Whittier College campus
Whittier College logo

Whittier College

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Suburb: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system 4-1-4
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 849
Student to faculty ratio 11 to 1
Acceptance rate 82%
Students retention rate 82%
On-time graduation rate 64%

Located in Whittier, California, Whittier College is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university operates on a 4-1-4 calendar system, allowing students to engage in intensive study during the two shorter terms. This unique academic structure provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest or complete internships, enhancing their overall educational experience.

The acceptance rate of 82% indicates that Whittier College is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Whittier College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, Whittier College emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Whittier College boasts an impressive student retention rate of 82% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

82.5%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$49,514

Cost of attendance at Whittier College in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$49,514

Cost of attendance at Whittier College in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 97 of freshman students at Whittier College received on average $32,645 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$32,645
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 76 33% $5,034 $382,601
Other Federal Grant 79 34% $6,002 $474,141
State Grant/Scholarships 75 32% $8,627 $647,046
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 223 97% $27,764 $6,191,403
Total Grant & Scholarships 224 97% $32,645 $7,312,590

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Whittier College students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Whittier College students is 63.6%. Female students graduated at a rate of 70.3%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 54.5%.

63.6%

  • asian 63.6% 28 students
  • African American 37.5% 9 students
  • white 64.0% 94 students
  • unknown 44.4% 4 students
  • hispanic 70.3% 128 students
  • International Students 57.1% 4 students
  • Mixed Race 50.0% 15 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  • Baseball Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  • Basketball Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Whittier College provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Whittier College offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army

Veteran Services

  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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