The Western Washington University (WWU), situated in Bellingham, Washington, is a medium-sized public university with approximately 16,000 students. It enjoys a reputation for having a supportive learning community, emphasis on undergraduate education, and excellent programs in Environmental Science, Education, Business, and Liberal Arts. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of roughly 91%. WWU's graduation rate stands at about 67%, and its graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $45,000–50,000 (INR 37–42 lakhs) per year.
The University of Washington (UW) is a Seattle, Washington-based public research university with a student enrollment of around 60,000 across its campuses. UW is well-ranked globally, particularly for Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Life Sciences programs. Admissions are significantly more competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 43%. The graduation rate is good at around 84%, and UW alumni start with average salaries of USD $60,000–65,000 (INR 50–54 lakhs) per annum.
| Western Washington University | University of Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 7.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 501 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 1401 QS World University 2025 # 1778 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 684 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 76 QS World University 2025 # 7 US News 2024 |
| Programs | UG Programs -123 PG Programs -28 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -77 PG Programs -56 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 91.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1080 TOEFL-80 | Duolingo-120 IELTS-7 TOEFL-92 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 24739 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 22556 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25167 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 35166 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 31473 [For PG Program] |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.8/10 Read 3 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 8 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2019 | # 115 for Business by QS World University 2024 # 26 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 130/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 5/6 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33821 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| Return on Investment/Average Package | #Average Salary | #Average Salary105000 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) | Jan 6, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake) Feb 4, 2026 (Round 1 Enrollment Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake) Mar 27, 2026 (Round 2 Receive Notification by For Autumn 2026 Intake) Apr 30, 2026 (Round 2 Enrollment Deadline For Autumn 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Western Washington University | University of Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1893 | 1861 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Male:Female | 57% Male, 43% Female | 43% Male, 0% Female |
| Hostel | #On campus - $10971 #Off campus (not with family) - $10971 #Off campus (with family) - $3225 | - |
| Weather |
Western Washington University vs University of Washington
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Western University tends to be ranked higher internationally than York University. Western is about 1499 in US Times ranking, and Univeristy of Washington is about 8th in US Times ranking,. Western is highly ranked in Business ,Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Social Sciences. York is equally strong in Business, Law,Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Western has more overall research recognition, but York excels in business, law, and interdisciplinary studies.
General Information
Western University, a public research university with about 30,000 students and a reputation for traditional campus life, professional faculties, and research excellence, was founded in London, Ontario, in 1878. York, which was founded in 1959 in Toronto, Ontario, is the third-largest university in Canada with about 55,000 students. It offers a multicultural, urban university experience that emphasizes worldviews and social responsibility.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Western has more competitive admissions for business, engineering, and medicine, and is 91% selective. Although programs like Osgoode Law and Schulich Business are very selective and competitive, York is more accepting (43%).
Research Impact & Facilities
Western is a research-intensive university (U15 member) that leads in medicine, health sciences, business, and engineering with state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and international research collaborations. York is also research-active, with particular strengths in social justice, law, business, and sustainability, and is home to large research units such as the York University Centre for Vision Research and the Lassonde School of Engineering.
Cost & Financial Aid
Since they are public universities, tuition is comparable: ~CAD 7,500–9,000 per year for Canadian students and ~CAD 30,000–36,000 for foreign students. Both offer merit scholarships, need awards, and graduate funding. Western is more likely to have prestige-based scholarships through Ivey, whereas York prioritizes accessibility and diversity programs.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Western graduates excel in business, medicine, law, and academe, with a solid alumni network and the cachet of such programs as Ivey Business. York graduates succeed in business, law, government, and the arts, with Schulich Business and Osgoode Law having international reputations and strong placement rates.
