Founded in 1887, Whittier College. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 1,614 full time undergraduate students, and 458 full time graduate students.
The Whittier College Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 146 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Whittier College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
920-1130
ACT Range
20-26
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,13% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 8 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
92% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 44% were in the top quarter, and 28% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Whittier College.
45 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
32 Students rated off-campus housing 3.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
46 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 4 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
47 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
47 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 74 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
47 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
46 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
48 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
Whittier College REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Whittier College?
21 Students rated Whittier College
Lauren
I love this school. It is small, the nightlife isn't crazy at all, but there are positives to both of those things. The small size allows for a connection with fellow students and professors, who genuinely care about students. It's also in close proximity to LA, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun there! It is also very diverse and welcoming. I've received so many personalized experiences at this school that I 100% wouldn't have at a larger school, so I'm grateful for Whittier College.
Jezebel
Whittier College is a small Liberal Arts school that creates a small tight-nit community among the College students. There are various clubs and organizations on campus to share whatever interests you have, we even have a juggling club on campus. The class sizes are small so students are able to discuss freely without getting overwhelmed in a big group setting. Professors are always available through email or office hours to discuss class material or anything else beyond the classroom. We may not be the best, by any means, at sports but we still carry our Poet Pride!! If you ever get bored on campus, there are plenty of shops and restaurants a short stroll away in Uptown Whittier.
Celina
Its a small college thats is fun to be around and people are super nice. Academics are good and professors are usually available to help students. Students tend to attend school activities and try to be involved on school fairs and sports. Alumni are usually involved to and tend to come back for homecoming every year. Food is usually tatsty and facilities are very clean. I have a good image of my college.
Brandon
It’s a great place to get an education and stay focused but other than that I would say the school is sub par, the WiFi is trash and the school try’s to charge you for every little thing possible, but the people are cool and the teachers are involved and the class sizes are tiny so it’s easy to get Professor help
Sydney
I recently finished my first year at Whittier, and I have no regrets about choosing this school. The faculty are incredibly caring and make themselves available to their students. Most of the professors that I have had so far provided accessible office hours and responded to my emails in a timely manner. Class sizes are small, so students can develop close relationships with their professors. There are also many job and internship opportunities on campus in many different offices and departments. This year, I was employed in Disability Services as a notetaker and a testing proctor, which allowed me to directly help my peers with disabilities. In the next school year, I will be working as an Orientation Advisor, guiding a group of freshmen through orientation, and as a Writing Associate, in which I will be working in a freshman writing course to help students strengthen their writing skills. Although the campus is small, there is still a vibrant campus community, with many different clubs, organizations, and societies (our version of Greek life). During my first year, I got involved in Cru, our school's Christian ministry, and Food Recovery Network, which takes extra food that would otherwise be thrown away and donates it to a local soup kitchen. Whittier is known for giving back to the local community--we have many courses that combine volunteer work with concepts taught in the classroom. When I took International Relations, I also took a course that was paired with it called Service in International Relations, in which we went to the local adult school and assisted adults in preparing for their US citizenship exam. This course helped me to debunk any of the prior misconceptions I may have had towards immigrants and then communicate that information to others. I also enjoyed being able to connect concepts I had learned in class about immigration to real-world experience.
The picture that I've painted of Whittier thus far seems picture-perfect, but that is not always the case. The freshman dorms are in desperate need of renovation. My parents paid thousands of dollars for my room and board, yet my dorm lacked air conditioning, which is a must in southern California. The food is often hit-or-miss, though I do respect their efforts to source local produce and reduce their environmental footprint. Some of the older buildings on campus are in disrepair. It should not be normal for the basement of Hoover Hall to flood when it rains, yet it is a common sight in the winter months. Many students are unhappy with the new president of Whittier College because of how distant she seems from campus life. She holds office hours only about once a month, whereas the president that came before her had an open door policy. When an art installation donated by a renowned Chinese artist with close ties with the College was finally unveiled, she seemed to know very little about the project and her speech at the unveiling ceremony seemed lackluster at best. I was disappointed.
Despite my school's flaws, I am still proud to call myself a Poet. I am grateful for all of the experiences I have had in my first year alone, and I am excited to continue my undergraduate career at Whittier.
Brianna
I love Whittier College. It is a close-knit community that I am happy to be a part of. I feel very comfortable and secure at my college. I know I'll graduate with a good education under my belt, and I know I will graduate having gained a lot of life and job experience. I'll be able to enter the workforce and the rest of my life feeling confident in my abilities, and I will have faculty and staff to help me.
Abigail
It is a great school, and it holds a lot of nature for those who like trees and grass. The people there are very nice, and the students there have their own traditions. In a lounge room a wall is a whiteboard anyone can write on, and professors would pass by when no students are around to mark up all the errors the student made. Some of the rooms don;t have A.C, but the rooms are very cozy if you like a small room.
