National Recognition
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.
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 2011 U.S. News & World Report college rankings.
Great Value
Kiplinger’s ranks Western 38th in its list of 100 Best Values in Public Colleges and Universities.
Peace Corps Volunteers
Western ranks third in the nation among medium-sized universities sending its graduates to the Peace Corps, behind only George Washington and UVA:
Community Engagement
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 four categories: collaborative governance, teaching environment, confidence in senior leadership, and tenure clarity and process.
Western Ranked 14th on Sierra Club's Annual List of 'Coolest Schools'.