Make Waves at Western

WWU IS FOR YOU

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At Western, learning feels different. It’s hands-on, connected to the world around you, and supported by a community that’s creative, welcoming, and down-to-earth. With the mountains behind us, the bay in front of us, and Bellingham as our backyard, WWU offers one of the most beautiful and inspiring college settings in the country.

Our academic programs are nationally recognized, and our faculty are here to teach, mentor, and involve you in meaningful work. From your first year, you’ll go beyond the classroom with opportunities to do real research, fieldwork, and creative projects.

Western is a place where people care about what they do and care about each other. Here, you can be yourself, find your purpose, and start building a future that matters.

 

Apply with the WWU Application

Apply with the Common App

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Majors

At Western, we offer everything from traditional subjects to majors you design yourself, ensuring there’s a path that aligns with your passion. 

Choose from over 200 academic programs, including majors like environmental science, biology, kinesiology, design, and engineering.

 No matter what you study, you’ll benefit from the full support of faculty who are equal parts teacher, scholar, and mentor—dedicated to helping you succeed every step of the way.

Visit

Get to know WWU first-hand! Located in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, WWU is part of a welcoming and safe community. Sign up for an in-person tour, or choose your own adventure with a virtual tour option.

Plan Your Visit

Learn About Life in Bellingham

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Explore Other WWU Locations

Applying to Western

Our application for Fall 2026 opens August 1. You can apply to Western using the WWU Application or the Common App. Both applications receive full consideration for admission and scholarships so that you can choose the best option for you. Please only submit one application.

Apply with the WWU Application

Apply with the Common App

We’ll help you afford the cost of college.

We recognize that college is a big investment and at Western, there is a range of resources available to you and your family to help pay for college. Explore detailed cost estimates, a net price calculator, and budget worksheets to help navigate the cost of your education.

Don’t miss out on financial aid.

We encourage all students to apply for financial aid, even if they don’t think they will qualify. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is the first step to accessing scholarships, grants, and other types of aid. Last year, WWU students received more than $8 million in scholarships.

Learn More About Financial Aid

Our faculty bring student ideas to life.

Get ready to collaborate with faculty, make lasting connections, and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Western’s focus on undergraduate research means that you don't have to wait until graduate school to work directly with professors to get involved, solve real-world problems, and present and publish your work. At Western, you can participate in cutting-edge research, take renewable energy to the next level, design race cars, make art, create apps or turn recycled waste into useful objects.

We bring together those who want to change the world with the people who are changing it.

Get a Preview of Research at Western

There’s something for everyone at Western.

There's always something exciting happening on campus. WWU is home to 250+ passionate student organizations and a variety of immersive study abroad opportunities. At Western, you'll form friendships that last a lifetime.

Explore the Campus Experience

We're Here to Help!

Our team of Admissions Counselors is here to answer your questions and provide assistance every step of the way. Need tips on putting together a strong application? Want to know what the Admissions Committee looks for when admitting students? Get to know your counselors—we're here to help!

Connect With Your Counselor

WWU's brick-covered Red Square in fall.