
516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225-5996, USA


Western Washington University provides a variety of athletic opportunities for students interested in competitive sports and recreational activities. The university competes primarily at the NCAA Division II level, offering a balanced environment where students can pursue athletic excellence alongside their academic goals.
The institution supports numerous varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and more, allowing student-athletes to engage in team-based or individual disciplines. These programs emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship within a competitive collegiate setting.
In addition to varsity athletics, Western Washington University encourages participation in club sports and intramural activities, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. This inclusive approach aims to foster a vibrant campus community where physical activity and wellness are accessible to all students.
The university's athletic facilities are designed to support training, competition, and recreation, featuring modern amenities that enhance the student-athlete experience. Through these offerings, Western Washington University promotes an active lifestyle and provides avenues for personal growth beyond the classroom.
Western Washington University offers a diverse range of student groups and associations catering to various interests. Students can engage with the Intramurals program, which promotes recreational sports and physical activities. The Residence Hall Association provides residents with opportunities to build community and participate in campus life. Additionally, the Associated Students organization represents the student body's interests and facilitates involvement in governance and campus initiatives.
The Outdoor Center supports students interested in outdoor activities and adventure, providing resources and organized events. The Ethnic Student Center serves as a cultural hub that fosters inclusivity and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
In total, the university enrolls 5,177 men and 7,112 women, although specific participation rates in these organizations are not detailed.
Western Washington University hosts a diverse student population characterized by a high proportion of in-state residents, who make up 83% of the enrollment-placing the university in the top 30% nationwide for this metric. Out-of-state students comprise a smaller segment at 16%, reflecting an average representation compared to other institutions.
The university sees a substantial influx of new students annually, with freshmen numbers reaching 3,184, ranking in the top 10% of universities for incoming class size. Transfer students also contribute significantly, totaling 927 and positioning Western Washington University in the top 30% for transfer enrollments. The combined enrollment of freshmen and transfers totals 4,111, underscoring the institution's appeal to a broad range of new entrants.
The undergraduate student body is predominantly young adults, with the majority aged 18 to 21. Specifically, 5,421 students are aged 18 to 19, and 4,673 fall between 20 and 21 years old. The numbers thin as age increases, but students up to over 65 years of age are represented, albeit in much smaller numbers, demonstrating some age diversity within the campus community.
Ethnically, Western Washington University features a large representation of white students, numbering 9,364 and ranking in the top 5% nationally for institutions with a similar profile. Students identifying as two or more races are also notable, totaling 1,144 and placing the university again in the top 5%. Hispanic and Asian students each hold modest presences with 1,532 and 793 students respectively, both levels falling into an average representation category. Other ethnic groups include 265 African American students and 74 Native American students, with the latter group ranking in the top 30% nationally.
International diversity is limited, as only about 1% of students come from foreign countries, placing Western Washington University in a lower percentile for this measure. The overwhelming majority, 99%, are U. S. students, which is considered very high compared to peer institutions. Students with unknown residency status are minimal, indicating transparent enrollment data.
Western Washington University offers a vibrant student life with diverse extracurricular opportunities. The campus spans 220 acres, providing ample space for various activities and student engagement. Students can participate in campus organizations such as drama productions, a newspaper, radio, and a chorus, reflecting a range of artistic and media interests, though there is no campus band or TV station.
Support services on campus include a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affair office, demonstrating a commitment to student wellness and specific community needs. However, there is no dedicated legal services or women's center available to students. The student-faculty ratio stands at 17: 1, which suggests a balanced environment for academic support and interaction.
With a total enrollment of approximately 14,710 students, the university maintains a sizeable and active student body, with nearly 3,000 full-time degree-seeking students. The presence of students from 41 different countries adds to the cultural diversity on campus, enriching the experience for all attendees.
Western Washington University offers students access to a comprehensive library system highlighted by its main library, Western Libraries. The university maintains a total of two libraries, placing it in the top half nationally for the number of library facilities.
Students benefit from a substantial collection, including 663,514 physical books, ranking the institution in the top 40% among peer schools. Subscriptions are robust as well, with 21,379 in total and 157,284 digital subscriptions, both reflecting above-average availability.
The university excels notably in its digital offerings, boasting 1,081,798 eBooks, a figure placing it within the top 30% nationally. Moreover, its number of databases is exceptionally high at 234,167, situating Western Washington University among the top 5% for this resource.
Library hours total 78 weekly service hours, supported by trained staff and established access schedules. Physical facilities and digital resources are both readily available to students. While the libraries provide study rooms for focused work, all-day access is not offered. Additionally, students can tap into shared collections, further expanding the range of materials accessible for academic pursuits.
Total enrollment
14710Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
2948Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
683 full time, 285 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Western LibrariesNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes