
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1893 as a state-funded teaching school for women, and has since grown to become the third-largest university in Washington, with a student body of over 16,000 students as of 2022. WWU offers a range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and has a vibrant student life, with over 250 student organizations and clubs on campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 14,747 (in 2022) |
| Undergraduate students | 13,801 (in 2022) |
| Undergraduate enrollment (as of Fall 2023) | 13,704 |
| Total number of students (as per WWU) | Over 16,000 |
| Full-time faculty | 664 (in 2022) |
| Campus size | 215 acres (some sources state 220 acres) |
| Federal grants and contracts received (as of 2022) | $7.79 million |
| State grants and contracts received (as of 2022) | $26.9 million |
| Local grants and contracts received (as of 2022) | $463,000 |
| Number of student-led clubs and organizations | 200+ |
| Number of student organizations on campus | 250+ |
| Year founded | 1893 |
| Original name | New Whatcom Normal School |
| Original student body | 88 students |
| Current main campus location | Bellingham, Washington |
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Western Washington University's student population in 2022 was 14,747
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university in Bellingham, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1893 as the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School, a successor to a private teaching school for women founded in 1886. The university adopted its current name in 1977. WWU offers bachelor's and master's degrees and a few doctorate programmes. The university's athletic teams are known as the Vikings and compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
WWU's main campus is located in Bellingham, a city of about 95,000 people, and spans 215 acres, including the 38-acre Sehome Hill Arboretum, which is jointly operated with the City of Bellingham. The campus features a diverse range of facilities, including an electronic music studio, an air pollution lab, a motor vehicle research lab, a marine research lab, a wind tunnel, and two electron microscopes. Additionally, WWU operates a marine centre in Anacortes and academic locations in Everett and the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas.
In 2022, Western Washington University's student population was 14,747, including 13,801 undergraduate students and 664 full-time faculty members. The university is the third largest in Washington, after Washington State University and the University of Washington. WWU has a vibrant student life, with over 250 student organisations on campus covering various interests, including sports, clubs, and volunteer work. The Associated Students of Western Washington University (ASWWU) is a student-run organisation that aims to enhance the college experience through various services, programmes, and facilities.
The university received $7.79 million in grants and contracts from the federal government, $26.9 million from state grants, and $463,000 from local grants and contracts in 2022. In the same year, WWU paid a total of $67.7 million to 682 employees working as instructors, accounting for 38.6% of all salaries paid.
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WWU's student clubs include arts, music, politics, and social issues
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public institution founded in 1893. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 13,704 students as of Fall 2023. The campus is 220 acres and is located in Whatcom County, Washington.
WWU offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations that cater to various interests, including arts, music, politics, and social issues. Students can engage in creative pursuits through arts-focused clubs, such as performing arts groups and creative writing organizations. For musically inclined students, there are instrumental and vocal ensembles, as well as opportunities to collaborate with professional guest artists.
In the realm of politics and social issues, WWU has several clubs dedicated to fostering political engagement, discussion, and activism. Students can join clubs focused on specific political parties or participate in non-partisan organizations that encourage political efficacy and informed voting. Additionally, WWU offers clubs centered on social justice, equity, and inclusion, aligning with the university's commitment to these values.
Beyond arts, music, politics, and social issues, WWU also provides a diverse array of clubs and organizations. Students can explore outdoor activities, cultural immersion, service-learning, and pre-professional organizations. One unique example is the Cold Plunge Club, which offers students an invigorating and memorable experience through cold-water plunges, fostering a community of adventurous spirits.
With so many options available, students at WWU can easily connect with like-minded individuals who share their passions and interests, making their college experience enriching and memorable.
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WWU's sports teams are called the Vikings
Western Washington University (WWU), located in Bellingham, Washington, is a public university with a strong focus on academic excellence and a vibrant campus life. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its commitment to student success and its beautiful campus setting. As of fall 2022, WWU has an enrollment of 15,749 students, the majority of whom are undergraduate students. The university offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, with over 100 different fields of study, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
One aspect of campus life that many students enjoy is the school spirit and pride associated with its sports teams. WWU's sports teams are called the Vikings, a name that evokes a sense of strength, courage, and adventure. The Vikings nickname was likely chosen to pay homage to the rich Nordic heritage of the Pacific Northwest region, where WWU is located. The Vikings were known for their navigational skills, their bravery in exploring new lands, and their strong sense of community, all of which are values that the university aims to instill in its students.
