Western isn't a place where you show up for four years, learn a few things, and get a job that bores you. That's for normal schools. We want people with an appetite for ambition and who want to make a positive impact in their communities. At Western, students develop the world's first transparent solar window, professors help send rovers to Mars, and graduates teach code to fifth graders. Through close relationships with professors and a community dedicated to equity, justice, sustainability, and academic excellence, we help people find their purpose. And we inspire them to pursue that purpose with everything they've got. We bring together those who want to change the world with the people who are changing it.
This is a place where, together, we can MAKE WAVES.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Assistant Director of Admissions
516 High Street, Mail Stop 9009
Bellingham, WA 98225-9009
Experience College Life
Red Square
Performing Arts Center
Sehome Arboretum
Student Recreation Center
Lake Whatcom (Western's Lakewood Facility)
Local businesses and shops
Historic Fairhaven
Chuckanut Drive/Bellingham Bay
Campus Tours
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
360-650-3440
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Grades are important, but we know that there is a lot more to you than your GPA. Western is looking for students with a long record of academic success and those who are just beginning to reach their full potential. We apply a holistic approach to our review process and consider the difficulty of your coursework, the talents you possess outside the classroom, and the contributions you're making to your community. We understand that everyone's college journey is different, and we want to hear about what makes your story unique.
How to Apply
You can apply to Western using our undergraduate application for admission and scholarships, or through the Common Application.
Required Materials
A complete application includes:
The application for undergraduate admission, including essay and activities list.
A $65 non-refundable application fee (waiver may be available based on financial need)
Unofficial high school transcript or certificate/diploma of high school equivalency (such as the GED) — submitted electronically or by mail.
Test Scores are Optional
SAT or ACT scores are not required to apply for admission. We will consider test scores if submitted, but admissions decisions are made on an individual basis, and every applicant receives full consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships.
Overview
GPA Breakdown
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Action — November 1
Regular — January 31
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Academics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Western is grounded in the liberal arts tradition — that means you get to explore a variety of academic fields while digging into your chosen one. We have 175+ majors to choose from, including popular programs like Psychology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Marine Biology, and more. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, you also can design a major that more closely aligns with your personal goals through our Interdisciplinary Studies programs.
In addition to our bachelor's degrees, Western provides students with many opportunities to enrich their academic experience. The nationally recognized Honors College is a diverse, interactive learning community in which high-achieving students and award-winning faculty challenge themselves and each other. Our Distinguished Scholars programs help first-year students start strong by creating a supportive environment community of peers and faculty. You can gain valuable, hands-on experience and earn credit toward your degree through internships, study abroad programs, or by serving your community. And Western also offers programs, certificates, and 90+ minors that can be paired with any major.
Finally, our primary focus on undergraduates — 95% of Western students are pursuing their first degree — means you won't have to wait until you're a graduate student to work directly with professors on research, solve real world problems, and present and publish your work.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Canadian Studies.
East Asian Studies.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.
Latin American Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Exercise Physiology.
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
Neuroscience.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Management Information Systems, General.
Management Science.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Operations Management and Supervision.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Journalism, Other.
Journalism.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance.
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EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Bilingual and Multilingual Education.
Biology Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Computer Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Earth Science Teacher Education.
Education, General.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
French Language Teacher Education.
German Language Teacher Education.
History Teacher Education.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
Social Science Teacher Education.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
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ENGINEERING.
Manufacturing Engineering.
Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.
Community Health and Preventive Medicine.
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Mathematics and Statistics.
Mathematics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
Marine Sciences.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Sustainability Studies.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
Natural Resources Management and Policy, Other.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Geophysics and Seismology.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Developmental and Child Psychology.
Psychology, General.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Human Services, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology, Other.
Anthropology.
Archeology.
Economics, General.
Economics, Other.
Geography.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Dance, General.
Design and Visual Communications, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Industrial and Product Design.
Music History, Literature, and Theory.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Degrees
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Estimated Tuition, Room, Board, and Fees for 2021-22 Academic Year
WA Resident: $26,934
Non-Resident: $44,161
We understand that paying for a college education is a big investment and are committed to keeping tuition low and academic quality high. Western has consistently been ranked as one of the 100 best values among all public colleges in the U.S. And our students are prepared to thrive: their rates of graduation, employment, and admission to competitive graduate programs are among the best in the nation for universities of our type and size.
Financial Aid
At Western, there are several resources available to students and their families to help with college expenses. More than 65% of our students receive financial aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, scholarships, student employment and/or loans. Western provides more than $140 million to students in financial aid every year
Scholarships
Western awards scholarships to students which recognize their academic success, leadership potential, special talents, and multicultural achievement. There are unique opportunities available to Washington residents, out-of-state students (including the prestigious Western Undergraduate Exchange Program), and transfers. Many of these scholarships are awarded based on information you provide in your application, but some may require additional materials.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Students seeking need-based financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This federal form may be submitted online by visiting studentaid.gov (Western's FAFSA code is: 003802).
