About Whitworth University
Whitworth University builds strong community bonds among its 1,927 students in suburban Spokane. This Presbyterian liberal arts university emphasizes Christian values and personal relationships between faculty and students. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Whitworth accepts 91% of applicants, welcoming students who want to grow academically and spiritually in a supportive setting.
The sticker price of $50,920 for tuition drops with financial aid. Students pay an average net price of $25,884 after grants and scholarships. Graduates earn a median of $58,561 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,000. The math works out reasonably well, with monthly loan payments averaging $265. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families alongside wealthier ones.
The Pirates compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports with 442 student-athletes. Students follow a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term for intensive study or travel experiences. The 72% four-year graduation rate reflects the close mentoring relationships that help students stay on track. Campus housing accommodates 1,352 students, creating a residential college experience where faith and learning intersect daily.
The sticker price of $50,920 for tuition drops with financial aid. Students pay an average net price of $25,884 after grants and scholarships. Graduates earn a median of $58,561 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,000. The math works out reasonably well, with monthly loan payments averaging $265. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families alongside wealthier ones.
The Pirates compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports with 442 student-athletes. Students follow a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term for intensive study or travel experiences. The 72% four-year graduation rate reflects the close mentoring relationships that help students stay on track. Campus housing accommodates 1,352 students, creating a residential college experience where faith and learning intersect daily.
Academics & Faculty
Whitworth builds its academic reputation around Christian liberal arts education with strong programs in business, education, and nursing. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions where professors know students personally. About 72% of students graduate in four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The school's Four-One-Four calendar includes a January term for intensive study abroad or specialized courses. Whitworth's theology and music programs draw students seeking faith-integrated learning. The university emphasizes undergraduate teaching over research, meaning professors focus on student mentorship rather than publishing. With 1,927 total students, class sizes stay small enough for meaningful professor relationships that continue beyond graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.4%
- Retention Rate
- 80.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,561
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,995 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,705 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $54,661 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,789 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,575 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,747 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
Campus Life
The Whitworth campus sits in suburban Spokane, about 15 minutes from downtown and two hours from Seattle. Students bundle up for snowy winters that regularly dip below freezing, while summers reach the comfortable 80s. With housing for 1,352 students and total enrollment of 1,927, about 70% of undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit residential community.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Whitworth's Presbyterian heritage shows in its emphasis on service and community engagement, though students of all backgrounds feel welcome. Pirates athletics draw crowds to 21 varsity sports, with 442 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. The unique Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships, study abroad, or intensive courses. Weekend activities center around campus traditions, outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains and lakes, and trips to Spokane's growing downtown arts and restaurant scene. The close community means students often gather for pickup games, movie nights, and late-night conversations in residence halls.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Whitworth's Presbyterian heritage shows in its emphasis on service and community engagement, though students of all backgrounds feel welcome. Pirates athletics draw crowds to 21 varsity sports, with 442 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III. The unique Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships, study abroad, or intensive courses. Weekend activities center around campus traditions, outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains and lakes, and trips to Spokane's growing downtown arts and restaurant scene. The close community means students often gather for pickup games, movie nights, and late-night conversations in residence halls.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,352 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–37°F
- July Avg
- 56°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.4"
Student Demographics
Whitworth draws heavily from the Pacific Northwest, with seven in ten students coming from Washington state. The school's strong regional reputation attracts families seeking a Christian liberal arts education close to home. Women outnumber men by more than ten percentage points, reflecting the university's emphasis on education, social work, and nursing programs. Nearly three in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing Whitworth's commitment to making Presbyterian higher education accessible to middle-class families. The campus community is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic and Asian populations that mirror Spokane's changing demographics.
- Men
- 44.6%
- Women
- 55.4%
- White
- 63.6%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 12.4%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 70.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.0%
Location
Whitworth University sits in Spokane, Washington's largest inland city with 230,000 residents. The campus is located just 15 minutes from downtown Spokane and 90 miles south of the Canadian border. Students enjoy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest. The Spokane area offers hiking trails, skiing at nearby mountains, and the scenic Spokane River running through the city. About 70% of Whitworth's students come from Washington state, reflecting the school's strong regional draw. The suburban setting provides a quieter atmosphere than Seattle while maintaining city conveniences. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Whitworth with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Spokane, Washington 99251
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,561
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,421
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Whitworth University?
Whitworth admits 90.52% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110 and 1350 on the SAT, reflecting the school's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Whitworth University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,884 after financial aid, despite the sticker price of $65,388. The Presbyterian university provides institutional grants averaging $35,336 to 27.30% of students, making this private education more affordable than it initially appears.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Whitworth University?
Classes are small with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio among the 1,927 enrolled students. This Christian liberal arts university operates on a Four-One-Four calendar system, allowing for intensive January term courses and close faculty mentorship.
What do graduates of Whitworth University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $58,561 ten years after graduation, with a strong 96.6% employment rate. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265, manageable given the school's focus on career preparation.
Where is Whitworth University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in suburban Spokane, Washington, with housing for 1,352 students in a community of 1,927 total enrollment. About 70% of students come from in-state, creating a close-knit atmosphere where 80.35% of first-year students return for their sophomore year.
Does Whitworth University have a strong athletics program?
The Pirates compete in NCAA Division III with 21 varsity sports and 442 total athletes participating. As a Division III school, Whitworth offers no athletic scholarships but emphasizes the student-athlete experience within its Presbyterian educational mission.
