Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.4%
- Retention Rate
- 52.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $59,492
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,937
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $264/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Master | $67,324 | $37,098 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $41,689 | $227,419 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,914 | $24,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $28,309 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $27,765 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $26,715 | $24,937 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $21,500 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $18,315 | $25,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $16,015 | $25,497 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $15,552 | $24,125 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $14,935 | $25,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Whittier graduates earn a median of $59,492 ten years after graduation, putting them ahead of many small liberal arts colleges but below the national average for all four-year institutions. With median debt of $24,937, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of about 42%, which is manageable compared to the national average of 60%. Monthly loan payments of $264 represent roughly 5.3% of their gross monthly income. The college's strong alumni network, including connections from Richard Nixon to business leaders across California, helps graduates land positions in education, business, and public service. The 67.29% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates can handle their debt load. This represents an average return on investment for a private liberal arts education.