Overview
- OPEID/FAFSA College Code: 00134200
- Vice President for Finance & Administration: James Dunkelman
- Fax: (562) 907-4999
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above
- Calendar System: Four-One-Four Plan
- Highest Degree: Doctoral - Professional
- Local Area: Large Suburb
- Student Enrollment: 2,288
- College Mascot: Poets

Click here to watch a YOUniversityTV campus tour of Whittier College
About
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, is private four year liberal arts institution founded in 1887. The school was founded based on Quaker principles, and has one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States, with students having different ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. The school offers over 30 programs of study and has an annual enrollment of approximately 1500 students, with 1300 hundred enrolled in the undergraduate program. The most notable alumnus of the school is late former president Richard Nixon, a California native and quaker.
Academics
Whittier College offers over thirty major and minor programs, allowing students to pursue the academic program that best suits his or her goals. As a liberal arts institution, the school promotes interdisciplinary education with a foundation based on the Quaker principles of personal growth and development. Students, particularly sophomores and seniors, are encouraged to meet with their teachers and defending their ideas and challenging ideas proposed by professors.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at Whittier College must complete the application for admission, along with the essay, teacher recommendations, transcripts and SAT scores. The application submitted will be reviewed by the school and a decision rendered regarding admission. If admitted, the student will be notified and given the information necessary for freshman students.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards. California residents may also apply for the CalGrant program. Students may also be required to provide additional financial information to ensure the FAFSA is accurate.
*Not all of the programs above may be offered
Student Services Offered
- Remedial Services
- Academic or Career Counseling Services
- Employment Services
- Placement Assistance For Graduates
Special Learning Opportunities
Website:
www.whittier.edu 
Mission Statement
Click Here to Read the Mission Statement
Campus Map
Click Here to Launch the Campus Map of Whittier College
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Facilities and Programs Offered
College Carnegie Classifications
- Basic Classification
- Baccalaureate Colleges--Arts & Sciences
- Undergraduate Classification
- Arts & Sciences Plus Professions, No Graduate Coexistence
- Graduate Classification
- Postbaccalaureate Professional (Other Dominant Fields)
- Undergraduate Profile Classification
- Full-Time Four-Year, Selective, Higher Transfer-In
- Enrollment Classification
- Majority Undergraduate
- Size Classification
- Small Four-Year, Highly Residential
Degrees & Programs
Awarded Student Degrees and Programs
The following is not a comprehensive or current list of degrees or programs offered. The table below details the number of degrees or certificates that were awarded in the 2010-11 school year to graduates broken down by degree or major type. Please contact Whittier College directly to learn more about what is currently being offered.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Business and Marketing Studies
Education
English Language and Literature
Family and Consumer Sciences
Foreign Languages and Literature
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
Natural Resources and Conservation
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Public Administration and Social Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Reviews

- Reviewed on: August 28, 2012
Flag Review - Rating:

- DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO THE WHITTIER COLLEGE SALES PITCH. They will woo you and make you feel special, they will tell you that they offer a superior education and have high integrity. You will end up in tens of thousands of dollars in debt, with a degree that has little value (if you don't drop out, which is likely). If you are looking for a good education, this is NOT the place. There are some good professors, but unfortunately the way that the college is run, they have to pander to the dumbest students and you are paying top dollar in the meantime. You can get a better education for less at a public institution. Don't even come here if you are looking for a party school, you could get drunk and stoned somewhere else and not get 50k in student loan debt. You CANNOT get out of student loan debt, unless you DIE. It is NOT dis-chargeable in bankruptcy; your wages will be garnished for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, even you Social Security, until loans are paid in full. Do your research. Remember that the Admissions reps are just SALESMEN. Do not believe the positive statistics about Whitter on the web, they were provided BY the college and then just repeated on every college research website. BE SMART! This school is NOT WORTH the cost, by far! (I am former student, I know from experience.)

- Reviewed on: December 12, 2010
Flag Review - Rating:

- Whittier college is a joke. People here don't come here for school instead they come to party and smoke. Although many schools consist of partying they also consist of kids with potential to learn. The classes consisted of power points and I ended up using 3 of the 10 books I bought for my 5 classes. I am transferring and would suggest not to come here unless you want to pay a lot for nothing. There is no social life outside of partying and the location is very boring. It was very hard to study with the ridiculous noise levels of people up at all hours with no enforcement from RA's or campo. I would really suggest going somewhere else even if you got full tuition to this school like me. its not worth your time.
Admissions
Disclaimer
The admissions information is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent current or future admissions policy.
Admissions Quick Facts
Admissions Summary
Prospective students should view the admission and application details below to get a better idea of the candidates Whittier College accepts. Some of the details provided may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, a range of SAT/ACT scores of accepted students, as well as any college credits that may be accepted. This information can be used to get a better idea of your chances of getting into Whittier College.
