Western Washington University Cost & Financial Aid
Affordability Summary
Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid. Strong support for lower-income students.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Western Washington University
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$28K
+
Room
$15K
+
Books
$1,176
=
Sticker Price
$28,305
$28K+$15K+$1,176=$28,305
Your Family Income
Sticker
$28,305
−
Your Aid
$12,128
=
Net Price
$16,177
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Western Washington University Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$28,305
Tuition and Fees
$27,853
Room and Board
$14,915
Books and Supplies
$1,176
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$9,625
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$18,680
Western Washington University Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$11,416
$30–48k
$12,741
$48–75k
$16,177
$75–110k
$21,581
$110k+
$25,698
Understanding Your Aid Package
Western Washington University has a sticker price of $28,305 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $28,305/year
Average aid: $9,625 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$16,177/year
Student Debt & Repayment
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$18,500
Range (25th–75th)$7,000 – $24,424
Median Parent PLUS Loans$20,000
Debt Manageability
0.30x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$62,569
vs $60,543 peer avg(+$2,026)
Earnings Growth
+38%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$-17,858
4th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$39,304
25th %ile
$86,564
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Washington University Cost & Financial Aid
Western Washington University's published tuition is $28,305 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $16,177—a difference of $12,128.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $11,416 at Western Washington University. 21% of students receive Pell Grants.
Western Washington University offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Western graduates is $18,500, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $196 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $25,698 at Western—still $2,607 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
