This neighborhood is home to its namesake, Western Washington University, the state’s most popular four year college. In the fall of 2008, WWU enrolled more than 14,000 students.

Dormitorios on the WWU campus, house more than 3,800 students, with thousands more living in the area’s surrounding residential homes and apartment complexes. With more than 1,500 employees, the university is one of Whatcom County’s largest employers. The campus continues to grow with a new two new communications buildings and recreation center on the south-end.