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Washington State University and Western Washington University are both public institutions — Washington State University in Pullman, WA and Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Pullman, WA · Public
Acceptance rate: 86.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 21,099
Tuition: $29,950/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 60.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Pullman, WA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
Bellingham, WA · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 13,544
Tuition: $28,707/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 64.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Bellingham, WA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | Washington State University | Western Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.6% | 93.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1150–1390 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 24–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 21,099 | 13,544 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,950/year | $28,707/year |
| Average net price after aid | $14,971 | $21,193 |
| Graduation rate | 60.5% | 64.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,905 | $62,569 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Pullman, WA | Bellingham, WA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology |
Washington State University is more selective (86.6% vs 93.3% acceptance rate). Washington State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,971 vs $21,193). Western Washington University reports the higher graduation rate (64.6% vs 60.5%). Washington State University is the larger undergraduate campus (21,099 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Washington State University and Western Washington University
Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 86.6%; Western Washington University is around 93.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Washington State University tuition is $29,950/year. Western Washington University is $28,707/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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