Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

Total Enrollment

14,710

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

193

193 programs

Full-Time Students

12,327

1,332 part-time

Total FTE

13,170

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

71
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
3463
Total Recent Graduates

With 14,710 students, Western Washington University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 193 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 12,327 (90.2%)
90.2%
Part-Time Students 1,332 (9.8%)
Total Students 13,659

Predominantly full-time students (90.2%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (83.8%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
57.2%
8,418 students
Men
42.8%
6,292 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
68.6%
10,094 students
White
68.6% (10,094)
Hispanic/Latino
11.2% (1,641)
Two or More Races
8.2% (1,213)
Asian
5.7% (844)
Black/African American
1.9% (277)
International Students
1.2% (172)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.6% (81)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (36)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 14,710 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 69% of the student body (10,094 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

13,752 students

43% Men, 57% Women
12,420 Full-time 1,332 Part-time
Diversity Index: 51% • Minority Students: 20%

Graduate students

947 students

36% Men, 64% Women
692 Full-time 265 Part-time
Diversity Index: 52% • Minority Students: 19%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

13,009
All full-time students
5,389 men, 7,620 women
Diversity: 50%

All Full-Time

13,112
All full-time students
5,517 men, 7,595 women
Diversity: 50%

FT Undergraduate

12,327
Full-time undergraduate
5,138 men, 7,189 women
Diversity: 50%

FT Undergraduate

12,420
Full-time undergraduate
5,246 men, 7,174 women
Diversity: 50%

FT Degree-Seeking

12,247
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
5,104 men, 7,143 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Degree-Seeking

12,343
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
5,214 men, 7,129 women
Diversity: 50%

FT First-Time

3,112
Full-time first-time students
1,261 men, 1,851 women
Diversity: 50%

FT First-Time

2,970
Full-time first-time students
1,301 men, 1,669 women
Diversity: 51%

FT Continuing

9,373
Full-time continuing students
3,913 men, 5,460 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Continuing

9,135
Full-time continuing students
3,843 men, 5,292 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Transfer

851
Full-time transfer students
378 men, 473 women
Diversity: 47%

FT Transfer

855
Full-time transfer students
350 men, 505 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Continuing

8,518
Full-time other continuing
3,563 men, 4,955 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Continuing

8,284
Full-time other continuing
3,465 men, 4,819 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Non-Degree

77
Full-time non-degree seeking
32 men, 45 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Non-Degree

80
Full-time non-degree seeking
34 men, 46 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Graduate

682
Full-time graduate students
251 men, 431 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Graduate

692
Full-time graduate students
271 men, 421 women
Diversity: 50%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,598
All part-time students
775 men, 823 women
Diversity: 52%

All Part-Time

1,642
All part-time students
771 men, 871 women
Diversity: 54%

PT Undergraduate

1,332
Part-time undergraduate
683 men, 649 women
Diversity: 52%

PT Undergraduate

1,377
Part-time undergraduate
679 men, 698 women
Diversity: 55%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,201
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
622 men, 579 women
Diversity: 49%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,327
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
657 men, 670 women
Diversity: 53%

PT First-Time

72
Part-time first-time students
26 men, 46 women
Diversity: 65%

PT First-Time

49
Part-time first-time students
19 men, 30 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

1,255
Part-time continuing students
631 men, 624 women
Diversity: 52%

PT Continuing

1,152
Part-time continuing students
603 men, 549 women
Diversity: 48%

PT Transfer

76
Part-time transfer students
30 men, 46 women
Diversity: 45%

PT Transfer

70
Part-time transfer students
37 men, 33 women
Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

1,179
Part-time other continuing
601 men, 578 women
Diversity: 52%

PT Continuing

1,082
Part-time other continuing
566 men, 516 women
Diversity: 48%

PT Non-Degree

50
Part-time non-degree seeking
22 men, 28 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Non-Degree

131
Part-time non-degree seeking
61 men, 70 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Graduate

265
Part-time graduate students
92 men, 173 women
Diversity: 50%

PT Graduate

266
Part-time graduate students
92 men, 174 women
Diversity: 50%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

9,429
White
266
Black/African American
1,548
Hispanic/Latino
797
Asian
143
International
Diversity Index: 51% Minority Students: 20%

Graduate students

639
White
11
Black/African American
109
Hispanic/Latino
51
Asian
28
International
Diversity Index: 52% Minority Students: 19%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Western Washington University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 14,710 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (83.8%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 13,170 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

516 High Street

Bellingham, WA 98225-9008

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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