College statistics
- Address:
- 237 W Kellogg Rd
Bellingham, WA
98226 - Sector Group:
- Public 4-Year or Above
- Official Website:
- whatcom.edu/
- Setting:
- City
- Annual In-State Tuition:
- $3,742
- Room and Board:
- $10,200
- Endowment (End of Year):
- $77,604,877
- Research Activity Tier:
- No research designation
- Economic Mobility Index:
- Higher Access, Medium Earnings
- Primary Undergraduate Major:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Whatcom is a public college with a special focus on faith-based education, located in Bellingham, a city in northwest Washington. It's a smaller institution that draws students looking for a more intimate college experience without the size and anonymity of a large university. The campus sits in a city setting, giving students access to both academic resources and the broader community.
With 3,490 students enrolled, Whatcom keeps things manageable in scale. In-state tuition runs $5,146 per year, and out-of-state students pay $11,096—both reasonable compared to four-year universities. Room and board costs $19,422 annually, bringing the total cost of attendance to $29,080 for Washington residents and $35,030 for out-of-state students. These numbers make Whatcom an accessible option for students watching their budget.
The six-year graduation rate sits at 36.4 percent, which is lower than many four-year institutions and suggests the student body includes many working adults, part-time students, and others balancing college with other responsibilities. Whatcom works best for students who value affordability, a faith-centered community, and a smaller college environment—especially those who may need flexibility in how they pursue their degree.