Anica
Whittier College is a supportive liberal arts school. The professors are one of the best things about the college. Initially, it can be intimidating to reach out to them, but once you do they show that they have your best interest in mind. Although grades are a main focus, professors encourage students to learn outside of their classrooms, take breaks, and have fun. Since the college is small, professors also have time to check in with their students, whether it be in regards to grades or their well-being.
I appreciate the small size because it is easy for people to get to know one another. Faculty within the offices on campus are responsive and offer a strong support system for students as they make their way through college. Similar to professors, they take the time to talk with you and understand your mindset.
Even though I have only experienced one semester, I realize the amount of care and energy given to me as a student. I am in the stage where I have no idea what I want. The adults know that this stage is not a unique situation for a first year to feel, but they are aware of how it feels for me and treat my journey as my own. I am still trying to solidify my support system, but as time progresses I know I will find my place.
Hally
It is an amazing college with several opportunities. Several sports, class option, clubs, societies, and more. Everyone is very friendly and professors are easily accessible. We value community, culture, communication, and connections. Studying abroad is also very common. It really is a nice college to pursue your dreams and get the full college experience you are looking for.
Marissa
Whittier College has a great learning and social environment. As a transfer student, I enjoy it much more than my previous school. The small class sizes and professor interactions/availability are invaluable. I am a part of one honor society and one extracurricular club. I have great social interactions, with both my fellow students and alumnus of the college.
Monique
I think it is great. One thing I feel encompasses Whittier College is that it is comfortable. Students support each other and faculty is usually always willing to do the same. Aside from office hours professors also do office hours by appointment or even let you meet them at star bucks so they can help you study for your final. In terms of academics, I feel that it is an environment where you can prosper because there are so many resources such as CAAS (Center for Advising and Academic Success) where there is free tutoring and academic coaching, the Center for Career and Professional Development where you can help find a job or internship, would like to know more on pursuing higher education, or simply want to talk someone because you don't know what it is you want to pursue. There is also a Health and Wellness center where you can get some medicine, check in when your sick, or even have lab work done if necessary. There is also trained professionals such as therapist and psychologists where you can take care of your emotional health. Immediately when you walk in you will find yourself in a calm and welcoming environment, of which the services they provide is completely free! There is ALWAYS events going on in school from all the multitude of clubs on campus , the departments, and organizations. Fun fact: there is usually all this free stuff! Though I love Whittier there are some problems with how well the administration is managed, but you can always go try in another department to solve your concern/ issue. Also, sometimes the wifi will go down or become very slow when too many are using it. All in all though Whittier is a great college to grow academically and as an individual. I can testify to that living alone and being on the Dean's List. If you have any further questions though or would like to know more please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks!
JoseManuel
Whittier College is a place to learn and more because they really do care about their students success. There are many opportunities for students to get help at the college and you aren't just a number, the professors and staff acctually care about their students.
Amy
Whittier College is an excellent small school. The small school setting will force students who are shy or quiet the chance to open up and be heard. The classes are small; there is only one lecture hall that can seat 100, so there is always a good chance the professor will call on you. This doesn't mean that the professors are trying to pick on you; they just want to help you better yourself. If you're willing to reach out and ask for help, the professors will be there to answer your questions.
Jordan
I overall have a good view of Whittier College overall. I have been living on campus for my almost 2 years here and have for the most part felt comfortable. Nothing is perfect, but there are plenty opportunities for you to express your opinion and find any help you may need for work, living, or life issues.
Samuel
The College is very small, something that creates a sense of community. When a student arrives for the first time, they may feel left out because everyone around them seems to have someone to talk to, however upon being at the college for more than five minutes, any student will realize that the people here are very friendly and that there is a plethora of services and resources that the college dedicates specifically for students. The professors will come in and make all possible adjustments to make sure that all students have a place and that they are adequately accommodated.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Whittier College is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Do your best in all of your classes. You don't have time for slacking off. Start applying for college early. Do your research. Apply for scholarships as soon as possible to help pay for college. Don't wait until eight years later and start school. It's nothing wrong with going to college late but, you will succeed faster if you go to college right away. Major in something that you enjoy doing. Don't let your peers influence you to go for the highest paying degrees. You will end up in college or maybe in debt paying for what you really want. College is college. Leave the high school mantality in high school. It will be up to you to come to classs, study, and to do your own work. The professors aren't going to give you a grade. You will have to earn the grade. Surround youself around positive individuals. Take advantage of all of the FREE resources. They have tutoring for math, reading, writing, computers, tests, etc. If you get off track with the partying life, hurry up and get back on track. Your can be successful. Your success depends on you April Diane Williams.
