Western is recognized nationally for its successes, from its leadership as one of the most sustainable, “green” campuses in the nation by the Sierra Club to being named the top master’s granting institution in the Pacific Northwest by U. S. News and World Report. Western’s goal is to build a stronger Washington by being an international leader in active learning, critical thinking, and societal problem solving, and these awards and honors illustrate those successes.
National Recognition
Recent Awards
Best in the Northwest
Western Washington University is the highest-ranking public, master’s-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, according to the 2013 U.S. News & World Report college rankings.
U.S. News and Word Report also placed Western on the 2013 list of Highly Ranked Universities that Operate Most Efficiently.
Great Value
Kiplinger’s ranks Western on its 2013 list of 100 Best Values in Public Colleges and Universities.
Peace Corps Volunteers
Western ranks FIRST in the nation in 2013 among medium-sized universities sending its graduates to the Peace Corps.
Community Engagement
Western Washington University has been selected for the national 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction award, which recognizes higher education institutions across the country that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.
Western was given the Community Engagement classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its efforts to operate community-outreach programs, deepen students’ civic and academic learning and to enhance overall community well-being.
Great Place to Work
The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Academic Workplace report names Western as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, winning honors in two categories: teaching environment, and tenure clarity and process.
Forbes Magazine ranks Western among the 2012 list of Nation's Top Colleges.
G.I. Jobs selected Western again in 2013 as a "Military Friendly School", placing Western in the top 15 percent of all higher education institutions nationwide.
Western Ranked 14th on Sierra Club's Annual List of 'Coolest Schools'.