Private nonprofit Institution

Whittier College — Whittier, California

Compare Visit Website

Annual Tuition $49,864

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 85.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 812

Active Students

Avg. Salary $59,492

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Whittier, California

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 1/1/1966

Academic Mission & Environment

"Whittier College stands as a pillar of higher education in Whittier, providing a robust academic foundation for 812 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Whittier College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Whittier College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

18.9%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

16.6%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

15.1%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

10.4%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

8.9%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Whittier College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Whittier College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Whittier College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Whittier College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Whittier College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 85.4%

Difficulty Low

Whittier College maintains an acceptance rate of 85.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 40.6%

Women Enrollment 59.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Whittier College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $49,864

Out-of-State Tuition $49,864

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 31.9%

Median Student Debt $24,937

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $49,864, graduates see a median starting salary of $59,492, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Whittier College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $59,492

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 63.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $29,871

Median Salary (6yr) $46,025

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Whittier College in Whittier?

812 Students

Gender Comparison

40.6% Men

59.4% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

52.9%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

Pacific Islander

0.3%

Asian

5.3%

Black

3.7%

White

22.8%

Unknown

0.5%

Hispanic

49%

Two or More Races

6.9%

International

11.6%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 19

🎓

First-Generation 33.5%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 48.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$73,825
Average Family Income	$81,480
Median Family Income	$64,984

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51%

49%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Whittier Campus Environment

Located at 13406 E Philadelphia Street, Whittier College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

⚖️

How does Whittier College compare?

Direct Comparison Whittier College vs Southern California Health Sciences →

Direct Comparison Whittier College vs Rio Hondo College →

Common Questions about Whittier College

Is Whittier College a good college in Whittier, California?

Whittier College is a recognized institution in Whittier with an enrollment of 812 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.

Is Whittier College worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Whittier College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $59,492. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Whittier College cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Whittier College is approximately $49,864. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $49,864. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Whittier College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Whittier College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 48.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Whittier College good for Business & Marketing and Social Sciences programs?

Whittier College is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Social Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Whittier College?

Graduates of Whittier College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $59,492, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Whittier College?

Whittier College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Whittier College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Whittier College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Whittier College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Whittier College earn a median salary of $59,492 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Whittier College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Whittier College stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Whittier College located and what is the campus like?

Whittier College is located at 13406 E Philadelphia Street in Whittier, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 812 learners.

Who typically attends Whittier College in Whittier, CA?

The student body at Whittier College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 33.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

🏆

2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Whittier College with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration