Western Washington University

(Bellingham, WA)

Nestled between the North Cascade Mountains and beautiful Bellingham Bay, Western Washington University brings together academic excellence, outstanding faculty and a multitude of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference on campus, in the community and in the broader world. So, what will you love about Western?

Engaging Academics: Western offers over 160 different academic programs for you to explore, all with unique opportunities for students to pursue their goals. From undergraduate research opportunities to top-notch internships with companies like Boeing, Microsoft and Rolling Stone Magazine, Western aims to give students close access to faculty and small class sizes you would expect from a smaller, private college, but with the value, resources and diversity of a large university.

Student life: From residence life to clubs to athletics, you are sure to find something to spark your interest.
• Western’s Associated Students includes over 200 clubs, a student-run radio station, an Outdoor Center and much, much more.
• Viking athletics rank nationally among NCAA Division II schools, and club teams also compete on a national level.
• Campus-wide programs and events offer opportunities for leadership – and fun!

Location: Western’s 215 acre campus – which includes the 180 acre Sehome Arboretum and its 6 miles of trails – lies about 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. For the outdoor lover, boarding, climbing and skiing at Mt. Baker, kayaking Bellingham Bay and biking or hiking at Galbraith Mountain are all within easy reach, and for the urban adventurer, a 15-minute walk will bring you to downtown Bellingham.

A Record of Excellence: For 14 years in a row, Western has ranked #1 among public master’s degree granting universities in the Pacific Northwest by U.S. News and World Report. Western was also recently recognized as one of The Peace Corps’ 2012 Top Schools, and with 73 graduates currently serving across the globe, Western is the #2 medium-size school in the nation when it comes to Peace Corps volunteers. Western is also is consistently ranked as a top value in higher education by Forbes and Kiplinger’s.

Admissions

78.3%
of Applicants Admitted

GPA

3.5
  • January 31, 2012
  • Offers Rolling Admission
SAT Required

Test Score Ranges

25th percentile to 75th percentile
  • 1500–1820 SAT Total
  • 500–620 SAT Reading
  • 510–610 SAT Math
  • 490–590 SAT Writing
  • 22–27 ACT Composite
TOEFL Required for intl students

Cost

$18,749
Annual tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board
  • $7,758
  • $18,105
  • $8,755
  • $1,020

 

Will I Like It

14,080
number of undergraduates
  • Public
  • City
  • No affiliation
  • 56% Women
  • 84% returned for Second Year

Famous Alumni

Theodore C. Bestor - Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Harvard University
Carrie Brownstein - Guitarist and Vocalist
Dave Christensen - Head College Football Coach
William Dietrich- Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist
Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus - Rabbi
Scott Harrington - Vice President of Finance at Screenlife, LLC
Douglas Massey- Sociologist at Princeton University
Brett Mitchell - Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony
Don Olcott - CEO of Borderless Higher Education
Randy Tate - U.S. Congressman from Washington

Areas of Study

Business & Economics

International Business

Education

Teaching

Engineering

Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Other Engineering

Health & Medicine

Health Administration, Pre-Med

Humanities

Art History, Writing

Music

General Music & Theory

Performing Arts

Dance, Drama & Theatre

Philosophy & Religion

Philosophy

Politics & Law

Political Science & Government

Public Service

Community Organization & Service, Parks & Recreation

Science & Math

Animal Sciences, Math, Physics

Social Sciences

Anthropology, Archeology, Other Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology

Visual Arts & Design

Art, Drawing, Industrial & Product Design, Multimedia, Painting, Sculpture

Extra Curriculars

Accounting Club, American Red Cross, Anthropology Club, Art Club, Comedy, Band, Computers, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Dancing, Doodling, Drama, College Democrats, College Republicans, Color Guard, Computer Club, Jogging, DECA - Distributive Education Clubs of America, Languages, Marching Band, Medicine, Piano, Poetry, Politics, Sports, French Club, Student Council, German Club, Theatre, Girl Scouts, Video Games, Glee Club, Volunteering, Gospel Choir, Habitat for Humanity, Working Out, HOSA - Health Occupation Students of America, Improv Group, Yoga, Investment Club, Junior Achievement, Key Club, Math Club, NAHS - National Art Honors Society, National Beta Club, Orchestra, Photography Club, Poetry Society, Rotary Club, Science Club, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Student Government & Council, Thespian Society, YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association, Young Democrats, YWCA - Young Women's Christian Association

Long Description

Western Washington University, founded in 1893, is a public, comprehensive, liberal arts university. Its 212-acre campus is located in Bellingham, in the northwest corner of the state, 60 miles from Vancouver, British Columbia and 90 miles from Seattle, Washington.

Mailing Address

516 High St
Bellingham, WA 98225-9008
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