General Info
10 Reasons to love Western
Recognized Excellence
For 13 years in a row, U.S. News and World Report has ranked Western Washington University as the #1 regional public university in the Pacific Northwest.
Ideal Size
With an enrollment of just over 15,000 students, Western Washington University is large enough to offer tremendous choice in academic programs, people to meet, and things to do, yet small enough that you won't get lost in the crowd.
Engaging Academics
Undergraduates take advantage of unique opportunities to engage in research alongside faculty and showcase their work regionally and nationally–experiences frequently reserved for graduate students at larger institutions.
Excellent Faculty
Faculty come here for the opportunity to work directly with you…so take full advantage! Over 98% of classes at Western are taught by distinguished faculty, faculty who in most cases hold a PhD or the highest degree in their field. You’ll work face-to-face with experts every day.
Welcoming Community
An inviting first year experience, Honors Program, First-year Interest Groups (FIGs), and vibrant residence hall system help new students feel comfortable at Western by encouraging them to interact with each other and their professors.
Diverse Perspectives
Western is committed to creating a community that values a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and opinions. Diversity contributes to academic quality, and enhances the lives of all students, faculty and staff.
Active Learning
Most students enrich their education through internships, international study abroad, field work, service-learning, and other "hands-on" experiences.
Impressive Outcomes
Student satisfaction, graduation, and employment rates are among the highest in the state of Washington. Western graduates are doing amazing things in Washington and around the world.
Global Awareness
Connecting with people, cultures, and events across the globe is a high priority. This value may be one reason why Western is ranked 3rd on the U.S. Peace Corps 2011 listing of "Top Producing Colleges and Universities" in the medium-sized schools category.
Progressive Thinking
Western's community is socially and environmentally conscious. Thanks to a student-led initiative, Western is the recipient of a Green Power Leadership Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Center for Resource Solutions, and was recently named one of the "greenest" universities in the country according to Princeton Review