- 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 4,825 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 56%.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Enrollment: 4,825 students
- In-state tuition: $4,031
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
- Minority enrollment: 44%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 350 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Whatcom Community College
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
350 staff
353 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Whatcom Community College has grown by 16% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Whatcom Community College diversity score of 0.65 is less than the state average of 0.75. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,825 students
5,207 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
2,058 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Students
2,767 students
3,179 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
482 students
494 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,058 students
2,028 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
3,179 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
6%
10%
% Hispanic
13%
17%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
56%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
4%
3%
% Unknown races
12%
9%
Diversity Score
0.65
0.75
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
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,031 is less than the state average of $4,105. The in-state tuition has declined by 15% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,031
$4,105
Tuition Notes
Includes tuition onl
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
60%
58%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,917
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,055
$6,192
Acceptance Rate
75%
99%
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: 2024 (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 lower than the state average of 99%.
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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