USAFA vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado with Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Washington University is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 4,114 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Air Force Academy is located in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Air Force Academy 7:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

USAFA vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USAFA or Western Washington University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Western Washington University and USAFA ($9,582.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Western Washington University and United States Air Force Academy ($28,707.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Washington University than at United States Air Force Academy (93% vs. 0%).

USAFA vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USAFA or Western Washington University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western Washington University and USAFA.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at United States Air Force Academy (1340) is 70 points higher than at Western Washington University (1270).
• Incoming USAFA students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Western Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Air Force Academy 26/33; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USAFA - Required; Western Washington University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAFA Dec 31, 2026; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman USAFA students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 78.5% at USAFA vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

USAFA vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USAFA and Western Washington University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate is 73%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for USAFA.
• Graduates from Western Washington University have median earnings of about $48,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for USAFA.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.