Western Washington University, founded in 1893, is a public comprehensive university in Bellingham, Washington, about 90 miles north of Seattle near the Canadian border. With about 16,000 students, WWU is known for its strong programs in environmental studies, business, education, visual arts, and sciences. The campus sits in the foothills of the Cascades with views of Bellingham Bay, and the university is recognized for its outstanding public sculpture collection.