Overview
Whittier College is a less selective private four-year institution in Whittier, California. The school accepts 75.5% of applicants and enrolls 812 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 75.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,240
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,140–1,340
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 812
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
Whittier College uses rolling admissions, so you can apply throughout the year until spaces fill. Submit your application, high school transcripts, and one letter of recommendation through the Common Application or directly to the college. The school makes standardized test scores optional, though you can submit SAT or ACT results if they strengthen your application.
The college requires first-year students to live on campus unless they live within commuting distance with family. Housing assignments happen in spring, and you'll complete a roommate preference form as part of the process. Whittier guarantees housing for all four years, which sets it apart from many California colleges where upperclassmen often move off-campus due to limited space.
You'll participate in Liberal Education at Whittier orientation during your first week, which introduces the school's interdisciplinary approach to general education requirements. This program requires courses across multiple disciplines and culminates in a senior capstone project connecting your major to broader themes.
Whittier's small size means direct access to professors and research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students at larger universities. The college operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar with a January interim term for intensive courses, internships, or study abroad programs. Many students use this month-long January session to explore subjects outside their major or complete internships in their field.
Financial aid decisions typically arrive with admission offers. The school meets demonstrated need for most students through a combination of grants, work-study, and loans. Submit your FAFSA early to maximize aid opportunities, particularly for California residents who may qualify for state grants in addition to federal and institutional aid.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $29,871/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $49,864
- Students Receiving Aid
- 32%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,492/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 52.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whittier College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Whittier College is test-optional, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. You may still submit scores if you believe they strengthen your application.
What is the application deadline for Whittier College?
Whittier College has rolling admissions with a priority deadline of February 1 for fall enrollment. Applications received after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does Whittier College offer early decision or early action?
Whittier College offers early action with a November 15 deadline. This is non-binding, so you can apply to other schools and compare financial aid offers.
How many transfer credits does Whittier College accept?
Whittier College accepts up to 70 semester units of transfer credit from community colleges and up to 94 units total from all institutions. You must complete at least 30 units at Whittier to graduate.