The sense of community. Students are more than willing to help other students out and are curious about new students. Friendships are not hard to come by at Whittier.
I don't think my school is necessarily known for anything; but its very beautiful, built on a nature reserve I think. The dorm I lived in was very nice too, had a great view of LA(Los Angeles). Maybe diversity now that I think about it; there are a lot of different ethnicities and activities for everyone to participate in.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
Whittier is a great, small liberal arts college that has involved teachers, small classes and a diverse student body. Whittier is close enough to the mountains to go snowboarding after class or surfing at the beach, with enough time to make it back to your dorm for a good night's sleep to get ready for classes the next day.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frsutrating about my school is that everything is spread out around the campus so in order to get from one class to another you have to walk through the whole campus. Though overall i could honestly say that it is the best school which is why I chose to attend it.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I had known that most students have cars, and that many go away on the weekends. That's not to say that everyone needs a car, or that weekends are dull and lifeless. However, because the surrounding community is small and public transportation in Los Angeles is not known for its efficiency, having a car makes trips to the grocery store a little easier and creates more opportunities for the weekends. The school usually has somethign to do every weekend, but it requires a little more creativity in order to find something to do some days.
The best thing about Whittier is tied between the professors and the size, which I guess are strongly related to each other. The teachers are high caliber and brilliant, and for the most part, very engaging in and outside of the classroom. I've had classes where we have discussions outside on a nice day, very small seminar courses where it's just 10 students at a long table- so there is a lot of variety in teaching styles and classroom settings. The small classes were perfect for me; they helped me become more confident and outspoken. They also pushed me to keep up academically (it's hard to come to a small class without reading).
People from Southern California have heard of Whittier as a private liberal arts college, but sometimes, people who aren't local think it's a community college. I think that the college is overshadowed by all the other bigger name colleges nearby, i.e. USC, Occidental, not to mention UCLA. But the name is getting more recognizable.
The surrounding area of Whittier isn't a college town at all. There are a lot of great restaurants that are decently priced (Golden Triangle! Phlight!), but clubs are practically nonexistent. Whittier is a quirky version of a small New England town, with little shops. LA is "nearby," as in 45 min away. But I've known people who live in east LA/echo park/DT LA, and commuted to Whittier, so it's not too bad, especially after rush hour. And it definitely helps to have a car or a friend with a car!
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
Richard Nixon went to Whittier College for his undergraduate education, so people think that this school is conservative.
Whittier was also created by Quakers, so perhaps the stereotype is that it is a Quaker school and has a religious affiliation.
Also, our mascot is the Poet, which makes people think that our sports teams aren't that great.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The guest speakers are wonderful! I wish I had had the time to see more of them. I don't think I was ever disappointed.
I met some of my closest friends during our freshman orientation week, and we went on fieldtrips together. Also, I met friends in smaller classes, and also during work-study jobs.
There are a lot of nearby house parties, and also school-sponsored parties. And if that gets old, there's always LA or Orange County nearby...
Professors definitely recognize you and know your name, but that also depends a lot on class participation and if you go into their office hours. Office hours are great; I've had professors look over my papers that started out as B-papers, and with their corrections and suggestions, I raised them to A's, just by talking to them during office hours. Also, there is FREE tutoring for pretty much every subject. I know, because I used to tutor at Whittier. These tutors are your peers, but are trained to help with your writing, etc.
Whittier students often have intellectual discussions after class or after visiting lectures. There's a lot to discuss! I think student competition varies from class to class. If there is, however, it's not cutt-throat or antagonistic. It's healthy debate and in general just demanding the best from yourself. A lot of professors are very approachable; I've had lunch with professors outside of class. They are always around! It is NOT like a commuter college, where teachers just come and go.
The academic requirements aim to give you a great well-rounded liberal arts foundation. I had to take a writing intensive course, religion, ethics, art, science in context, etc. The aim of any liberal arts school is learning and becoming a well-rounded, informed person. From there, it is up to you how you want to create a career or job for yourself. The career center is very helpful, but you have to seek out internships and make the appointment yourself. No one is going to hold your hand in doing that, so it does require some self-discipline and motivation on your own.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
Whittier is definitely not a conservative school. The professors are very progressive and forward thinking, especially in the humanities and art departments.
There is NO religious affiliation with Quakers anymore. I remember there being a seminar course that students could choose to take about Quaker philosophy, but it wasn't mandatory and the school is secular.
I personally love our mascot, the Poet, based on the famous poet John Greenleaf Whittier. There isn't as much of an emphasis on sports at Whittier, but our mascot illustrated that the "pen is mightier than the sword."
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
93% of students attending Whittier College receive some sort of financial aid.
32% were awarded federal grants.72%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.