Information about WSU Vancouver, USA

WSU Vancouver provides undergraduate and graduate courses to approximately 3,400 students.

The 350-acre campus is beautifully situated in the Salmon Creek area just seven miles north of downtown Vancouver, Washington, USA and 15 miles north of Portland, Oregon, USA.

Natural beauty and mild climate

Mini forests, streams, open meadows, and views of the Cascade Mountains accentuate the natural beauty of the campus. Access to the campus is easy from both of the main interstate highways, I-5 and I-205.

All the campus buildings, which have been built since 1996, blend into the natural environment, making the campus something of a showcase of technology and architectural design. Students attending WSU Vancouver are commuters who make their home in the surrounding area rather than on campus. Ample parking spaces exist and campus amenities include:

  • outdoor sports court
  • fitness center
  • ski, snowboard and sports equipment rental shop
  • woodland walking paths

Be sure to check out the campus map.

Local weather

Southwest Washington has a very mild climate. Summer daytime temperatures range from 24 to 32 degrees centigrade. Nights cool down. October through May are characterized by almost daily light rain with occasional clearings. (It only occasionally freezes or snows during the winter months even though the mountains 50 miles away accumulate a lot of snow, making skiing and snowboarding a major winter attraction.)

Diverse urban region

WSU Vancouver is located at the northern boundary of the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Vancouver, WA, USA is separated from Portland, OR, USA by the Columbia River. Together these cities and their adjacent communities are home to approximately 1,000,000 people. The city of Vancouver has more of a suburban feel whereas the city of Portland has the feel of a large city. Vancouver is home to the Farmer's market, the Ridgefield Wildlife Reserve, and riverfront sidewalks along the Columbia River.

From Vancouver, one can be in downtown Portland in 15 – 20 minutes by car. The area is home to professional sports teams, major entertainment, corporate headquarters, several colleges and universities, numerous museums, parks, etc. Portland is also known for its urban forest parks with thousands of acres of forest and miles of walking and hiking trails within the city limits. A public transportation system links the region through bus and light rail.

Distances by car from Vancouver:

  • To Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)—six hours
  • To Seattle—three hours
  • To the Pacific Ocean—two hours
  • To Olympia (Washington State Capitol)—one hour and 30 minutes
  • To Mt. Hood (skiing)—one hour and 20 minutes
  • To the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area—45 minutes

Learn more about WSU Vancouver