Western Washington University is large enough to offer tremendous choices in programs, people to meet, and things to do, yet small enough so no one is just lost in the crowd. Western is a friendly, welcoming community with a national reputation for excellence, being ranked #2 among public master's-granting universities in the West for eight consecutive years by the U.S. News & World Report. Faculty, staff, and students enjoy the beauty of their campus and surrounding areas. After experiencing a unique place that is surrounded by the San Juan Islands, Bellingham Bay, abundant nature trails, and the awe inspiring North Cascades, it is no mystery why so many people choose to join and to stay with Western Washington University community!

"One of the best and most beautiful colleges!" — Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"A jewel of a university" — The Seattle Times

Campus

Approximately 13,000 students attend Western each year where they have access to nearly 73 buildings on a 215-acre campus, including the 38-acre Sehome Arboretum, and 15 residential buildings housing near 4,000 students.

Western also boasts off-campus facilities at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, Wash., a 15-acre student-university facility at nearby Lake Whatcom, and Whatcom County property used for environmental and aquatic analyses. A student-funded recreation facility also opened in 2003 providing advanced recreational resources.

Our university has always taken special pride in the quality of liberal arts programs required of all students. Western's academic divisions include:

• College of Business and Economics
• Fairhaven College
• College of Fine and Performing Arts
• College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Huxley College of the Environment
• College of Sciences and Technology
• Woodring College of Education
• Graduate School

Bellingham Community

Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, WA, a charming city with a population of 64,000. Situated between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC, Bellingham and its residents find pleasure in peaceful bay views and quick access to all the perks of living in a larger city.

Bellingham is the county seat of Whatcom County and acts as the center of activity for the region. The city offers a relaxing living environment with historic street shops and takes pride in the many recreational opportunities of the surrounding environment. Many citizens of Bellingham enjoy walking, running, and biking on the city's many interurban trails. Being only a short drive away, Mount Baker and the high mountains make skiing and other winter activities very popular.

With something for every taste and budget, the wilderness, waterfront, marinas and rich local history, Bellingham is a community that is easy to enjoy!

Please visit the links located on the left menu to learn more about what Western and Bellingham have to offer. We hope to see you soon!

"I wanted to live in the Northwest and I was struck by Bellingham's peaceful and beautiful environment. I was also immediately impressed by the students, faculty, and campus. Despite receiving offers elsewhere, I have never considered working anywhere but WWU." — Dr. Charles Sylvester, Professor of Physical Education, Health, and Recreation

"I like the every day challenge of doing well advising students about their life choices and engaging students in class, doing something original in research, and getting to know people whether they be students, colleagues or staff." — Dr. Joan Stevenson, Professor of Anthropology