Western Washington University vs. Whitworth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA with Whitworth University in Spokane, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Washington University is larger than Whitworth University based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting); Whitworth University is in Spokane, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitworth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Washington University 18:1; Whitworth University 11:1.

Western Washington University vs. Whitworth University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Washington University than Whitworth University ($24,338 vs. $27,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whitworth University are 9.2% lower than at Western Washington University ($14,300 vs. $15,747).
• Whitworth University is 451.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Washington University (about $43,298 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $9,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.2% higher at Whitworth University than at Western Washington University (about $24,173 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $28,707.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whitworth University than at Western Washington University (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitworth University students is 494.1% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($41,007 vs. $6,902).

Western Washington University vs. Whitworth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Washington University or Whitworth University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Whitworth University and Western Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Washington University (1270) is 60 points higher than at Whitworth University (1210).
• Incoming Western Washington University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Whitworth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Washington University 1150/1390; Whitworth University 1090/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Washington University 24/31; Whitworth University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Washington University - Test optional; Whitworth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027; Whitworth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitworth University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Western Washington University (3.46).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than Whitworth University (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at Western Washington University vs. 13.9% at Whitworth University.

Western Washington University vs. Whitworth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Washington University and Whitworth University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Whitworth University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Western Washington University's (73%).
• Graduates from Western Washington University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Whitworth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $6,587 lower median loan debt than Whitworth University graduates ($19,413 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whitworth University graduates ($200 vs. $268).
• More Western Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whitworth University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 71%)

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.