About Westmont College
Westmont College sits on a stunning hillside campus above Santa Barbara with views of the Pacific Ocean. This Christian liberal arts college enrolls 1,310 students in a suburban setting that feels worlds away from typical college life. The school combines rigorous academics with a faith-based mission, creating a tight-knit community where professors know students by name. With an 81.99% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1369, Westmont attracts students seeking both academic challenge and spiritual growth.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While the sticker price hits $69,750, most students pay far less through generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $32,926, making this premium education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $64,778 ten years out, outpacing their modest median debt of $23,250. Monthly loan payments average just $246, a manageable burden given career outcomes.
The student body skews female at 61.37% and reflects California's diversity with 23.44% Hispanic students. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and discussion-based. The Warriors compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, drawing 277 student-athletes who balance competition with academics. Campus life revolves around the residential experience, with 1,207 housing spaces fostering the close community Westmont prizes.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While the sticker price hits $69,750, most students pay far less through generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $32,926, making this premium education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $64,778 ten years out, outpacing their modest median debt of $23,250. Monthly loan payments average just $246, a manageable burden given career outcomes.
The student body skews female at 61.37% and reflects California's diversity with 23.44% Hispanic students. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and discussion-based. The Warriors compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, drawing 277 student-athletes who balance competition with academics. Campus life revolves around the residential experience, with 1,207 housing spaces fostering the close community Westmont prizes.
Academics & Faculty
Westmont operates as a Christian liberal arts college where faith intersects with rigorous academics across traditional disciplines. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring. With a 72% four-year graduation rate, students receive strong academic support to complete their degrees on time. The college is particularly known for its strong psychology and business programs, along with robust pre-professional tracks for students heading to graduate school. Liberal arts education here means students engage with big questions through a Christian worldview while developing critical thinking skills across multiple disciplines rather than narrow specialization.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.1%
- Retention Rate
- 86.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,778
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $53,775 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,402 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,596 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,808 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,192 |
Campus Life
Westmont's hillside campus sits on 111 acres overlooking Santa Barbara, just two hours north of Los Angeles. With housing capacity for 1,207 students and total enrollment of 1,310, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit community. The Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Chapel attendance is required twice weekly, reflecting the college's Christian identity. Students gather for sunset worship sessions on the lawn overlooking the Pacific. Weekend activities center around outdoor adventures like hiking in the nearby mountains or heading to Santa Barbara's beaches just minutes away. The Warriors compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 277 total athletes. With 61.37% women and strong residential life, the campus feels like a close community where faith and academics intersect. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive rather than competitive, with study groups forming naturally in the dorms.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Chapel attendance is required twice weekly, reflecting the college's Christian identity. Students gather for sunset worship sessions on the lawn overlooking the Pacific. Weekend activities center around outdoor adventures like hiking in the nearby mountains or heading to Santa Barbara's beaches just minutes away. The Warriors compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 277 total athletes. With 61.37% women and strong residential life, the campus feels like a close community where faith and academics intersect. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive rather than competitive, with study groups forming naturally in the dorms.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,207 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1937
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–66°F
- July Avg
- 60°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Two-thirds of students come from California, reflecting Westmont's strong reputation among Christian families in the state. Women make up 61% of the student body, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education, psychology, and social sciences. The campus draws heavily from white and Hispanic communities, with nearly a quarter of students being Hispanic. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, indicating most families can afford the substantial tuition costs. Students tend to be academically solid rather than strong, with average SAT scores of 1369. The 87% retention rate suggests students find their tight-knit Christian community.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 51.6%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 23.4%
- Asian
- 6.5%
- In-State Students
- 64.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.6%
Location
Westmont College sits in Santa Barbara, California, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean from its perch in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Santa Barbara combines coastal beauty with a laid-back California vibe that attracts tourists year-round. The city offers beaches, hiking trails, and a charming downtown area just minutes from campus. With 64% of students coming from within California, many are already familiar with the state's coastal culture. The suburb-midsize setting provides a college town atmosphere without the isolation of truly rural areas. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Westmont with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Santa Barbara, California 93108-1089
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,778
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,349
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Westmont College?
Westmont College accepts 82% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian liberal arts school. Students typically need strong academics, with the middle 50% scoring between 1280-1458 on the SAT.
How much does Westmont College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Westmont College is $32,926 after aid, lower than the $69,750 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $24,220 thanks to the college's generous financial aid program.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Westmont College?
Westmont College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,310 total students. This intimate Christian liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in small classes.
What are the career outcomes for Westmont College graduates?
Westmont College graduates earn a median salary of $64,778 ten years after graduation. The school boasts a 94.2% employment rate, reflecting strong career preparation despite the 70% six-year graduation rate.
Where is Westmont College located and what is campus life like?
Westmont College sits on a scenic campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, California. With housing for 1,207 students and an 87% retention rate, the tight-knit Christian community creates strong campus bonds among the 61% female, 39% male student body.
Does Westmont College offer Division I athletics?
Westmont College competes in NCAA Division II as the Warriors in the Pacific West Conference. With 277 student-athletes across 13 varsity sports, the college awards $2.1 million in athletic scholarships to support its competitive programs.
