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The Evergreen State College vs Western Washington University

The Evergreen State College is a public college in Olympia, WA, and Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, WA. Western Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 96% at The Evergreen State College. Western Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,193 a year against $24,319 at The Evergreen State College. About 65% of students graduate at Western Washington University, compared with 43% at The Evergreen State College. Ten years after enrolling, Western Washington University alumni earn a median of about $62,569, against $45,320 for The Evergreen State College.

The Evergreen State College

Olympia, WA · Public

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Olympia, WA
Bellingham, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,160
13,544
Acceptance rate
96%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
1035–1253
1150–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,319
$21,193
Full cost / yr
$28,477
$30,359
In-state tuition
$9,264
$9,582
Out-of-state tuition
$31,905
$28,707
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,079
$12,915
$30k - $48k
$22,607
$14,147
$48k - $75k
$25,723
$17,539
$75k - $110k
$27,346
$24,301
Over $110k
$28,477
$27,984
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
65%
Freshman retention
70%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$34,774
$45,272
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,320
$62,569
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
21%
First-generation students
30%
27%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 31

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is The Evergreen State College or Western Washington University harder to get into?
Western Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 96% at The Evergreen State College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, The Evergreen State College or Western Washington University?
Western Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,193 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,319 at The Evergreen State College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at The Evergreen State College and Western Washington University?
Before aid, The Evergreen State College costs about $28,477 a year and Western Washington University about $30,359. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, The Evergreen State College or Western Washington University?
Western Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,915 there, against about $22,079 at The Evergreen State College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, The Evergreen State College or Western Washington University?
Western Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 13,544 undergraduates against 2,160 at The Evergreen State College.
Does The Evergreen State College or Western Washington University have a better graduation rate?
Western Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 43% at The Evergreen State College.
Do graduates of The Evergreen State College or Western Washington University earn more?
Western Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,569 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,320 for The Evergreen State College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The Evergreen State College and Western Washington University require SAT or ACT scores?
The Evergreen State College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do The Evergreen State College and Western Washington University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1035–1253 at The Evergreen State College and 1150–1390 at Western Washington University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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