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Whatcom Community College

Bellingham, WA·Public·2,280 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 2,280 students.

N/A
Accept
2,280
Students
$9,608
Net Price
36%
Grad Rate
$38,400
Earnings
10 yr
$8,000
Debt

About This School

Whatcom Community College is a public institution located in Bellingham, Washington with approximately 2,280 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $9,608 per year. The graduation rate is 36%, and the typical graduate earns $38,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Whatcom Community College is a public community college in Bellingham, Washington, United States, in Whatcom County. Established in 1967, Whatcom has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1976.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $9,608/year net price and a low median debt of $8,000 at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths into higher education in Washington state. However, the 36% graduation rate is a real concern — most students who start here don't finish, so you'll want to be honest with yourself about your support system and commitment before enrolling. If you're considering transferring to a four-year school or need a low-cost stepping stone, this can work well, but go in with a clear plan.

Founded
1967
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Health Professions15%
Computer Science13%
Education7%
Engineering2%
Physical Sciences0%
Visual & Performing Arts0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,146
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,096
Avg Net Price
$9,608
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$8,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
36%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White53%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,280 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Whatcom Community College

237 W Kellogg Rd

Bellingham, WA 98226

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Washington

Browse all Washington schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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