Whittier College

What is the history of Whittier College?

Whittier College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1887 by members of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers. Its name reflects its connection to the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier. The college is no longer governed as a religious institution, although it continues to describe its Quaker origins as part of its history.

Whittier developed into a residential college offering a broad undergraduate curriculum. Its alumni include former U.S. president Richard Nixon, who graduated in 1934. A consequential recent change was the closure of Whittier Law School in 2020. Applicants considering graduate study should therefore check the college's current program directory rather than assume that degrees offered in earlier years remain available.

What are the faculties and departments at Whittier College?

Whittier College organizes its undergraduate education around liberal arts and sciences programs rather than a large system of separate professional schools. Students can explore fields in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and visual and performing arts.

Examples of reported fields of study include biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, psychology, political science, business administration, music, and studio art. The college's smaller scale may appeal to students who want to work across disciplines; its reported student-to-faculty ratio is 9 to 1. That ratio describes the institution overall, not the size or availability of a particular class. Applicants should use the current academic catalog to confirm a major's requirements, course schedule, and any graduate credentials still offered.

What is the location of Whittier College?

Whittier College is in Whittier, California, in southeastern Los Angeles County. Its campus sits within an established suburban community, giving students access to the wider Los Angeles region while placing everyday classes and activities on a comparatively compact campus.

Commuting is a significant part of campus life: reported housing figures indicate that 46% of students commute. Students planning to travel from elsewhere in the region should assess their actual route and parking arrangements, since Los Angeles-area travel times can vary substantially. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus. Los Angeles International Airport is a major airport option for students traveling from farther away, though it is not adjacent to Whittier.

What is the mission and vision of Whittier College?

Whittier College presents its educational purpose as a liberal arts education that connects intellectual inquiry with participation in a diverse society. Its stated approach emphasizes learning across disciplines, discussion, and applying knowledge beyond the classroom.

The college's Quaker heritage helps explain its historical emphasis on community and reflection, but applicants should distinguish that heritage from a requirement to practice a particular faith. Mission language describes institutional aims, not a measurable promise about every student's experience. Students comparing colleges may find it more useful to examine how those aims appear in current degree requirements, advising, and opportunities for experiential learning.