Western Washington University is launching a new plan to boost enrollment and to make college more accessible for students across Washington.
The Presidential Strategic Enrollment Growth Initiative is designed to simplify admission and transfers, drawing out students who might not have seen college as an option.
“The initiative grew from a simple but urgent goal: to expand access and success for more Washington students,” said Western’s Provost and Executive Vice President Brad Johnson via email. “By simplifying admissions and making pathways clearer, we can open WWU’s doors wider.”
Western saw just over a 10% dip in enrollment this fall, with 2,690 first-year students. That’s about 319 fewer than the year before, according to Western’s fall 2025 census numbers.
Through the initiative, Western hopes to enroll 3,200 first-year students and 1,200 transfer students by fall 2026. These goal numbers are around the same as Western’s pre-pandemic enrollment numbers.
Western’s plan focuses on three core programs: the Western Guaranteed Admissions Program, the Guaranteed Community College Transfer, and expanded recruitment and outreach efforts.
The Western Guaranteed Admissions Program, launching this admissions cycle, offers eligible seniors from select Washington counties automatic admission to Western, with no application or fee.
Students with a 2.75 GPA or higher who meet Washington’s graduation requirements and attend public high schools in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties will qualify for the pilot program this admissions cycle.
Maddy Sonshine, a senior at Orcas Island High School in San Juan County, said she sees the program as a promising opportunity for herself and her peers.
Sonshine added that she has seen her peers discouraged by the admissions process and thinks the Guaranteed Admissions Program would make college more accessible for them.
“There are a lot of people who don’t want to do the admissions process, and I really think it could help,” she said. “It would be nice to have that pathway open to you.”
Another pillar of the initiative is the Guaranteed Community College Transfer program. Washington community and technical college students with a 2.5 GPA or higher will have a guaranteed spot at Western.
Like many universities, Western faces headwinds from shifting demographics and rising affordability concerns.
According to Johnson, Washington’s college-going rate is among the lowest in the nation – only about half of recent high school graduates enroll in a two or four-year program within a year of graduation.
“The biggest challenge is reaching Washington state students who may not see college as an option and ensuring they have the means and the support to succeed once they enroll,” Johnson said. “Our challenge is to show them they have a place at WWU. That’s what this initiative is all about.”
To Johnson, success isn’t just about enrollment numbers, but about impact.
“Success means more Washington students, from more diverse backgrounds, choosing Western because they see it as accessible, welcoming and valuable,” he said.
Sonshine sees Johnson’s vision and thinks the plan is a good idea.
“That would make a really big difference for a lot of people,” she said.
Ellie Wright is a second-year at Western studying News/Editorial Journalism and Political Science. As a reporter for The Front, she writes about campus news. When she’s not chasing stories, she enjoys reading, hiking, and taking care of her houseplants. You can reach her at ellie.thefront@gmail.com.
