Overview
Whitman College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Walla Walla, Washington. The school accepts 47.7% of applicants and enrolls 1,523 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 47.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,383
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,293–1,473
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 1,523
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Whitman College treats every application completeally, so your essays carry significant weight in distinguishing your candidacy. The school uses the Common Application with no supplemental essays, making your personal statement and activities descriptions your primary chance to showcase fit. Focus your essays on specific experiences that led to genuine intellectual growth rather than listing accomplishments.
Your academic interests should align with Whitman's liberal arts philosophy. The college requires a complete senior capstone project across all majors, so highlight research experience, independent projects, or deep dives into topics that fascinate you. If you're interested in economics or political science, mention specific policy areas or economic theories you want to explore. Psychology applicants should discuss particular branches of the field that intrigue them.
Whitman operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar with a month-long January term where students pursue intensive study abroad, internships, or creative projects. Reference this unique structure in your application if you have specific plans for how you'd use that flexibility.
The campus culture centers around intellectual discourse outside the classroom. Students regularly gather for dinner conversations with professors, attend campus lectures, and engage in heated debates about everything from philosophy to current events. You'll fit well if you genuinely enjoy learning for its own sake and want to continue academic conversations beyond class time.
Outdoor recreation plays a major role in student life, with hiking, skiing, and camping trips organized regularly through the college. Don't fabricate outdoor interests, but if you're genuinely drawn to nature-based activities, mention this connection.
The application deadline is January 15 for regular decision, with rolling admission afterward if space remains. Submit your application by the priority deadline since spots fill quickly for a school of this size. Financial aid applications are due simultaneously, so don't delay either submission.
Your recommendation letters matter significantly here. Choose teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and classroom participation rather than just your grades. Whitman professors teach small seminars and want students who will contribute meaningfully to discussions.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $35,506/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $61,492
- Students Receiving Aid
- 15%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $67,589/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 88.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whitman College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Whitman College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for Whitman College?
Whitman College offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 1), and Regular Decision (January 15) application deadlines.
Can I transfer credits to Whitman College from another school?
Whitman College accepts transfer students and evaluates credits from regionally accredited institutions on a case-by-case basis. Students typically need at least 24 college credits to apply as a transfer.
Does Whitman College offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Whitman College offers Early Decision I and Early Decision II options, both of which are binding commitments. The school does not offer non-binding Early Action.