Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public community college established in 1967 and accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.   WCC is dedicated to supporting a student body, meeting the diverse needs of our community, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and community involvement.

WCC is a demonstrated leader and host institution for the National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE) and CAE Candidates National Center (CCNC), the Washington State Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and maintains its own Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Programs of Study.   In addition, WCC was named the site of the Area Health Education Center for Western Washington (AHECWW); one of two centers in the State of Washington.

WCC offers three Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Applied Business Management, IT Network-Cybersecurity, and Social Work as well as 34 transfer degrees, 75 certificates, career preparation, online and hybrid courses, and community education classes.

WCC provides extensive student support services, including academic advising and tutoring, TRIO, disability services, mental health networks, and veteran services.   WCC’s athletic programs are part of NWAC, offering students opportunities to participate in intercollegiate sports.    WCC strives to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive educational environment that embraces students from all backgrounds, whether they are following a traditional academic path or returning to education later in life.  In response to the changing needs of its communities, WCC consistently enhances its range of programs to support students in transitioning to four-year institutions and successful careers.

WCC’s 72-acre campus is located in Bellingham, a coastal city in Washington State, between Seattle and Vancouver. This land has long been the traditional home of the Lummi and Nooksack tribes, who have cared for it since time immemorial and maintain a profound connection to it. The College remains committed to honoring and respecting the enduring presence and contributions of the Lummi, Nooksack, and other Indigenous communities in the region.

Year founded

1967 (Read more about Whatcom's history)

Location

Located on 72 acres in Whatcom County in Bellingham, WA

School colors and mascot

Burgundy and blue
Orca 

Enrollment (includes community and continuing education, 2023-24)

7,802 annually 
2,905 FTE (full-time equivalent) 

Student demographics* (credit-seeking students only, of students, 2023-24)

56% female; 43% male
76% 29 years or younger
85% from Whatcom county (of students 20 or younger)
37% attending full time
39% students of color 
36% first-generation college students

*Credit-seeking students

16:1 student-faculty ratio
143 full-time faculty 
89 part-time faculty 

5,424 credit-seeking students  
1,064 Running Start students
252 international students
132 veterans
2,405 community & continuing education students
34 student athletes

73% of 2023-24 degrees earned: academic transfer
27% of 2023-24 degrees earned: professional technical (healthcare, technology, business, education, law & justice) 

Top ten degrees earned by WCC graduates in two or four-year colleges