The Viking mascot has become an iconic symbol of WWU's athletic program and is beloved by students, alumni, and fans. The Viking warrior, often depicted with a helmet, braids, and a fierce expression, represents the university at sporting events, rallies, and other campus activities. The Viking mascot is often accompanied by a lively team of cheerleaders and a marching band, adding to the excitement and energy of game days. Students and alumni take great pride in their association with the Vikings, and the mascot has become a powerful symbol of unity and school spirit.
The choice of the Vikings nickname also sets WWU apart from other universities in the region, many of which have more common or predictable nicknames like the Huskies, Cougars, or Eagles. The unique and distinctive nature of the Vikings nickname adds to the sense of community and exclusivity among students and alumni. It also provides a rich source of inspiration for team chants, slogans, and visual imagery, all of which contribute to the vibrant campus culture.
In addition to the name, the university's sports teams also incorporate Viking-themed traditions and rituals into their games and events. These might include Viking-inspired costumes, chants, and celebrations, adding to the excitement and uniqueness of the game-day experience. The Viking theme extends beyond the sports arena too, with student clubs, events, and even academic programs occasionally adopting Viking-related names and themes, further reinforcing the sense of identity and community that the nickname provides.
The Vikings nickname is a source of pride and unity for the students, athletes, and alumni of Western Washington University. It represents not just the university's athletic teams but also the values of courage, exploration, and community that the institution holds dear. The Viking mascot and associated traditions have become an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and creating lasting memories for all those who are part of the WWU community.
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WWU's main campus is in Bellingham, Washington
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public institution founded in 1893. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 13,704 students as of Fall 2023. The university is located in Whatcom County, Washington, in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. The main campus is in Bellingham, Washington, and the campus size is 220 acres. The university also has a campus in Kirkland in partnership with the Lake Washington Institute of Technology, where it offers a unique Cybersecurity program.
WWU's Bellingham campus offers interactive maps to help students, staff, and visitors navigate the area. The campus is situated in a suburban setting, and the university has partnerships with community colleges and community centers in the Puget Sound and Central Salish Sea regions. These partnerships allow WWU to advance its outreach and help students achieve their educational goals.
The university offers over 300 degrees and programs, with the most common Bachelor's Degree concentrations in 2022 being General Psychology (220 degrees awarded), General Computer & Information Sciences (151 degrees), and Creative Writing (136 degrees). WWU also has several specialized majors, including Language & Linguistics (136 degrees awarded), English (213 degrees), Physical Sciences (133 degrees), History (74 degrees), and Interdisciplinary Studies (261 degrees).
In 2022, Western Washington University received significant funding, including $7.79 million in grants and contracts from the federal government, $26.9 million from state grants and contracts, and $463,000 from local grants and contracts. The university paid a total of $67.7 million in salaries to 682 instructors, representing 38.6% of all salaries paid that year.
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WWU's undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023 was 13,704
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1893 as the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School, a teachers' school predominantly for women, though men also enrolled. WWU's undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023 was 13,704, and its campus size is 220 acres. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees and a few doctorates.
WWU has a vibrant student life, with over 250 student organizations on campus. Students can participate in various activities such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work. Some of the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at WWU in 2022 were General Psychology (220 degrees awarded), General Computer & Information Sciences (151 degrees), and Creative Writing (136 degrees). The university also has a strong athletic presence, with athletic teams known as the Vikings competing in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
WWU provides various internship and part-time job opportunities for students and alumni. On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) events are held annually, where employers interview students for permanent career positions and internships in various fields. The university also offers career fairs and student employment services, providing part-time on-and-off-campus job opportunities, including work-study programs.
In 2022, WWU received significant funding, with $7.79 million in grants and contracts from the federal government, $26.9 million from state grants, and $463,000 from local grants and contracts. The university's main campus is located in Bellingham, with additional locations in Anacortes, Everett, and the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. The Bellingham campus covers 215 acres and includes the Sehome Hill Arboretum, jointly operated with the city.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, Western Washington University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 13,704 students.
The university underwent a period of exponential growth in the 1960s, with enrollment increasing from 3,000 students to over 10,000 during that decade. As of 2022, the student population was recorded to be 14,747.
Western Washington University is the third-largest university in Washington, after Washington State University and the University of Washington.




































