Western Washington University Reviews

  • 51 Reviews
  • Bellingham (WA)
  • Annual Tuition: $26,873
87% of 51 students said this degree improved their career prospects
98% of 51 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Rachel S
  • Reviewed: 10/4/2019
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"Pros: Excellent location, right across the border for international opportunities, drivable distance to seattle for events, conferences and internships. Excellent School if you know exactly what you want to do, lots of structure for beaten path students. Diversity, equity, and accessibility are made a priority by administration. Abundance of alumni in STEM fields. Great university for the price. Cons: Little to no structure for off-the-beaten-path/undecided students. If you change your major, good luck in graduating in under 6 years. Resources exist but can be hard to find. Little to no school spirit or "culture" other than STEM, sustainability and veganism. While diversity resources are up to standard and becoming more abundant, actual diversity in student population and faculty is pretty lacking."
Mary Sanborn
  • Reviewed: 8/19/2019
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"If you want a small university feel in a beautiful setting, WWU is for you. The one thing I loved about attending WWU was the city it was located in: Bellingham. Bellingham offers so many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming in the Lake Whatcom, or just exploring downtown by foot. Bellingham's downtown offers a fun night life as well. You will meet a lot of great people, and make good friends, at WWU. However, if you want the traditional college experience of football, Greek life, and alumni connections/pride I would suggest looking elsewhere. WWU is known for its education program (Woodring College of Education) so this university is great if you want to be a teacher! However, before accepting your offer letter from WWU I would perform a deep dive of their programs and departments and see if WWU has what you are looking for. Do not expect to go to WWU and be able to utilize their alumni pool afterwards to receive a job, the university is not big enough for that."
Taylor Clark
  • Reviewed: 6/29/2019
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"I was very impressed with the college I attended as well as the degree program. As a student athlete at Western Washington University, it was difficult to balance classes and being an athlete. However, the professors were very understanding, helpful and flexible throughout my four years. We did a lot of traveling for softball which resulted in missing class, but each professor was happy to help me even when I was not in the classroom, always making themselves available and made accommodations when necessary. They were also very patient and made it a priority to explain concepts in a way that made sense. I was able to learn a lot while in my Kinesiology program and received many good opportunities both in class as well as off campus to learn more and grow in my future profession. The structure of the Kinesiology program was excellent in the sense that the material was just what we needed to create a basis for our future careers. The requirements, such as doing an off-campus internship, were helpful in applying what we learned in the classroom to a real-world situation to get a better idea of where we can continue to learn and grow.One aspect of college that I was not particularly impressed with was the guidance from my advisor. I felt that I had to initiate every meeting when I felt lost and was never really given a sense of direction with what classes I needed to take unless I asked. After speaking with other students from other colleges, I believe my college lacked the assistance with direction of my education in comparison to others. Throughout my four years, I was choosing my own classes and trying to navigate my schedules by myself and ended up graduating without taking some of the classes necessary to apply for the particular graduate programs I hoped to get into. Though it isnt the advisors job to constantly be seeking out the students and seeing if they need help throughout their four years, I expected a little more guidance than I got. I ended up staying at Western Washington University one extra year after graduation to take more classes in order to fulfill the requirements to apply for physical therapy programs."
Tessa B.
  • Reviewed: 6/21/2019
  • Degree: English
"Overall, I loved my time at Western. The campus is beautiful and offers lots of opportunities to get involved in clubs, student-led events, guest-speaker events, and travel abroad programs. It is very environmentally-focused, with conservation projects and banning plastic water bottles on campus. Take advantage of the free bus pass that is part of your student ID card, as it goes all through downtown Bellingham and takes you directly to campus! It's big enough to feel grand and fit all your needs, but not big enough to get easily lost in or having trouble getting to class on time. The professors are understanding, humorous, knowledge, and easy to contact. I found almost all my classes super interesting ,relevant, and applicable to my future career. The cost is pretty average, and I personally got only a third or less of it paid through financial aid each quarter, so plan on that. If you make the most out of your time there, by getting involved in groups, meeting with teachers/counselors regularly, and exploring the nature on/near campus, it is definitely worth the cost. I wouldn't have gone to any other public university in the state. It isn't super prestigious like UW or a party school like WSU, and it was personally close to home for me. It also had a gorgeous library and pretty good (but pricey) on campus food! Would definitely recommend the school as a whole."
Nazar
  • Reviewed: 12/28/2018
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"Western Washington University was an awesome experience for me. The school campus us incredibly beautiful, if you like nature and being outdoors this is the school for you. The weather is a little bi-polar with lots of rain, snow, and sunshine happening throughout the year and sometimes throughout one day. The people are very inviting accepting of all types of people. It is a very liberal school."
