Western Washington University
10/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/26/2026 18:17
Western Washington University Earns National Rankings Recognition for College Value and Outcomes
WWU News
Western Washington University Earns National Rankings Recognition for College Value and Outcomes
October 26, 2026
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University continues to demonstrate the value of a high-quality public education, earning recognition in national rankings that assess student success, affordability and the long-term benefits of a college degree.
In Washington Monthly's 2025 Master's University Rankings, Western ranked #65 nationally, reflecting its performance across measures of access, affordability, student outcomes and public service. The university earned particular recognition for student achievement, with a 72% eight-year graduation rate, which placed it third in the state; and an affordability ranking of No. 69 nationally. The publication also reported median earnings of $52,116 nine years after students entered college.
Washington Monthly also singled out Western as the top public higher ed institution in the state for public service, citing Western's graduates who enter AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps and of students who enroll in service-oriented majors like social work. Among other statistics, it also tracks colleges' commitment to encouraging voting participation.
Western's commitment to educational value is further reflected in WalletHub's 2027 College & University Rankings. Among Washington institutions, Western ranked No. 6, placing it among the state's leading colleges and universities in a national assessment of nearly 740 institutions. WalletHub evaluates schools across 30 measures, including cost and financing, graduation rates, faculty resources and career outcomes.
Earlier this fall, Western was named the best value among the state's regional universities by U.S. News and World Report's annual college rankings.
These rankings underscore Western's commitment to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals while making the most of their investment in higher education. With a focus on student success, accessible learning opportunities and meaningful outcomes after graduation, Western continues to be an important educational resource for Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Western Washington University published this content on October 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 27, 2026 at 00:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]