Whittier College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Whittier College
Fun fact: Whittier's teams are called the Poets, a nod to its namesake. The college is known for small, discussion driven classes and professors who stick with you. Students explore the liberal arts alongside the sciences and professional areas, sharpening writing, analysis, and communication. Hands on projects and community based learning show up often. The atmosphere feels welcoming and curious, more collaborative than competitive.
The tree lined campus brings together light filled labs, studios, a well used library, and spaces to recharge. Support includes tutoring, advising, health and counseling, plus a career office that taps Los Angeles and Orange County for internships and mentors. Clubs, cultural events, theater, outdoor outings, and intramurals keep things lively. Uptown's cafes and shops sit close by, and the nearby hills invite quick hikes. Traditions revolve around Poet pride and service. Notable alum: Richard Nixon.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Whittier College offers 37 degree programs across 19 major academic fields, graduating approximately 283 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (2 programs, 42 graduates), Arts (9 programs, 31 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 27 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 25 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 23 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (2 programs, 42 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Business Statistics | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1302 |
Arts (9 programs, 31 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Film and Media Studies | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0601 |
| Theatre Arts | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0101 |
| Music | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Digital Arts | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0102 |
| Studio Arts, General | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Art History and Conservation | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Music Technology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0913 |
Psychology (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 25 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
Social Sciences (4 programs, 20 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Economics | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
Education (2 programs, 19 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development | 16 |
|
Master's
|
13.1299 |
| General Education | 3 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
English (1 programs, 18 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 15 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
19.0706 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Whittier College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Whittier College
How much does it cost to attend Whittier College?
The annual tuition at Whittier College is $49,864 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $67,487 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,623 (on) / $9,300 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Whittier College offer?
Whittier College offers 37 academic programs across 19 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (9 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Whittier College?
Whittier College has an 85.4% acceptance rate and a 6.1% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,797
- Students admitted: 2,388
- Students enrolled: 145
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Whittier College?
Whittier College provides financial aid to 21% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $32,008 and average loans of $6,611.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,516
- State/Local grants: $7,805
- Institutional grants: $28,187
- Federal loans: $4,749
The university supports 240 students with grants and 140 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Whittier College graduates?
Whittier College graduates earn a median salary of $46,025 after 6 years and $59,492 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $37,211 (25th percentile) to $83,711 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $85,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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