Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

Total Enrollment

14,651

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

297

297 programs

Full-Time Students

12,327

1,377 part-time

Total FTE

13,114

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

55
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
3729
Total Recent Graduates

With 14,651 students, Western Washington University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 297 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 12,327 (90.0%)
90.0%
Part-Time Students 1,377 (10.0%)
Total Students 13,704

Predominantly full-time students (90.0%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (84.1%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
58.0%
8,491 students
Men
42.0%
6,160 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
68.7%
10,071 students
White
68.7% (10,071)
Hispanic/Latino
10.9% (1,602)
Two or More Races
8.9% (1,298)
Asian
5.7% (840)
Black/African American
1.9% (282)
International Students
1.2% (174)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.4% (56)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (30)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 14,651 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 69% of the student body (10,071 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

13,704 students

42% Men, 58% Women
12,327 Full-time 1,377 Part-time
Diversity Index: 50% • Minority Students: 19%

Graduate students

947 students

36% Men, 64% Women
682 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%

FT Undergraduate

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

FT Degree-Seeking

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

FT First-Time

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

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 Continuing

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

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%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

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

PT Undergraduate

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

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 Continuing

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

PT Transfer

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

PT Continuing

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

PT Non-Degree

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

PT Graduate

265
Part-time graduate students
92 men, 173 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

9,432
White
271
Black/African American
1,493
Hispanic/Latino
789
Asian
146
International
Diversity Index: 50% Minority Students: 19%

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 14,651 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (84.1%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 13,114 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 47% taking some online courses.
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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