Western Washington University (WWU) vs Eastern Washington University
Nestled in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, Western Washington University and Eastern Washington University stand as two distinct academic havens, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they diverge in several key aspects. Western, located in the vibrant city of Bellingham, boasts a higher acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body from across the globe. Eastern, situated in the historic town of Cheney, maintains a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere. Delve into the comprehensive comparison table below to uncover further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Eastern Washington University |
![]() Western Washington University |
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Overview |
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Location | Cheney, Washington | Bellingham, Washington |
Campus setting | Town: Fringe | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Quarter | Quarter |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 67.0% | 81.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 97.1% | 96.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$60
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$100
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SAT range | N/A | 1090 - 1310 |
ACT range | N/A | 22 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 16.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 3.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 4,232 | 10,580 |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,108 | 10,167 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,305 | 2,874 |
Yield rate | 31.8% | 28.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$22,889
Out of state:
$40,715
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In state:
$26,634
Out of state:
$43,861
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Average net price | $13,650 | $11,388 |
Tuition |
In state:
$6,896
Out of state:
$24,722
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In state:
$7,572
Out of state:
$24,799
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,210
Meal plan:
$5,850
|
$13,079 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
92.0%
Average amount $8,167 |
82.0%
Average amount $7,112 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
33.0%
Average amount $4,615 |
29.0%
Average amount $4,929 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $11,314 |
3.0%
Average amount $15,435 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
8,217
Men 42.6% Women 57.4% |
14,019
Men 42.6% Women 57.4% |
Graduate students |
2,675
Men 30.7% Women 69.3% |
1,106
Men 36.4% Women 63.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 0.9% | 1.0% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Fringe | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 1,788 | 3,985 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 20:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 49.6% | 67.7% |
Dropout rate | 47.2% | 30.6% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
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Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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