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Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Make Waves"

Wikipedia
1893
Founded
Public university
Type
13,574
Total Students
13,801
Undergrad
947
Graduate
$165M
Endowment
(2025)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$28K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
91%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Sabah Randhawa

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Western Washington University

Make Waves in Bellingham: Experience a public university with a pioneering spirit.

Nestled in the picturesque city of Bellingham, Washington, Western Washington University (WWU) is a dynamic public institution that invites students to "Make Waves" through its innovative programs and vibrant community. As the northernmost university in the contiguous United States, WWU offers a unique learning environment, combining the charm of a small city campus with a broad range of academic pursuits. Students here are not just learners; they're active participants in a tradition of forward-thinking education, preparing for impactful careers and lives.

WWU's rich history began in 1886 as the Northwest Normal School, a teachers' school, evolving through several name changes before becoming Western Washington University in 1977. The 1960s marked a period of explosive growth and academic innovation, with enrollment soaring and the establishment of groundbreaking institutions like the Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, known for its non-traditional education methods. This pioneering spirit continued with the founding of the College of the Environment in 1969, the nation's first dedicated environmental science college, setting a precedent for interdisciplinary and relevant studies.

Today, WWU continues its commitment to academic excellence across its diverse colleges, including the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Science & Engineering, College of Fine and Performing Arts, and the College of Business and Economics. With a robust student body of nearly 15,000, the university fosters a lively student experience, supported by a 215-acre main campus and additional academic locations. Its athletic teams, the Vikings, proudly compete in NCAA Division II, embodying the spirit of competition and community that defines Western Washington University.

Key Highlights

  • "Make Waves" is the official motto, reflecting a spirit of innovation and impact.
  • A public university with a student population of approximately 14,747.
  • Home to the nation's first dedicated environmental science college, established in 1969.
  • Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
  • Its athletic teams, the Vikings, compete in NCAA Division II.
  • Experienced rapid growth in the 1960s, expanding from 3,000 to over 10,000 students.
  • Operates its main campus on 215 acres in Bellingham, Washington, plus additional academic locations.

Timeline

1886
Established as the Northwest Normal School in Lynden, Washington.
1893
Legislation signed establishing the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School.
1899
The first official class of 88 students entered.
1937
Became Western Washington College of Education, offering four-year degrees.
1967
Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, known for non-traditional education, was founded.
1969
College of the Environment, the nation's first dedicated environmental science college, was founded.
1977
Gained university status and adopted its present name, Western Washington University.
2003
The College of Arts and Sciences was divided into the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and the College of Science & Engineering.
🏛️
133 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Western Washington University

🏫

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Founded in 1967, known for its non-traditional education methods.

🏫

College of the Environment

Founded in 1969, the nation's first dedicated environmental science college.

🎭

College of Fine and Performing Arts

Formed in 1975 from several art departments.

💼

College of Business and Economics

Established in 1976.

🔬

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Formed in 2003 from the division of the College of Arts and Sciences.

⚙️

College of Science & Engineering

Formed in 2003 from the division of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Brad Johnson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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