At $29,871/yr net price, Whittier College graduates earn $59,492/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,492/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,871 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,492/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,492/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,937 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,678/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,119/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,096/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,433/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,090/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
63.4% of students at Whittier College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Whittier College offers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $29,871 annual cost. With median earnings of $59,492 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
Education stands out as the only program delivering solid value, with graduates earning $67,324 annually. This makes sense given California's strong teacher salary scales and the program's direct career pipeline. Business and management graduates face a harsh reality with starting salaries around $35,914 that barely cover loan payments, while social work and sociology majors earn even less despite similar debt loads.
The law program presents a financial disaster. Graduates carry $227,419 in debt while earning just $41,689 annually. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment nearly impossible without income-driven plans that extend payments for decades.
Whittier's 63% graduation rate and alarming 53% retention rate signal serious completion risks. Nearly half of freshmen don't return for sophomore year, meaning you face significant odds of paying without finishing your degree.
This school works financially only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that brings your actual costs well below the sticker price, or if you're pursuing education with clear career goals. The 32% of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
If you need loans to attend Whittier, consider community college transfer pathways or state schools with stronger employment outcomes. The combination of high costs, weak earnings, and poor retention creates too many financial risks for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whittier College worth the cost for the salary you'll earn after graduation?
Whittier College graduates earn a median of $59,492 ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $29,871 annual net price. The return on investment varies significantly by major, with education graduates earning $67,324 while sociology majors average just $28,309.
What are the best paying majors at Whittier College?
Education is the highest-paying program at Whittier College with graduates earning $67,324 annually. Law and business majors earn $41,689 and $35,914 respectively, while social work and sociology graduates face much lower earning potential.
How much student debt do Whittier College graduates typically have?
Whittier College graduates have a median debt of $24,937, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with lower-paying majors like sociology averaging $28,309 annually, debt repayment could be challenging depending on your field of study.
Does Whittier College have good graduation rates and job outcomes?
Whittier College has a 63.4% graduation rate, which is below average for four-year colleges. The relatively high acceptance rate of 75% suggests less selective admissions, which often correlates with mixed academic outcomes.