Research.com
Whittier College logo

Whittier College

13406 E. Philadelphia Street P.O. Box 634, Whittier, CA 90608-0634, USA

Whittier College award
Whittier College award
US ranking
position: 879
Tuition & fees per year: $52,877
Acceptance rate: 85.00%
Median alumni salary: $27,082
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1230 SAT, 26 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does Whittier College offer in terms of athletics?

Whittier College provides a range of athletic opportunities through its participation in NCAA Division III sports. The college supports multiple men's and women's varsity teams, encouraging student-athletes to compete at a high level while maintaining a balance with academic commitments. Sports programs include basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field, among others.

Student-athletes at Whittier benefit from dedicated coaching staff focused on both skill development and personal growth. The college fosters a competitive yet inclusive environment, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Facilities are designed to support training and competition needs, ensuring athletes have access to quality resources.

Beyond varsity sports, Whittier offers recreational and intramural activities, promoting fitness and community engagement for a broader student population. This approach allows students who may not participate in varsity athletics to remain active and involved in campus life.

What student groups and Associations are available at Whittier College?

Whittier College offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests, including the Athenian Society, Diversity Council, Program Board, PSALA (Poet Student Athletic Leadership Academy), and Global Poets. These groups provide platforms for leadership, cultural engagement, and community involvement.

Regarding participation, approximately 4.2% of the male student body and 7.5% of the female student body are members of social organizations, based on the available data showing 15 men and 30 women involved out of totals of 311 men and 402 women respectively.

Who studies at Whittier College?

Whittier College enrolls a diverse student body, though the overall size is relatively modest. Freshman enrollment stands at 145 students, placing it in the lower 30% range compared to similar institutions, while transfer students number around 80, considered average for this comparison group. In total, approximately 225 new students join Whittier College annually, which falls within the bottom 35% nationwide.

The undergraduate population primarily consists of young adults aged 18 to 21, with 261 students aged 18-19 and 325 students aged 20-21. There is a smaller presence of older undergraduates, including 30 students between ages 25 and 29, and only a handful of students above age 30. Graduate students are fewer in number, with the largest concentration aged 22-49, indicating Whittier College serves a predominantly traditional college-age population.

A significant characteristic of Whittier College is the high representation of students from foreign countries, with 22% of the student body coming from abroad-this is notably higher than most institutions, placing it in the top 5% nationwide. Domestic enrollment shows a moderate proportion of in-state students (61%) and a relatively low percentage of out-of-state students (12%), indicating a campus largely composed of California residents.

Regarding racial and ethnic diversity, Hispanic students form the largest group at the college, though their representation is average compared to other schools. African American and Asian students also comprise notable portions of the community, both at average levels. White students make up a smaller share relative to national norms, appearing in the lower 30% percentile. Other groups including Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races are present at average levels, contributing to a broadly balanced but not exceptionally diverse racial composition.

How does student life look like at Whittier College?

Whittier College offers a campus environment enriched with several student activities and amenities designed to enhance campus life. Students have access to cultural and media outlets including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a chorus group, and a television station, providing various ways to engage creatively outside the classroom.

Health and well-being services are available on campus, featuring a health clinic, psychological counseling, and support tailored for veterans through a dedicated office. These resources demonstrate the college's commitment to supporting student needs beyond academics.

The college maintains a relatively small student body with a total enrollment of 797, shaping a close-knit community atmosphere. The student-faculty ratio is low at 8 to 1, which may contribute to more personalized academic attention. Furthermore, the college draws students from an international pool representing 35 countries, offering a diverse cultural environment.

Though no athletic affiliation with the NCAA is recorded, Whittier College still provides various extracurricular options that contribute to a balanced student experience. The combination of creative opportunities, supportive health services, and a manageable campus size could be key factors for prospective students considering this institution.

What libraries are available to students at Whittier College?

Whittier College offers access to the Bonnie Bell Wardman Library as its primary library resource for students. The institution maintains a modest library system with just one library, placing it in the bottom 40% compared to peers. The collection consists of approximately 180,938 books, which is below the median range for similar colleges.

The library subscribes to around 1,015 physical periodicals and provides access to 636,852 digital subscriptions, a figure that ranks it in the top 20% nationally, reflecting an emphasis on digital resources. There are roughly 298,910 ebooks available, which is relatively low and falls within the lower third percentile among similar institutions. Additionally, Whittier College offers access to 64 databases, positioning it near the midpoint for database availability.

Students benefit from established library operating hours totalling about 60 service hours weekly, with amenities including study rooms and both physical and digital access to collections. The library has trained staff and participates in shared collection access programs, enhancing resource availability beyond its own holdings. All-day access is also provided, supporting flexible study schedules for students.

Whittier College Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

797

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

201

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

84 full time, 25 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Whittier College Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Bonnie Bell Wardman Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Whittier College Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Whittier College Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Whittier College Location & Map