has a vibrant student life. There are 250+ student organizations on campus, and students can get involved in varied activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work.
  • Location: Western Washington University is located in the Pacific Northwest, which is a beautiful and diverse region. The university is also close to many major cities, such as Seattle, Vancouver, and British Columbia.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Western Washington University

Average tuition fee

Moderate

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3000+ Cr

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$46,782

Average living expenses (Masters)

$46,782

Admissions at The Western Washington University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

96%

Application Fee

$65 - $100


How to Apply at Western Washington University

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Western Washington University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Create an application account: You can do this on the WWU website.
  • Complete the application form: Be sure to answer all the questions and provide all the required documentation.
  • Submit your official transcripts: Your transcripts must be translated into English and evaluated by an approved agency.
  • Write an essay: The essay should be about your academic and personal goals.
  • Submit English proficiency test scores.
  • Submit SAT/ACT scores, if required.
  • Submit a declaration of financial support.
  • Submit an application fee of $70.

POSTGRADUATE

To apply to Western Washington University (WWU) for graduate studies as an international applicant, follow these steps:

  • Create an account on the WWU Graduate Admissions website.
  • Complete the online application form.
  • Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
  • Submit official test scores (GRE or GMAT) if required.
  • Write a personal statement.
  • Submit letters of recommendation.
  • Submit English proficiency test scores.
  • Submit a financial statement that shows you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
  • Pay the application fee of $70.
  • Submit any additional documents required by the program you are applying to.

MASTER'S AND PhD

To apply to Western Washington University (WWU) for a master's or PhD as an international applicant, follow these steps:

  • Create an account on the WWU Graduate Admissions website.
  • Complete the online application form.
  • Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
  • Submit official test scores (GRE or GMAT) if required.
  • Write a personal statement.
  • Submit letters of recommendation.
  • Submit English proficiency test scores.
  • Submit a financial statement that shows you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
  • Pay the application fee of $70.
  • Submit any additional documents required by the program you are applying to.

Documents Required to Apply to Western Washington University

UNDERGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to Western Washington University as an international undergraduate applicant:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores.
  • Essay.
  • Application Fee.
  • Declaration of Finances.

POSTGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to Western Washington University as an international graduate applicant:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores.
  • Essay.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Application Fee.
  • Declaration of Finances.

Additional Documents:

  • Resume.
  • Portfolio Work.
  • Writing Samples.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Documents needed to apply to Western Washington University as an international master's or PhD applicant:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores.
  • Essay.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Application Fee.
  • Declaration of Finances.

Additional Documents:

  • Resume.
  • Portfolio Work.
  • Writing Samples.

Exams Accepted By Western Washington University

Western Washington University accepts the following English Language Proficiency tests and scores from international students:

Exams

Minimum Requirement

TOEFL iBT

86

IELTS

7.0


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Rankings for The Western Washington University

The World University Rankings

#601-800

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#1401

QS World University Rankings


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Students Western Washington University

4

Yocketers applied

2

Yocketers admitted

143

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International Students

% of international students in the university

1.24

Total International Students in the university

200


Alumni at Western Washington University

Western Washington University has produced many notable alumni in varied fields, including:

  • Agnes Martin, painter.
  • Carrie Brownstein, musician, actress, and writer.
  • Ralph Munro, former Governor of Washington.
  • Lynda Goodrich is a member of the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame and the Washington State Sports Hall of Fame.
  • Douglas Massey, sociologist.
  • Lindsay Mann-King, former women's rower at Western Washington University
  • Brett Mitchell, attorney.
  • Gabrielle Kazuko is a journalist and filmmaker.
  • Bert Glandon, an aerospace engineer.

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Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Washington

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Transportation in the city

There are many ways to get around Bellingham, Washington. Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Public Transportation: The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) operates a bus system serving the city and surrounding areas. Several intercity bus lines stop in Bellingham, including Greyhound and Amtrak.
  • Bicycling: Bellingham is a very bike-friendly city, with many dedicated bike lanes and trails. You can rent a bike from one of the many shops in town.
  • Taxis And Ride-Hailing Services: These can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you are travelling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
  • Car Rental: If you are planning on doing a lot of exploring outside of the city, you may want to rent a car. There are several car rental agencies located in Bellingham.