Ryan Hayes
  • Reviewed: 12/28/2018
  • Degree: Biology
"The Behavioral Neuroscience program at Western Washington University was a brand new program in its second year of existence when I was accepted into it. The professors and program coordinators were wonderful on both a personal and professional level. I was always given the opportunity to connect with them through office hours in order to maximize the effectiveness of my education. The research labs for the program provided an incredible experience as well! I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in Neuroscience."
Maggie
  • Reviewed: 11/4/2018
  • Degree: Sociology
"Western is located in the gorgeous small town of Bellingham, Washington. Bellingham offers incredible scenery and recreational opportunities in the great outdoors, while also being close in proximity to the greater Seattle area. Upon arriving at Western, I was lucky to live in a recently renovated dorm (Buchanan Towers) that boasted a private bathroom, and kitchen which was shared with just 4 "suitemates". I loved my living arrangement while living on campus during my freshman year, and I was also pleased with the reasonably priced housing options in close proximity to campus during my later years. I graduated from the Sociology program and had a great experience with all of my courses. I would caution other students to a sociology degree if they are somewhat directionless in their career path, as sociology might not push you toward any certain career. Many students go on to be social workers or teachers. Personally, I was somewhat frustrated with how little direction and career counselling the major offered me and I wished I had chosen a field that could have helped me find a career path rather than just a diploma. It has taken me quite a bit of time post-graduation to find my path and passion. I was also a member of the track and field team and I loved being a part of a Division II athletics program. Because the schedule was not as intense as most Division I programs, I had the appropriate amount of time to invest in my schoolwork, while also perusing a personal passion. Overall, I loved my 4 years a Western. Unbeatable location, stunning campus, numerous major options, and generally small class sizes."
Sarah
  • Reviewed: 5/24/2018
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"I have a lot of mixed thoughts about Western. For one, it has a beautiful campus and is located in Bellingham which is an absolutely amazing town to live in. It is a great college town with lots of good food and a homey atmosphere. Western is very progressive but unfortunately not as progressive as they may advertise. I grew very frustrated by the end of my four years with their motto "Western cares" because the administration consistently made poor choices regarding standing up for diversity and against hate. The great thing is that the students do not back down, but many times the administration has seemed like a rock wall that is not willing to listen. As far as classes go, I feel like my education was not wasted. I had the opportunity to transfer and I chose not to. If I were to go back and do it again I would choose to stay at Western. However, I had several professors who were subpar and had to take some irrelevant classes in my time there. Overall I would say that Western is worth it, but be prepared to be a little frustrated with the system."
Amanda
  • Reviewed: 11/4/2017
  • Degree: Biology
"WWU was a supportive learning environment with lots of wonderful class options. I enjoyed especially the opportunities to learn through field classes offered by the Huxley School. The lab components of my science classes were engaging and complemented the lecture series. Challenging and supporting courses."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/4/2017
  • Degree: Secondary Education
"The Master's in Teaching program was a thorough preparation for to be teachers. Courses I found most valuable were those that were geared towards preparing me for the TPA (which I passed easily) and the multicultural education course. The program also provides many opportunities to be out in the community working with kids, gaining experience, and begin networking. I felt very supported by staff throughout the program."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Business
"It was worth the effort. The best part is meeting and learning about the other students careers and experiences."
Jen Monnier
  • Reviewed: 7/19/2017
  • Degree: Philosophy
"Western Washington University was a perfect school for me, because I was looking for high-quality humanities courses for an affordable price. I found incredible professors and curriculum in the philosophy department. I was much less impressed with some of my courses in the hard sciences, like chemistry and physics. Professors in these courses seem ready to innovate the technology with which they teach but not their methods, to the deficit of some students. My biology courses were a delight, however. It also helped that my university is located in one of the most beautiful spots in the nation -- Bellingham, Washington. In Bellingham, it is completely within reason to study with a cup of coffee at a small historic cafe with views of both mountains and ocean. It's truly a place like no other."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Health Sciences
"Liberal environment, nice location, medium size so more personal attention from faculty"
Tori Engstrom
  • Reviewed: 3/23/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"Western Washington University offers a great liberal education for those who aren't just wanting to learn an applicable skill. Western offers more opportunities and experiences for personal growth. I got to Western as a Freshman and had no idea about the current affairs that students were facing hardships with because I grew up in a small town that was very sheltered. After attending for 4 years, I can say that I have become a better person and have grown so much in the education provided. I never thought I would know about so much of the world and the different groups of people within in it, but Western offered so many opportunities for me to learn and educate myself. I feel like I can be an effective resource for everyone I might work with in my future career."