Also, make sure to visit the admissions office webpage (http://www.whittier.edu), where you can learn more about any additional application requirements and deadlines.
The Whittier College admissions office phone number is (562) 907-4238. This is the last updated number we have on file, please contact us if incorrect.
Admissions Links
Application Fees
- Undergraduate Application Fee: $50.00 Fall 2011
- Graduate Application Fee: $70.00 Fall 2011
College Credits Accepted
Considerations for Admission
- High School or Secondary School GPA
- Required
- High School or Secondary School Rank
- Required
- High School or Secondary School Record
- Required
- College Preparatory Program Completion
- Required
- Recommendation Consideration
- Required
- Admission Test Scores (SAT ®, ACT ®, ...)
- Required
- TOEFL
- Required
Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2011
| | Male | Female | Total |
|---|
| Number of Applicants | 1,281 | 1,709 | 2,990 |
| Number Granted Admission (%) | 877 (68%) | 1,261 (74%) | 2,138 (72%) |
| Number Admitted Who Enrolled (%) | 198 (23%) | 229 (18%) | 427 (20%) |
Enrolled Students Submitting Test Scores Fall 2011
| | Number | Percent (%) |
|---|
| SAT ® Exam | 338 | 79% |
| ACT ® Exam | 156 | 37% |
SAT Scores for Accepted Students Fall 2011
| | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|
| SAT ® Critical Reading | 480 | 580 |
| SAT ® Math | 480 | 590 |
| SAT ® Writing | 480 | 570 |
ACT Scores for Accepted Students Fall 2011
| | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|
| ACT ® Composite | 20 | 26 |
| ACT ® English | - | - |
| ACT ® Math | - | - |
Enrollment Data
Overall Student Enrollment
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergraduate: 1,530
- Graduate: 758
Student Gender
- Total Student Gender
- Male: 943
- Female: 1,150
- Ratio of Men to Women: 0.8 : 1
- Undergraduate Gender
- Male: 634
- Female: 724
- Ratio of Men to Women: 0.9 : 1
- Graduate Gender
- Male: 309
- Female: 426
- Ratio of Men to Women: 0.7 : 1
Student Attendance
- Total Student Attendance
- Full-Time: 1,868
- Part-Time: 225
- Undergraduate Attendance
- Full-Time: 1,340
- Part-Time: 18
- Graduate Attendance
- Full-Time: 528
- Part-Time: 207
Student Race Breakdown
| | Number | Percent |
|---|
| Non-Resident Alien | 41 | 2% |
| American Indian | 15 | 0.7% |
| Black | 105 | 5% |
| Asian | 254 | 11% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | - | - |
| Hispanic | 594 | 26% |
| White | 913 | 40% |
| Unknown | 366 | 16% |
Student Age Breakdown
| | Number | Percent |
|---|
| Age Under 18 | 1 | 0.05% |
| Ages 18-19 | 511 | 24% |
| Ages 20-21 | 604 | 29% |
| Ages 22-24 | 418 | 20% |
| Ages 25-29 | 372 | 18% |
| Ages 30-34 | 103 | 5% |
| Ages 35-39 | 38 | 2% |
| Ages 40-49 | 35 | 2% |
| Ages 50-65 | 9 | 0.4% |
| Age Over 65 | 1 | 0.05% |
| Age Unknown | 1 | 0.05% |
Graduation Rates
Disclaimer
The data listed below is for informational purposes only. Although graduation, transfer, and retention rates should be included in determining the performance of a school, it is only one of many factors to consider and may not provide a clear representation of the school's performance. These figures are based on a cohort or subset of students.
Graduation and Retention Rates Quick Facts
Retention Rates
The retention rate figures represent the percentage of first time students (full-time or part-time) that complete the first year and return the following year.
Overall Graduation Rates
| | (%) of Entering Class |
|---|
| All Students | 55% |
Graduation Rates By Gender
| | (%) of Entering Class |
|---|
| Male | 48% |
| Female | 62% |
Graduation Rates By Race
| | (%) of Entering Class |
|---|
| Non-Resident Alien | 67% |
| American Indian | 67% |
| Black | 36% |
| Asian | 71% |
| Hispanic | 70% |
| White | 46% |
| Unknown | 42% |
Graduation Rates By Number of Years to Graduate
| | (%) of Entering Class |
|---|
| 4 Years or Less | 50% |
| 5 Years | 55% |
| 6 Years | 55% |
Tuition & Fees
Disclaimer:
The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition and Fees Quick Facts
Alternative Tuition Plans Offered
Net Price Calculator
To get a personalized estimate for the cost of attending Whittier College, visit their online calculator by clicking the following link: http://web.whittier.edu 
Estimated Cost of Attendance or "Net Price" for Full-Time Beginning Students
The "Net Price" figures apply to undergraduate students beginning full-time enrollment who have paid the in-state/district tuition and were awarded grants or scholarships.
