College Costs in Bellingham, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Bellingham, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,771
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,582
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,266
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Bellingham Overview
Population
92,314
Student Population
4,736 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
122 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Bellingham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,148
Total After Financial Aid
$103,148
Annual Cost
$25,787
Annual After Aid
$25,787
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,148 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,171 |
| Total Interest | $37,399 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,547 |
Universities in Bellingham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Western Washington University | Public | $8,771 |
| Whatcom Community College | Community | $4,479 |
Bellingham has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bellingham vs. National Average
| Category | Bellingham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,771 | $10,940 | -$2,169 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,266 | $1,050 | +$216 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 100 | +22 |
Bellingham's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bellingham
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,736 students
Bellingham has a total population of 92,314, with approximately 4,736 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bellingham offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bellingham
$62,638
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bellingham earn a median starting salary of $62,638, which is $27,638 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,148 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,310 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
Seattle
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,076
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
Tacoma
25 colleges · Avg tuition $10,637
Kennewick
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Olympia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,148
Pullman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Walla Walla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,257
Ellensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,721
Cheney
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,139
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