WWU Enrollment Shows Record Number of Freshman Students

Fall enrollment for freshmen and transfer students of color is the highest ever

Western Washington University’s fall enrollment figures show that the freshman class is the largest in the history of the university. And fall enrollment for freshmen and new transfer students of color is the highest ever at Western.

“We’re excited to welcome Western’s largest and most diverse entering class yet, with increases in first generation and transfer students as well.  Our goal has been to increase access to Western’s distinctive academic excellence, first-rate programs and top notch faculty. We see that as an essential part of our mission, creating brighter futures in Washington and beyond,” said Western President Bruce Shepard.

Western welcomed 2809 freshman students fall quarter and 1,161 new undergraduate transfer students. For fall 2014, there were 2,786 freshmen and 1,108 transfer students.

Among freshmen students there is a 6 percent increase in students of color – 844 for fall 2015 compared to 793 for fall of 2014 – and 30 percent overall students of color among new freshmen this fall. There is a 4 percent increase in freshmen first-generation students.

Among transfer students there is a nearly 16 percent increase in students of color – 274 for fall 2015 compared to 237 for fall 2014 – and nearly 24 percent overall students of color among new transfer students. There is a nearly 13 percent increase in first generation transfer students. 

Total fall enrollment at Western for fall quarter is 15,332 compared to last year’s total enrollment of 15,060 students.

Overall, more than 89 percent of all Western students are resident, in-state, with about 11 percent from out of state, including international students. There are students from 42 states and international students from across the globe.

Nearly 75 percent of transfer students come directly from a state community college, led by Whatcom, Everett, Bellevue, Skagit, Green River and Olympic community colleges.

Leading areas of residence for in-state students are King County, Snohomish County, the Peninsulas areas, Whatcom County and Central Washington. The top five states outside of Washington where nonresident students are from are California, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho.

Contact:  Clara Capron, WWU Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, 650-2442 or Clara.Capron@wwu.edu