| | 2010-11 | 2009-10 | 2008-09 |
|---|
| Average Net Price | $25,733 | $25,691 | $26,969 |
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,977 | $19,971 | $20,664 |
| $30,000 - $48,000 | $20,445 | $20,257 | $18,825 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,902 | $24,187 | $23,194 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,786 | $26,013 | $28,457 |
| More Than $110,000 | $31,788 | $31,898 | $32,122 |
Undergraduate Student Tuition, Fees, and Expenses
| 2011-12 | 2010-11 | 2009-10 |
|---|
| In-District Tuition and Fees | $36,992 | $35,582 | $34,228 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $36,992 | $35,582 | $34,228 |
| Out of State Tuition and Fees | $36,992 | $35,582 | $34,228 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,638 | $1,638 | $1,638 |
Undergraduate Housing Expenses
| 2011-12 | 2010-11 | 2009-10 |
|---|
| On Campus |
| Room and Board | $10,428 | $10,026 | $9,548 |
| Other Expenses | $3,488 | $3,488 | $3,042 |
| Off Campus |
| Room and Board | $10,190 | $9,518 | $10,872 |
| Other Expenses | $3,996 | $3,996 | $3,996 |
| Off Campus with Family |
| Other Expenses | $4,140 | $3,996 | $4,140 |
Undergraduate Total Expenses
| 2011-12 | 2010-11 | 2009-10 |
|---|
| On Campus |
| In-District | $52,546 | $50,734 | $48,456 |
| In-State | $52,546 | $50,734 | $48,456 |
| Out of State | $52,546 | $50,734 | $48,456 |
| Off Campus |
| In-District | $52,816 | $50,734 | $50,734 |
| In-State | $52,816 | $50,734 | $50,734 |
| Out of State | $52,816 | $50,734 | $50,734 |
| Off Campus with Family |
| In-District | $42,770 | $41,360 | $40,006 |
| In-State | $42,770 | $41,360 | $40,006 |
| Out of State | $42,770 | $41,360 | $40,006 |
Graduate Student Expenses
| | In-State | Out of State |
|---|
| Annual Tuition and Fees For Graduate Students |
| Law School | $39,140 | $39,140 |
Financial Aid
Disclaimer
The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and does not represent current or future financial aid details. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Financial Aid Quick Facts
Financial Aid Office Phone Number
The Whittier College financial aid office phone number is (562) 907-4285. This is the most up to date contact information we have, please contact us if incorrect.
Financial Aid Office Webpage
Financial Aid Breakdown 2010-11
| | # Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Average Amount |
|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 432 | 95% | - |
| Any Grant or Scholarship Aid | 423 | 93% | $23,327 |
| All Federal Grants | 154 | 34% | $5,561 |
| Pell Grants | 154 | 34% | $4,528 |
| Other Federal Grants | 124 | 27% | $1,283 |
| State/Local Grants & Scholarships | 123 | 27% | $8,270 |
| Institutional Grants & Scholarships | 422 | 93% | $18,943 |
| All Student Loans | 307 | 68% | $8,638 |
| Federal Student Loans | 297 | 66% | $6,524 |
| Other Student Loans | 119 | 26% | $6,003 |
Federal Loans - Student Repayment Default Rates
This table shows the number and percentage of students who received federal student loans but had problems paying them back. A high default rate may represent a lack of quality instruction or a poor hiring climate for graduates of a school.
| | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 |
|---|
| Default Rate (%) | 3.6% | 1.2% | 2.7% |
| Number in Default | 21 | 6 | 16 |
| Number in Repayment | 583 | 490 | 574 |
Housing & Meals
Campus Housing Information - Room & Board
- Are On-Campus Board or Meal Plans Provided?:
- Yes, the number of meals offered are based on the maximum meal plan provided.
