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Western Washington University

Bellingham, Washington · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$45,272

Acceptance Rate

91%

Graduation Rate

66%

Annual Tuition

$9,286

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $62,569 ten years after entry — 16% above the national median. Acceptance rate 91.3%, average SAT score 1289, in-state tuition $9,286.

At a Glance

Total Students

13,574

Retention Rate

80%

Faculty Ratio

17

Financial Aid

28%

Median Debt

$18,500

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,289

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

590–710

SAT Math (middle 50%)

560–680

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

24–31

Institution Overview

Western Washington University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 91.3%. The university has a student population of 13,574. The average in-state tuition is $9,286. The median debt for graduates is $18,500, and 28.2% of students receive financial aid.

Graduation rates at Western Washington University are 65.5%, with a retention rate of 79.7%. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $35,723, which increases to $45,272 after five years and $62,569 after ten years.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$36k

1 YEAR

$45k

5 YEARS

$63k

10 YEARS

Top 51% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Western Washington University alumni earn a median salary of $35,723. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $45,272. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $62,569. The median debt for graduates is $18,500.

Western Washington University has a student body of 13,574 students. The university has a high acceptance rate of 91.3% and a graduation rate of 65.5%. The retention rate is 79.7%. The in-state tuition is $9,286, and 28.2% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Graduates 282 / yr
Median Salary $56,460

Psychology, General

Graduates 203 / yr
Median Salary $32,306

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 179 / yr
Median Salary $75,467

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduates 146 / yr
Median Salary $68,219

Sociology

Graduates 145 / yr
Median Salary $33,039

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

Graduates 134 / yr
Median Salary $23,213

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Graduates 131 / yr
Median Salary $27,116

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 116 / yr
Median Salary $63,702

Marketing

Graduates 115 / yr
Median Salary $43,375

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General

Graduates 106 / yr
Median Salary $34,119

Political Science and Government

Graduates 103 / yr
Median Salary $27,217

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 100 / yr
Median Salary $32,334

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 93 / yr
Median Salary $60,048

Human Services, General

Graduates 90 / yr
Median Salary $39,487

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 89 / yr
Median Salary $34,857

Special Education and Teaching

Graduates 85 / yr
Median Salary $52,912

History

Graduates 84 / yr
Median Salary $25,355

Economics

Graduates 82 / yr
Median Salary $45,401

Journalism

Graduates 77 / yr
Median Salary $34,119

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 77 / yr
Median Salary $42,795

Fine and Studio Arts

Graduates 71 / yr
Median Salary $23,102

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 69 / yr
Median Salary $51,984

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Graduates 68 / yr
Median Salary $26,557

Anthropology

Graduates 67 / yr
Median Salary $27,851

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Campus Location

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham, WA 98225-9008

Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, Washington. The campus is in a city setting.

All Colleges in Washington ROI Analysis Affordable in Washington Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91.3%.