Western Washington University has a significant economic impact on the local community as the third-largest employer in Whatcom County, as a purchaser of local goods and services, and as a hub for research, teaching, and development in Bellingham, Washington. This analysis attempts to quantify the monetary and employment effects of University operations and presence on the surrounding region.
Overview
Western’s impact on the local economy reaches beyond just those it employs or teaches. The money spent at Western ripples through the economy of Washington State, creating external jobs, salaries, and opportunities. Some economic impacts spread into nearby British Columbia, or throughout the U.S., although these impacts are relatively small and out of the scope of this report.
Many of Western’s operations produce economic value such as with technology transfer, the support of the surrounding community, and the promotion of an educated workforce, but not all of these produce easily measurable monetary value, and there remains some variability in the interpretations of the output. The numbers generated by Western’s impact analysis do not attempt to include the entire sociological, environmental, and developmental impacts of Western Washington University. Therefore, included are the most measurably accurate outputs of the general university operations.
Western Washington University's total capital expenditures amounted to $138.5 million, with construction representing about 35.51% of the total reflecting ongoing investment in infrastructure.
Student spending, including $28.3 million on food and $66.3 million on personal expenditures, significantly contributes to the local economy beyond campus boundaries.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western plays a vital role in the local and regional economies by providing resources like access to business advisors and state agencies, aiding small businesses in navigating the complexities of running their ventures.
Unique Clients Served
643
Providing assistance in areas required for small business expansion, increased productivity and innovation.
Jobs Created
426
Showcasing a significant impact on job creation and economic growth.
SBDC Clients Invested in Businesses
$7.3M
Demonstrating effectiveness in financial growth and sustainability for small businesses in the region.
Western Washington University creates 3,381 jobs in Bellingham, making up almost 4% of all nonfarm jobs there. Each job it creates leads to nearly two more indirectly. In 2022, Western employed 1,961 people directly, but its total employment impact rose to 3,381 jobs, showing how its presence boosts job opportunities in the area.
Total Economic Impact
1.2B
Western's impact ripples across Washington State.
Employment Throughout Washington State
6,893
Each job directly created by Western leads to almost two more jobs indirectly statewide.
One of the Largest Employers in Whatcom County
#3
Western Washington University is the third-largest employer in Whatcom County, providing almost 2,000 jobs.