Western Washington University (WWU or Western) is one of six state-funded, four-year universities of higher education in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located in Bellingham and offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

In 2007, US News ranked Western Washington University number two in the public, master's universities (west) category, while placing 18th overall in the west (both public and private). Only two public schools are ranked among the top 25 master’s universities (west) category, "a region stretching from Texas to the Pacific." The universities found in this ranking are schools that lack doctoral programs but still retain master's programs.

• Classes and labs average 10 to 19 students. Only two percent of courses are taught by graduate teaching assistants. Undergraduates have the opportunity to take graduate level courses.

• Undergraduate research in the sciences and humanities is encouraged. Funds are available for undergraduate research in any field.

• Campus facilities include an electronic music studio, an air pollution lab, a motor vehicle research lab, a marine research lab, a wind tunnel, an electron microscope, and a neutron generator lab. Western's blank">Vehicle Research Institute has led _Automobile Magazine to describe Western as "very possibly the best school in the country for total car design."

• Western is an NCAA Division II school, meaning that limited athletic scholarships are awarded. Western does not recognize fraternities or sororities.

Firms that most frequently hire graduates of Western include: Microsoft, Boeing, Washington State school systems, Bank of America, KPMG LLP, Moss Adams, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Safeco, Maxim, Macy's, Weyerhauser, Wells Fargo, and various government agencies. Western has the fourth largest group of alumni serving in the Peace Corps among top ranked medium-sized colleges and universities.