Whittier College was founded in 1887 by The Religious Society of Friends and is a premier residential 4-year private liberal arts college that fosters innovation, creativity and social responsibility among students and faculty. In 1901, Whittier College was registered by the State of California with 25 students enrolled. Since its inception, Whittier College prides itself in providing a multidisciplinary education to its students. Due to it being a small residential campus, students and faculty live in close proximity, creating a 24/7 learning environment.
Mission/Vision
At Whittier College, its mission is to be “a[n]institution that prepares students from diverse backgrounds to excel in a complex global society. Through challenging, interactive courses, taught by accomplished professors, students learn to make connections across disciplines, understand cultural perspectives, and integrate learning with practical application.” To fulfill this mission, the institution currently offers 30 undergraduate majors in over 20 disciplines. Students also have the option of a self-designed undergraduate major through the Whittier Scholars Program.
Campus Setting
Whittier College is located in Whittier, CA, 18 miles from lively Los Angeles and near gorgeous Orange County. Its campus is near the 605 freeway, making it very accessible. Along with convenience, the institution is known for its beautifully intimate 75-acre campus.
Academics
Having its roots in the liberal arts academic discourse, the institution offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs in disciplines ranging from anthropology to law. In regards to curriculum, Whittier College focuses on community, communication, cultural perspectives and connections. Each and every one of its programs encompasses these hallmarks in multiple ways, not the least of which is Whittier’s low student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1.
Athletics
The Whittier College Poets, which is the name of their athletic teams, have over 20 teams that compete in the NCAA III division of intercollegiate sports. Its athletic facilities include: a stadium that seats 7,000, an athletic center that holds 2,000, along with four playing fields, a track, aquatics and fitness center, and tennis and racquetball courts. Many of the institution’s students have become professional athletics being recruited by, to name a few, the Major Baseball League, Major League Lacrosse and National Football League.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Whittier is expensive with financial aid available in the way of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Please refer to the school’s website for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
Accreditation
Whittier College is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, Whittier Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
Admissions
At Whittier College, the undergraduate admission process is fairly competitive with just over 70% of applicants being accepted. Deadlines for admission applications are November and February for the upcoming year.
Applicant must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited high school and shown diversity in coursework. In addition, at least one academic recommendation letter from recent or current instructor, a school report form completed by school counselor; completion of Common Application by due date and an application fee payment of $50.00 must be submitted.
For additional details regarding the admissions process, please contact Whittier College at:
13406 E. Philadelphia Street
P.O. Box 634
Whittier, CA 90608
Admission Tel: 562.907.4238
http://www.whittier.edu/admission