Skip to content

Western Washington University vs Great Northern University

Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, WA, and Great Northern University is a private university in Spokane, WA. Western Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 100% at Great Northern University. Great Northern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,029 a year against $21,193 at Western Washington University.

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

Great Northern University

Spokane, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bellingham, WA
Spokane, WA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,544
48
Acceptance rate
93%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1390
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,193
$21,029
Full cost / yr
$30,359
$28,405
In-state tuition
$9,582
$18,300
Out-of-state tuition
$28,707
$18,300
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,915
$19,898
$30k - $48k
$14,147
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$17,539
$22,160
$75k - $110k
$24,301
Not reported
Over $110k
$27,984
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
Not reported
Freshman retention
79%
100%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,272
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,569
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
42%
First-generation students
27%
Not reported
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 31
Rolling

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 Western Washington University or Great Northern University harder to get into?
Western Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 100% at Great Northern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or Great Northern University?
Great Northern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,029 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,193 at Western Washington University. 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 Western Washington University and Great Northern University?
Before aid, Great Northern University costs about $28,405 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, Western Washington University or Great Northern University?
Western Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,915 there, against about $19,898 at Great Northern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Western Washington University or Great Northern University?
Western Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 13,544 undergraduates against 48 at Great Northern University.
Do Western Washington University and Great Northern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Western Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Great Northern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school