Whitman College

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Average Rating: 58.7 Average Consensus: 69 Average Review: 76.8
73
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
62.1
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
84
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.8
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
48%
Percent Admitted
79%
4-year Graduation Rate
1,493
Enrollment
9.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$30,263
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$58,622
In-State Tuition and Fees
$58,622
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

Walla Walla Washington is not just the city that was home to many of Daffy Duck’s employers in the old Warner Brothers cartoon, it is a small, vibrant city that means “place of many waters” in the local native Americans’ tongue. It is also home to Whitman College, a private 4-year school founded in honor of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman in 1859 as a seminary. In 1882 the seminary became a college and in 1907 the college became non-sectarian. In the midst of the Walla Walla Valley (which boasts 100 wineries), the city has a strong agricultural background. The proud heritage of the city includes Whitman College, whose alumni include many regional politicians and actor Adam West.

Academic Programs

Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Whitman offers Bachelor’s degrees in 45 majors. Biology and Bio-med fields feature prominently in the catalog and approximately 40 percent of Juniors study abroad to gain additional insight into other regions and cultures, adding impact to the education. Their mission statement says “Whitman College is committed to providing an excellent, well-rounded liberal arts and sciences undergraduate education. It is an independent, nonsectarian, and residential college. Whitman offers an ideal setting for rigorous learning and scholarship and encourages creativity, character, and responsibility. Through the study of humanities, arts, and social and natural sciences, Whitman’s students develop capacities to analyze, interpret, criticize, communicate, and engage. A concentration on basic disciplines, in combination with a supportive residential life program that encourages personal and social development, is intended to foster intellectual vitality, confidence, leadership, and the flexibility to succeed in a changing technological, multicultural world.” This is evident in the many Signature Programs available to students during their time at Whitman.

Student Life

The 1,500 students have over 100 activities and clubs to fill their college experience as well as a popular Greek presence. There are 8 residence halls and “interest houses” where like-minded (or similarly focused) individuals can live together through the semester. Competing in NCAA Division III, Whitman fields teams in 9 sports and has 15 on-campus sports clubs and intramurals (for the non-varsity crowd). The student-run campus radio station, KWCW 90.5 FM broadcasts at 160 watts and has an online presence as well. Their Core Values reflect a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor; good-natured fun; a sense of adventure and an outdoorsy lifestyle. Whitman traditions embrace the distinctive qualities and sense of balance that characterize the campus and community. Another tradition is that new students receive a specially prepared box of onions before arriving on campus, reflecting the agricultural history of the region. Located in the ‘place so nice, they named it twice, ’Whitman provides a marvelous environment for education and personal growth and pursuits.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?