Services offered by the university

Western Washington University offers varied student services to support students' academic, personal, and professional success. These services include:

  • Academic Advisors help students plan their coursework, choose classes, and stay on track to graduate.
  • The Financial Aid Office offers several options to help students pay for their education, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
  • The Career Services Center helps students develop their career goals, find internships and jobs, and prepare for the job market.
  • The Counseling and Wellness Center provides confidential counselling and support services to students on issues, including academic stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
  • The Disability Access Center provides accommodations and services to students with disabilities, so they can fully participate in all aspects of campus life.
  • The International Student Services office provides support to international students, including advising, orientation, and cultural programs.
  • The LGBTQ+ Student Services office provides support to LGBTQ+ students, including advising, programming, and resources.
  • The Student Health Center provides primary care services to students, as well as mental health counselling, women's health services, and more.

Student life at Western Washington University

  • Join A Club: There are 200+ student-led clubs and organizations, so you are sure to find something that interests you. Whether you are into sports, music, art, or social justice, there is a place for you at Western Washington University.
  • Attend A Sporting Event: Western Washington University has varied sports teams, including football, basketball, and volleyball. You can cheer on the Vikings at home games or make the trip to away games.
  • Go To A Concert: There are always concerts happening on campus, featuring several musical genres. Check out the university's website or social media pages to see what's coming up.
  • Visit The Art Museum: Western Washinton University's art museum has a collection of 10,000+ works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Admission is free.
  • Go Hiking Or Camping: The Cascade Mountains are just a short drive from campus, making it easy to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails and campsites to choose from.

On campus accomodation at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers several on-campus housing options for students of all years. There are 16 residence halls and one apartment complex located across three regions of the campus: North Campus, Ridgeway Complex, and South Campus.

North Campus

  • Alma Clark Glass Hall: This new residence hall is located on the north end of campus and offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. It is also home to the WWU Honors College.
  • Buchanan Towers: This residence hall is home to 700+ students and offers several room types, including singles, doubles, and triples. It also has a dining hall, fitness centre, and study lounges.
  • Fairhaven Complex: This complex is located in the Fairhaven neighbourhood of Bellingham, including singles, doubles, and triple room types. It also has a dining hall, fitness centre, and laundry facilities.
  • Norse Hall: This residence hall is home to 400+ students and offers a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, and triples. It also has a dining hall, fitness centre, and study lounges.

Ridgeway Complex

This residence hall is home to 500+ students, including singles, doubles, and triples. It also has a dining hall, fitness centre, and study lounges.

South Campus

  • Cedarwood Hall: This residence hall is home to 400+ students, including singles, doubles, and triples. It also has a dining hall, fitness centre, and study lounges.
  • Viking Village: This apartment complex is located on the south end of campus and offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. It also has a pool, fitness centre, and laundry facilities.

Birnam Wood

  • Birnam Wood is an apartment complex located just off campus and offers four-bedroom apartments. It is home to many amenities, including a fitness centre, laundry facilities, and a computer lab.

Cost: The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the room type and location. The average cost for a single room in a residence hall is $1,200 per semester. The average cost for a four-bedroom apartment in Birnam Wood is $1,800 per semester.

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FAQ

1. What GPA score is required to get admission into Western Washington University?
Western Washington University GPA requirement is 3.46 on a scale of 5.

2. What is the cost of living at Western Washington University?
The cost of living at  Western Washington University is USD 13080 (INR 10,33,320 approx.)

3. How many kinds of scholarships are available to international students at Western Washington University?
International students can avail 14 types of scholarships at the Western Washington University.

4. What is the approximate tuition fee at Western Washington University?
The approximate Western Washington University tuition fee is USD 16516 (INR 13,04,764 approx.)

5. What is Western Washington University's acceptance rate for international students?
Western Washington University’s acceptance rate is 85%