My daughter was accepted as a transfer student to UW but cannot get housing. She’s not ready to live on her own in an apartment. Would she be crazy to attend WWU instead? I like the vibe much better, and I think it’s a better fit in terms of size. She is concerned about the quality of the education because UW has such a fantastic reputation. I am from Maryland so I’m pretty clueles. I appreciate any feedback!
Which UW?
Are you instate for both?
Is that what you worry about or what she wants?
What major has she been admitted to?
Assumption: UW == University of Washington and WWU == Western Washington University.
First off, she wouldn’t be crazy to go to Western. Bellingham is a terrific city and it will be easier to find (affordable) housing. Likewise, WWU’s tuition will be ~$14000 cheaper with a cheaper COL as well. If you’re worried about internships/placement, Western does a decent job in placing its students in the greater Seattle metro area.
Academically, Western’s a smaller school that’s primarily focused on undergrads while UW is a daunting “sink or swim” sort of place. Finally, popular majors (AKA the ones perceived to most readily place) at UW are competitive which means you have to get in after you’ve already gotten in.
She should go where she’s comfortable. The bigger schools like Washington focus on graduate education and research, to the detriment of undergraduates.
If UW = Washington Seattle, then what major did she get into at both?
All in all, WWU is well respected. However the major would make a difference.
Political science International Studies track
She’s okay then. 
She should make sure she has strong skills in at least one foreign language and at least one semester abroad.
Western has a great study abroad program.
Western is more liberal arts focused, with a lot of general education requirements. If she is transferring from a Washington community college, she should look carefully at the transfer equivalencies and what general education requirements she’s being given credit for. They do give a lot of credit if she has the Associates degree, though.
She should go where she’s comfortable. she must has expert skills, well hope for the best.