- Is Living On-Campus Required?:
- No
On-Campus Dorms - Details
- Total Dormatory Capacity: 893
- Estimated Cost for On-Campus Dorm: $5,818
On-Campus Board or Meal Plans - Details
- Estimated Board or Meal Plan Costs: $5,220
- Number of Meals Per Week Provided: 21
Crime & Safety
Arrests Made Per Year
This table reports the number of arrests made per year that took place both on and off campus. These figures were reported by the institutions themselves and have not been subject to independent review.
| | 2010-11 | 2009-10 | 2008-09 |
|---|
| On Campus |
| Weapons Related | 1 | - | - |
| Drug Related | 7 | 5 | - |
| Nearby Public Area |
| Drug Related | - | 2 | - |
| Residence Hall |
| Drug Related | - | 3 | - |
Criminal Offenses Per Year
This table reports the number of criminal charges per year that took place both on and off campus. These figures were reported by the institutions themselves and have not been subject to independent review.
| | 2010-11 | 2009-10 | 2008-09 |
|---|
| Off Campus Surrounding Area |
| Forcible Rape | - | 1 | - |
| Robbery | 1 | - | - |
| On Campus |
| Forcible Rape | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Aggravated Assault | - | 1 | 1 |
| Burglary | 15 | 9 | 37 |
| Vehicle Theft | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Arson | - | - | 1 |
| Nearby Public Area |
| Forcible Rape | - | - | 2 |
| Robbery | - | - | 1 |
| Residence Hall |
| Forcible Rape | 3 | 1 | - |
| Burglary | 15 | 9 | 20 |
Sports & Teams
Athletic Associations
- Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
NCAA or NAIA Conferences
- College Football Conference: Southern California Intercoll Ath Conf
- College Basketball Conference: Southern California Intercoll Ath Conf
- College Baseball Conference: Southern California Intercoll Ath Conf
- College Track & Field Conference: Southern California Intercoll Ath Conf
Sports and Players Breakdown
| | Total | Men's Teams | Women's Teams |
|---|
| All Athletes | 521 | 316 | 205 |
| Unduplicated Athletes | 447 | 285 | 162 |
| Baseball | 31 | 31 | - |
| Basketball | 29 | 15 | 14 |
| Football | 87 | 87 | - |
| Golf | 13 | 13 | - |
| Lacrosse | 52 | 35 | 17 |
| Soccer | 55 | 31 | 24 |
| Softball | 19 | - | 19 |
| Swimming and Diving | 55 | 23 | 32 |
| Tennis | 28 | 15 | 13 |
| Track and Field, Outdoor | 57 | 31 | 26 |
| Track and Field, X-Country | 35 | 14 | 21 |
| Volleyball | 17 | - | 17 |
| Water Polo | 43 | 21 | 22 |
Coaches Salary Breakdown
| | Total | Men's Teams | Women's Teams |
|---|
| Head Coaches | - | $20,128 | $17,072 |
| Assistant Coaches | - | $4,730 | $2,110 |
Number of Coaches Per Team
| | Total | Men's Teams | Women's Teams |
|---|
| All Coaches | 74 | 41 | 33 |
| Baseball | 3 | 3 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 2 | - |
| Basketball | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Football | 10 | 10 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 9 | 9 | - |
| Golf | 1 | 1 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | - | - | - |
| Lacrosse | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Soccer | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Softball | 3 | - | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 |
| Swimming and Diving | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Tennis | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Track and Field, Outdoor | 13 | 6 | 7 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 11 | 5 | 6 |
| Track and Field, X-Country | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Volleyball | 3 | - | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 |
| Water Polo | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Faculty & Instructors
Employee Type Breakdown
| | Total | Full-Time | Part-Time |
|---|
| Total Employees | 599 | 428 | 171 |
| Faculty Status | 119 | 117 | 2 |
| Tenured Faculty | 82 | 82 | - |
| Graduate Assistants | 5 | - | 5 |
| Instruction, Research and/or Public Service | 280 | 149 | 131 |
| Primarily Instruction | 280 | 149 | 131 |
| Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial | 46 | 46 | - |
| Other Professionals | 164 | 127 | 37 |
| Technical and/or Paraprofessional | 109 | 106 | 3 |
| Clerical And Secretarial | 42 | 39 | 3 |
| Service and/or Maintenance | 47 | 47 | - |
Full-Time Faculty Average Salary Breakdown
| | Total | Male | Female |
|---|
| 9/10 Month Contract |
| All Faculty | $82,442 (149) | $88,081 (75) | $76,727 (74) |
| Professor | $106,529 (58) | $111,656 (35) | $98,726 (23) |
| Associate Professor | $74,598 (35) | $71,571 (14) | $76,615 (21) |
| Assistant Professor | $63,105 (51) | $66,598 (22) | $60,455 (29) |
| Lecturer | $70,480 (2) | $70,480 (2) | - (-) |
| Equated 9 Month Contract |
| All Faculty | $82,442 (149) | $88,081 (75) | $76,727 (74) |
| Professor | $106,529 (58) | $111,656 (35) | $98,726 (23) |
| Associate Professor | $74,598 (35) | $71,571 (14) | $76,615 (21) |
| Assistant Professor | $63,105 (51) | $66,598 (22) | $60,455 (29) |
| Lecturer | $70,480 (2) | $70,480 (2) | - (-) |