Western Washington University: A Comprehensive Look at Student Demographics and Diversity

Western Washington University (WWU), a public, comprehensive university founded in 1893, prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Recognized for its excellence in undergraduate education and strong sense of community, WWU strives to support full access and success for Washington’s diverse population. This article delves into the demographics of WWU, examining various aspects such as race, gender, age, geographic origin, and other factors that contribute to the university's diverse campus environment.

Geographic Diversity

WWU attracts students from various locations, contributing to its geographic diversity. According to College Factual's analysis, WWU ranks 614 out of 2,183 colleges in terms of geographic diversity.

Out-of-State and International Students

A significant portion of WWU's student body comes from outside Washington state. Approximately 16.19% of WWU students are from out of state, while 0.48% are international students. This mix of students from different states and countries enriches the campus environment and fosters cross-cultural understanding.

Student Location Diversity Score

WWU has a student location diversity score of 71 out of 100. The undergraduate student body includes students from 39 states, potentially including Washington D.C. This broad geographic representation enhances the diversity of perspectives and experiences on campus.

Age Diversity

WWU demonstrates a commitment to attracting students of all ages. The university's age diversity score indicates a good job in attracting students from various age groups.

Traditional College Age Students

A traditional college student is typically between 18 and 21 years old. While WWU caters to this demographic, it also welcomes students of other ages, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive learning environment. The Student Age Diversity score is 65.64 out of 100.

Race and Ethnicity

The racial and ethnic composition of WWU's student body reflects a diverse community. In 2023, the enrolled student population was:

68.7% White
10.9% Hispanic or Latino
8.86% Two or More Races
5.73% Asian
1.92% Black or African American
0.382% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.205% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity among enrolled students was White, with 10,071 students. Hispanic or Latino students accounted for 1,602 enrollees, while students identifying as Two or More Races numbered 1,298. Compared to the average for all Masters Colleges and Universities, WWU has a higher proportion of White students (68.7% vs. 50.1%) and a lower proportion of Black or African American students (1.92% vs. 13.4%).

Race & Ethnicity by Share

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity at Western Washington University is white (2,593 degrees awarded). There were 7.32 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, two or more races (354 degrees).

Graduates Race and Ethnicity

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Western Washington University was white (2,593 degrees awarded). There were 7.32 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, two or more races (354 degrees).

Read also: CWRU Tuition and Fees

Gender Diversity

WWU demonstrates a balanced gender distribution among its student population. In 2023, 3,729 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs, with 59.5% of these degrees awarded to women and 40.5% awarded to men.

Sex Breakdown for Common Majors

In 2023, 1,511 degrees were awarded to men at Western Washington University, which is 0.681 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (2,218).

Most Common Male and Female Majors

In 2023, 133 degrees were awarded to men at Western Washington University in General Computer & Information Sciences, which is 6.65 times more than the 20 female recipients with that same degree. In 2023, 181 degrees were awarded to men at Western Washington University in General Psychology, which is 3.07 times more than the 59 male recipients with that same degree.

Faculty and Staff Diversity

WWU's commitment to diversity extends to its faculty and staff. The university's 2025 Affirmative Action Program (AAP) for Women and Minorities provides data on employee demographics.

Employee Demographics

As of October 31, 2024, WWU employed 2,310 individuals. Women comprised 56.15% of the total workforce, while racial/ethnic minorities accounted for 22.25%. Among faculty members, 53.58% were women, and 24.95% were racial/ethnic minorities. Staff members were 58.03% women and 20.27% racial/ethnic minorities.

Read also: Growth and Community at WOU

Reporting Methodology

Employee demographic data is self-reported, and individuals who identify as both women and belonging to a racial/ethnic minority are included in both categories. The racial/ethnic minority category includes individuals who self-identified as Hispanic or Latino; American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; or Two or more races.

Enrollment Statistics

In 2023, Western Washington University had a total enrollment of 14,651 students. The full-time enrollment at Western Washington University is 13,009 students and the part-time enrollment is 1,642. This means that 88.8% of students enrolled at Western Washington University are enrolled full-time.

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

The full-time enrollment at Western Washington University is 13,009 and the part-time enrollment is 1,642. This means that 88.8% of students enrolled at Western Washington University are enrolled full-time compared with 68.2% at similar Masters Colleges and Universities.

Retention Rate

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Western Washington University was 80%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Masters Colleges and Universities (74%), Western Washington University had a retention rate higher than its peers.

Admissions

Western Washington University received 14,243 undergraduate applications in 2023, which represents a 20.1% annual growth. Out of those 14,243 applicants, 13,005 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 91.3% acceptance rate.

Acceptance Rate

In 2023, the undergraduate acceptance rate of Western Washington University was 91.3% (13,005 admissions from 14,243 applications). Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants grew by 20.1%, while admissions grew by 18.3%.

SAT Scores

9% of enrolled first-time students at Western Washington University in 2023 submitted SAT scores with their applications.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition Costs

In 2023, the cost of tuition at Western Washington University was $7,997. The cost of tuition at Western Washington University is $−16,578 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575).

Average Net Price

In 2023 Western Washington University had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $22,096. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Western Washington University grew by 4.7%.

Other Student Expenses

The average yearly cost of room and board at Western Washington University was of $14,691 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 12.3% between 2022 and 2023. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,086. The cost of books and supplies increased by 7.42% during the same period.

Financial Aid

59% of undergraduate students at Western Washington University received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023.

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2022 the default rate for borrower's at Western Washington University was 0.0416%, which represents 1 out of the 2406 total borrowers.

Graduation and Completion Rates

In 2023, 43% of students graduating from Western Washington University completed their program within 100% "normal time". Comparatively, 68% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 69% within 200%.

Graduation Rate by Race and Sex

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Western Washington University is Female and White (69.8% graduation rate).

Common Jobs and Industries for Graduates

The most common jobs for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Western Washington University are Other managers (203,757 people), Lawyers, & judges, magistrates, & other judicial workers (203,192 people), Postsecondary teachers (202,657 people), Elementary & middle school teachers (190,690 people), and Secondary school teachers (169,139 people). The most common industries for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Western Washington University are Elementary & secondary schools (499,492 people), Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (399,743 people), uninformed (388,794 people), Computer Systems Design (164,808 people), and Legal services (163,535 people).

Commitment to Access, Equity, and Inclusion

Western Washington University is deeply committed to issues of access, equity and inclusion, and has long worked to fulfill its mission of supporting full access and success for Washington’s diverse population. WWU's data efforts encompass campus representation, tracking demographics by race/ethnicity, gender, and more of students, faculty, and staff, and monitoring how these are changing over time. The university also focuses on campus progress, examining graduation rates and career advancement for different groups.

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