Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.0%
- Retention Rate
- 88.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $67,589
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,437
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 93.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $195/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $16,500 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $16,750 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,039 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,584 | $15,000 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,999 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $18,868 |
Outcomes Overview
Whitman graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $18,437, well below the national average for private colleges. Monthly loan payments of $195 represent just 3.5% of the median starting salary of $67,589 after ten years. The 96.2% employment rate reflects the college's strong alumni network and liberal arts reputation. Many Blues pursue careers in education, nonprofits, and graduate school, with notable alumni including Nobel physicist Walter Brattain. The low debt burden and high graduation rate of 81% create favorable conditions for career exploration. Despite the high sticker price, generous aid packages averaging $32,047 help most families. This represents a strong return on investment for students committed to liberal arts education.