Whittier College
About Whittier College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Whittier College is a private university in Whittier, CA. It has a 75.5% acceptance rate and a 65.6% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,124 students.
Founded
1887
Location
Whittier, California
Students
790
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
80.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
60%
Near national average
Tuition
$51,350
Per year
Avg Net Price
$25,757
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$59,492
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jul 28
Whittier College accepts the majority of applicants at 80.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Average: 26 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
60% complete their degree within six years
Retention
66.2%
4-Year Grad
60%
6-Year Grad
64%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.4%
$/Student
$25.3K
Class Size
Small
60% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$51,350
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,082
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$63,664
After Financial Aid
$25,757
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$21,718
Receive Grants
33.9%
Take Loans
53.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $63,664/yr, including $17,082 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $25,757.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Whittier College fund their education.
While in School
33.9%
Get Grants
Free money
53.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$64,984
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,937
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$264/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,937 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Whittier College.
Gender
57.2%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
764
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
26
Graduates
33.5%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
5.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 33.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 13.4% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
764
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Whittier College fields 10 varsity teams with 306 student athletes, about 40% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
SCIAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
306
40% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
163
Men
143
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Whittier Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,492
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$40K
64 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$32K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
36 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Sciences, General
$21K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$24K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
—
16 grads
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Whittier College
What is the acceptance rate at Whittier College?▾
How much does Whittier College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Whittier College?▾
How much do Whittier College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.