Maddie Dineen
  • Reviewed: 3/21/2017
  • Degree: Education
"Western Washington University offers tremendous potential for students interested in environmental studies or environmental sciences. The biodiversity of the Salish Sea region cannot be beat and Huxley School for the Environment is right in the middle of it with a spectacular view of Bellingham Bay.. The staff of the environmental education department are wonderful and teach to the abilities of each specific student. I feel valued as a person and therefore all my work with them is incredibly supported. I will leave this program with a degree that is tailor made to what I plan to do. Because I intend to work with foster children, I have supplemented my electives with special education classes in the Woodring Education Department. The flexibility of the program has allowed me to design my learning around my thesis, which is on the possibility of environmental education programing to reduce symptoms of ADHD in foster children with the disorder. Western Washington has given me the tools I need to be successful in promoting tangible change in the world, and there is nothing more important to me. I highly recommend this school to any person seeking an individualized degree with dynamic professors and small class sizes."
Kay G.
  • Reviewed: 3/9/2017
  • Degree: Education
"This program is unique, engaging and hands on. Located in the beautiful, remote North Cascades National Park. Graduate students have the opportunity to connect visitors with the natural world through hands on exploration. Students work with visitors of all ages. From teaching our residential 5th grade program called Mountain School, working with under represented and low income high-schoolers in the Youth Leadership Adventures program, and engaging in adults and families who sign up for our classes and trips through out the year. You will learn the behind the scenes logistics and skills required to be a leader in the non-profit and educational field. The year long residency in the park is followed by a 6 month period at Western Washington University in Bellingham, where students will use their experiences in a traditional university classroom setting and complete their masters degree."
Chas Eberle
  • Reviewed: 3/9/2017
  • Degree: Public Administration
"Western Washington University was a great school, in an even better location. Bellingham is the perfect setting to study, and aligned will my degree well. My program was small, but the quality of instruction was high and is responsible for introducing me the first school subject that I am still passionate about. It made me an advocate, and a more thoughtful member of society."
Alicia Valencia
  • Reviewed: 3/7/2017
  • Degree: Human Services
"Western offers the focus on students and the faculty access of a smaller college and the academic choice, resources, multicultural diversity, and room to grow of a large university. Not so big that you feel like a number; not so small that you have to conform to a mold. Large enough for you to define yourself and small enough that you make a difference. It is located in the beautiful community of Bellingham. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, from its leadership as one of the most sustainable, green campuses in the nation by the Sierra Club to being named the top masters granting institution in the Pacific Northwest by U. S. News and World Report. Westerns goal is to build a stronger Washington by being an international leader in active learning, critical thinking, and societal problem solving, and these awards and honors illustrate those successes."
Lahaji Thomas
  • Reviewed: 2/18/2017
  • Degree: Education
"Application Process: From the application to graduation Western Washington University (WWU) was a place that supported me and what I was up to. During my application process the office of admission walked me through my application; talked with me when I needed support; and directed me to services that I could use to strengthen my application. If I could give anyone advice around the process of the application I would say reach out, ask question, and get what you need. WWU office of admissions is there to support you. Financial Aid: After being accepted the support continued through the financial aid process. WWU office of financial aid walked me through my aid packet and made sure to explain the process of accepting scholarships, grants, and loans. During this time, I had various questions and the office of financial aid was sure to answer accordingly. Based on my situation I walked out of WWU with limited loans to my name. The WWU Experience: When getting to WWU all freshman are welcomed with a ceremony. For me the ceremony provided a sense of community throughout the school. This sense of community never left. Whether it be through student support services, academic advising, financial aid, or anything else pertaining my educational needs; WWU was always there. I like to believe the reason why WWU was so supportive was because I was very vocal with what I needed. Though no school is perfect WWU did their best hear me and address my concerns accordingly. Doing their best to alleviate the worries that go with being at university. Graduation: After it was all said and done I got out of WWU in four years. Though college was a whole new world to me, I left WWU prepared for life. Looking back WWU provided a unique experience to find myself in a space that was safe. After four years, I believe WWU lived out their motto of Active Minds Changing Lives. They made me think and through my thoughts I found the power to produce the change I wanted to see."
Emma Hefton
  • Reviewed: 9/16/2016
  • Degree: Public Health
"Western's Community Health program is viewed very highly by persons familiar with the program and its graduates. Many organizations prefer Western Community Health graduates for their excellent preparedness for the field. In addition, the faculty and staff is very good to work with. They are very experienced, patient, and kind."