- Whatcom Community College is a regionally and nationally accredited two-year college with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve nearly 11,000 students annually. On its 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Wash., and through online courses, Whatcom offers transfer degrees, professional-technical training programs, as well as basic education, job skills, and Community & Continuing Education classes. According to the Aspen Institute (2016), WCC is rated among the top nine community and technical colleges in the state and recognized as one of the leading community colleges in the nation. Established in 1967, Whatcom has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1976.
School Highlights
Whatcom Community College serves 3,674 students (51% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 3,674 students
- In-state tuition: $4,031
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Minority enrollment: 49%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 148 teachers has declined by 57% over five years.
Whatcom Community College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1967
Campus Size
72 acres
Total Faculty
148 staff
156 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Whatcom Community College has grown by 35% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Whatcom Community College diversity score of 0.68 is less than the state average of 0.77. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,674 students
3,791 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
1,856 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Students
1,818 students
1,956 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
3,674 students
3,741 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,856 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,818 students
1,956 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
6%
9%
% Hispanic
13%
19%
% Black
2%
6%
% White
51%
40%
% Two or more races
7%
8%
% Non Resident races
2%
3%
% Unknown races
18%
14%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.77
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
31%
30%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
42%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,200
$36,300
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $4,031 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,031
$4,105
Tuition Notes
Includes tuition onl
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
62%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,917
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,055
$6,242
Acceptance Rate
75%
75%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
BasketballSoccer
Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Phi Theta Kappa Honor SocietyStudent clubs and activities
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir and drama programs
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Clubs and intramural sports teams
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Whatcom Community College is a regionally and nationally accredited two-year college with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve nearly 11,000 students annually. On its 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Wash., and through online courses, Whatcom offers transfer degrees, professional-technical training programs, as well as basic education, job skills, and Community & Continuing Education classes. According to the Aspen Institute (2016),WCC is rated among the top nine community and technical colleges in the state and recognized as one of the leading community colleges in the nation. Established in 1967, Whatcomhas been accredited by theNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universitiessince 1976.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Whatcom Community College cost?
Whatcom Community College's tuition is approximately $4,031 for In-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Whatcom Community College?
The acceptance rate of Whatcom Community College is 75%, which is equal to the state average of 75%.
What sports does Whatcom Community College offer?
Whatcom Community College offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.
In what neighborhood is Whatcom Community College located?
Whatcom Community College is located in the Cordata neighborhood of Bellingham, WA.
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