Colleges Near Bellingham, WA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering Bellingham, WA as your next academic destination? Located in Whatcom County, Bellingham is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and a variety of educational institutions. Whether you’re looking for a small liberal arts college or a larger university, Bellingham has something to offer. Let’s dive into the details of the colleges near Bellingham, WA.

Western Washington University

Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With an enrollment of over 15,000 students, WWU is the largest institution in the area. The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, and environmental studies. WWU’s campus is situated on 236 acres and features modern facilities, including the Haggard Hall, which houses the Fine Arts Department.

Programs Offered	Enrollment	Campus Size
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs	Over 15,000	236 acres

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham Technical College (BTC) is a public community college that provides career-focused education and training. BTC offers over 70 associate degree and certificate programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a practical education. The college’s campus is located in the heart of Bellingham and features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Advanced Technology Center and the Health Sciences Building.

Programs Offered	Certificate Programs	Campus Size
Associate Degrees and Certificates	Over 70	Multiple locations in Bellingham

Northwest Indian College

Northwest Indian College (NIC) is a tribal college that serves the Native American community. The college offers a variety of associate and bachelor’s degree programs, with a focus on Native American culture, history, and languages. NIC’s campus is located on the Lummi Indian Reservation and features traditional Longhouse-style buildings.

Programs Offered	Focus	Campus Size
Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees	Native American culture, history, and languages	Lummi Indian Reservation

Western Washington University – Bellingham Technical College Partnership

The Western Washington University – Bellingham Technical College Partnership is a unique collaboration that allows students to transfer credits between the two institutions. This partnership provides students with the opportunity to earn an associate degree from BTC and then transfer to WWU to complete a bachelor’s degree. This program is particularly beneficial for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a technical field.

Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public community college that offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs. The college is known for its strong programs in healthcare, business, and technology. WCC’s campus is located in Bellingham and features modern facilities, including the Health Professions Building and the Technology Center.

Programs Offered	Certificate Programs	Campus Size
Associate Degrees and Certificates	Over 50	Multiple locations in Bellingham

Western Washington University – Fairhaven College

Western Washington University’s Fairhaven College is a small, interdisciplinary college that offers a unique educational experience. The college focuses on critical thinking, writing, and community engagement. Fairhaven College is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention to students. The college is located in the Fairhaven