Whittier College

Overview

Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, is a private liberal arts college known for its historical ties as a Quaker institution, although it has been nonsectarian since the late 1940s. Established in 1887, it sits on a suburban 75-acre campus featuring a blend of traditional architecture and modern facilities, approximately 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Whittier College provides a residential experience with over half of its student body living on campus in residence halls, suites, and themed living-learning communities. The academic atmosphere at Whittier is characterized by a low student-to-faculty ratio, with notable programs in Business Administration and Psychology among its diverse range of undergraduate majors. Admission to Whittier College is considered selective. While the college does not emphasize athletics, it fields a range of NCAA Division III sports teams known as the Poets, in recognition of alumnus and celebrated poet John Greenleaf Whittier.

In the most recent statistical year 3,014 prospective students applied, and 2,274 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 249 enrolled in the school.  1,120 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 72 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $48,924 plus fees of $940. Whittier College is ranked 273 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.