Students in Washington state who are ineligible for federal financial aid due to immigration status may instead file the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) at wsac.wa.gov/wasfa.
Both applications become available on October 1 each year. Filing the FAFSA or WASFA after the January 31 priority deadline may limit your financial aid eligibility.
Outcomes
Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional undergraduate experience and to limit your financial burden so that you can follow your dreams. We are proud to say that 90% of Western alumni are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation and have 24% less debt than the national average.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Join the Associated Students (AS)
Whether you want to start a club or run for student body president, the AS encourages a fulfilling academic experience through the services, facilities, and programs it offers. The AS provides student leadership on campus, registers students to vote, and produces awesome campus concerts, cultural events, engaging speaker's series, and so much more. The AS helps students define themselves, find allies in the community, and stay engaged at Western.
Get Involved
Connect with students who share your interests — or try something new — by joining one of the 200+ student-led clubs and organizations on campus! You'll find clubs centered on academics, the arts, culture, gaming, recreation, and much more. And if you feel that there is a community or interest that is not currently represented, you can start and lead your own club!
Find Your Community
Western's Ethnic Student Center (ESC) is made up of 19 different clubs all working together to affirm identities, build a sense of community, and cultivate leadership. For 30 years, the ESC has been called a home away from home for many students of color on Western's campus.
ESC Clubs offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement from volunteering and social justice, to performing arts and discussion groups. In addition, the ESC itself offers opportunities for students to assist the staff as interns and volunteers for different events and activities.
Stay Active
You'll have access to everything you'll need to go hiking, skiing, or mountain biking with the help of our Outdoor Center. Our Student Rec Center features a rock-climbing wall, a pool, a weight room, cardio machines, and more. Looking to join a team? Western competes in more than a dozen NCAA Division II Sports, offers 25 club sports, and several popular intramural sports, including flag football, basketball, and softball.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Western's campus is in the heart of Bellingham, WA, a welcoming and safe community that combines the advantages of a large city and the charm of a coastal town. Western's campus is located minutes away from Bellingham's downtown and offers easy access to all the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest is famous for.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Research
Western is home to several state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories. The Western Mars Lab works directly with two of NASA's Mars rover missions. At the Shannon Point Marine Center, students have access to Marine Chemistry Facility, a Molecular Ecology and Environmental Genomics Lab, an Ocean Acidification Lab, and a pair of research vessels. And the new Engineering & Design Makerspace offers all Western students the chance to learn how to use 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and more while sharing ideas, building community, and innovating with peers.
Recreation
The Wade King Student Recreation Center features a rock-climbing wall, a pool, indoor track, weight rooms, cardio equipment, and much more.
Carver Gymnasium is home to five basketball courts, a pool, four handball courts, and convertible volleyball facilities.
Western's Lakewood property on Lake Whatcom provides students with an opportunity to kayak, sail, paddleboard, and more.
Residence Halls
Western has 17 on-campus residence halls, and students can select their own room and choose a space where they feel most comfortable. We ensure there are substance-free areas, and male, female, and gender-neutral rooms in each of our residence communities. We also offer a variety of communities and programs including Honors, Viking Launch, Black Affinity, and Pride Gender-Inclusive Housing.
Arts
Western's Performing Arts Center presents more than 300 student showcase events each year. Students also can display their work at the Western Gallery, an academic art museum that hosts more than 40 exhibitions per year. And Western's outdoor Sculpture Collection has been recognized as one of the top 10 most important collections in the United States.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Known as the "City of Subdued Excitement," Bellingham is a place students love to call home. Located between the Cascade Mountains and Bellingham Bay, many students are drawn to Western because of its proximity to parks, trails, and waterways. For starters, the Sehome Arboretum — which is located directly adjacent to campus — offers 180 acres of forest and 6 miles of trails, making it the perfect place to explore, exercise, and unwind. Enjoy being out on the water? There are 10 lakes, 22 rivers and creeks, and 22 miles of Salish Sea shoreline in our backyard. We're only a short drive away from the extraordinary Mount Baker Wilderness, which features 1,500 miles of trails and some of the most scenic views in the United States. And if you are a winter sports enthusiast, Mount Baker Ski Area receives 663 inches of snowfall each year.
But there is more to life at Western than just hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. Bellingham's vibrant downtown boasts thriving arts and music scenes, locally-owned restaurants and businesses, several cafes to hang out or study, one of the best farmer's markets in the Western U.S., antique stores, a comic book shop, and more. Your Western ID serves as a bus pass in Bellingham, and the city is also very friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists, which makes getting around simple and mostly free!
Bellingham is located about 90 miles north of Seattle and about 53 miles south of Vancouver, B.C., which makes taking a trip to both cities easy whether you choose to take a car, bus, or the train.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/