Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Santa Barbara, California |
| Online | westmont.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains in Santa Barbara, California, Westmont College is a private, Christian liberal arts institution situated on a 111-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1937, the college maintains its evangelical Christian tradition while providing a comprehensive liberal arts education through its primarily residential undergraduate program. Westmont's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture reflects the regional style of Santa Barbara, with the campus featuring mission-style buildings and extensive gardens. The college emphasizes small class sizes and close faculty interaction, offering notable programs in economics and business, natural sciences, and religious studies. As a member of the NAIA Golden State Athletic Conference, Westmont competes in 13 intercollegiate sports, with its women's basketball program having achieved particular recognition through multiple national championships.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Westmont College is rated within the top 25% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Westmont College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#138 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#112 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Colleges in California
#12 in Best Private Colleges in California
#259 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#24 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1212/1418 |
| ACT | 30/34 |
| GPA | 3.59 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $1,240 |
| Room and Board | $16,360 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,400 |
| Total One Year Cost | $71,150 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| English and Literature | 12% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 10% |
| Communication | 10% |
| Business | 10% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Westmont College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=125727 IPEDS survey data for Westmont College.
Current students may use the Westmont College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025