Western Washington University

What are the graduation rates for students at Western Washington University?

Western Washington University reports a six-year graduation rate of 66%, placing it in the top 35% of comparable institutions. The four-year graduation rate is notably lower at 42%, situating the university in the bottom half nationally. Retention rates indicate that 80% of first-year students continue into their second year, which is above average and ranks in the top 40%.

When examining graduation rates by gender, women tend to graduate at a higher rate compared to men. The six-year graduation rate for women is 69%, while for men it is 60%. Both rates are classified as average, but women's rate ranks slightly higher nationally than men's. This pattern is consistent with the university's general graduation rate of 66%.

These figures suggest that while a majority of students complete their degrees within six years, a smaller portion manage to graduate on a traditional four-year timeline. The difference between men's and women's graduation rates highlights a gender gap in degree completion, though both groups perform within average ranges on national percentiles.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Western Washington University?

Graduates from Western Washington University experience a wide range of earning outcomes depending on their field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, with median earnings around $71,492. Similarly strong financial returns are found for graduates in Computer and Information Sciences, General, earning approximately $69,837, as well as those in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, who make about $68,568.

Engineering-related disciplines generally offer solid prospects, with Manufacturing Engineering graduates earning about $66,425 and Polymer/Plastics Engineering graduates around $55,793. Management Information Systems and Services also stands out, with earnings near $52,624, followed by Teacher Education and Professional Development for specific levels and methods, averaging $50,090.

Business-related degrees provide a dependable earning potential, where Accounting and Related Services graduates earn around $46,243, Business Administration, Management and Operations about $42,166, and Finance and Financial Management Services approximately $41,065. Marketing graduates earn close to $40,450, while International Business yields about $35,386, showing a healthy spectrum within the business disciplines.

Within the sciences, Chemistry and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees generate nearly similar earnings, at $34,788 and $34,569 respectively, while Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates earn $34,529. Computer and Data-focused fields show promise, with Data Science graduates earning above $29,000 and Sustainability Studies around $29,412.

Humanities and social sciences graduates tend to have more modest earnings but still reach noteworthy levels. Economics graduates earn around $38,176, closer to that of Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at $38,384. Anthropology and Psychology, General, provide median earnings of about $27,803 and $27,918 respectively. Degrees in English Language and Literature, General, and Rhetoric and Composition have lower starting points near $22,884 and $22,536.

Fields related to education show a range across specialties, with Special Education and Teaching graduates earning $49,253, while Teacher Education and Professional Development in specific subject areas earn about $46,458. Communication and Media Studies yield earnings in the mid-$30,000s with Journalism reaching $34,510, reflecting the variety within communication disciplines.

Other areas in arts, languages, and design demonstrate diverse earning potentials. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn close to $39,818, and East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics about $27,933, while Fine and Studio Arts and Music show lower median earnings near $24,490 and $21,568 respectively.