“Indeed, when asked what kind of person should come here, the first thing a Whitman student is likely to say is, ‘If you’re not willing to get involved, don’t bother to come here.’ By ‘involved’ that student would mean in one’s studies, with one another, with teachers, and in campus life.”
– Colleges That Change Lives
Whitman College is currently welcoming students and their families to campus for visits! We also offer online information sessions and virtual tours. Learn more about visiting Whitman College.
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
509.527.5176 / 877.462.9448
admission@whitman.edu
www.whitman.edu
⋅ 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio
⋅ Average class size: 16
⋅ Students come from 46 states, 96 countries, and 7 federally recognized tribal nations
⋅ Multicultural/International students make up 40.1% of the student body:
– 0.4% American Indian/Native Alaskan
– 5.4% Asian
– 2.9% Black/African American
– 12.7% Hispanic
– 14.1% international
– 0.1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
– 6.3% two or more races
– 2.6% unknown
– 55.5% White
⋅ Tuition: $63,500
⋅ 96% of students received financial assistance in 2024-25, and the average award for students with financial need was $57,884.
⋅ Merit scholarships of up to $30,000 are awarded to high-achieving students.
⋅ High school seniors can receive an Early Financial Aid Guarantee before even applying to see how much money in scholarships and financial aid they would be offered if admitted to Whitman.
As a small residential liberal arts college, Whitman is rooted in values like critical thought and academic rigor. But at our foundation is also a belief in the value of community and power of relationships. Our graduates are scholars, but also explorers, advocates and scientists. They climb mountains, travel to far-off corners and give voice to others. They care about community and aim to become citizens of the world.
The Perfect College Town
Whitman’s tree- and art-filled campus is located in Walla Walla, Washington, nestled between wheat fields and the Blue Mountains in the scenic, sunny southeastern corner of the state. Walla Walla ranks on many best-of-the-best destination lists thanks to its beautiful setting, charming downtown, friendly community and thriving food and arts scene.
Our talented students are among the best in the nation, and they seek out opportunities to deepen and expand their knowledge. Since the year 2000, over 600 Whitman students have earned prestigious fellowships and grants, including:
- 28 Watson Fellowships
- 103 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Awards
- 46 Gilman International Scholarships
- 4 Udall Scholarships
- 32 National Science Foundation Fellowships
- 4 Projects for Peace Awards
A Lot to Love
There are rankings, and then there’s what really matters: the values that support a life-changing education. At Whitman, we’re honored to be on lists like Best in the West and Best Small Colleges, but what defines us is the community we are cultivating. It’s an experience grounded in personal connections, exciting opportunities, and well-supported growth.
Whitties Around the World
45% of Whitman students participate in Off-Campus Studies, including semester- and year-long overseas and U.S.-based programs as well as summer study abroad opportunities. Students from all majors can choose from more than 80 programs in 40+ countries.
From First Year to First Career
Before even arriving on campus, every student is connected to the Career and Community Engagement Center. With expert guidance, students will get on-campus jobs and dream internships, develop talent-showcasing resumes, find opportunities to volunteer, and connect with Whitman alumni, mentors and online professional communities.
Whitman’s professors are accomplished but also accessible; 92% of full-time faculty hold the most advanced degree in their field. With small class sizes and no teaching assistants, our professors know their students individually and are deeply invested in their success.
Educating for the Future
The world is evolving, and our wide variety of majors, minors, concentrations and dual-degree programs provide students the opportunity to find their focus and prepare for innovative careers.
Recent additions to the curriculum include concentrations in Social Justice and Human-Centered Design; minors in Finance, Data Science, and Law, Culture & Humanities; and two new majors—Ethics & Society and Neuroscience (Brain, Behavior & Cognition).
First Year Seminars
Whitman College’s First Year Seminars are designed to immerse our students in deep thought and transformative conversations. The seminar course, taken by all first-year students, is one of the first academic spaces where students closely connect with professors, get to know classmates and build a foundation for learning and thinking necessary to succeed in college and life.
Whitman Undergraduate Conference
For over 25 years, Whitman has held an annual Undergraduate Conference showcasing work sparked by student-faculty research, course study, senior theses, independent projects, fellowships, internships and study abroad experiences. No classes are held that day so that everyone can attend this celebration of academic excellence.
Areas of Study
In 2024–25, Whitman offered over 70 majors, programs, minors, and concentrations. For the most current listings, please check the college website.
Majors, Minors, Programs and Concentrations
Anthropology
Anthropology-Environmental Studies
Anthropology + French
Art
Art-Environmental Studies
Art History
Astronomy
Astronomy-Geology
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology/Pre-Engineering
Biology
Biology-Environmental Studies
Biology-Geology
Biology + French
Brain Behavior & Cognition
Chemistry
Chemistry-Environmental Studies
Chemistry-Geology
Chemistry/Pre-Engineering
Chinese
Classical (Greek) Studies
Classical (Latin) Studies
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science/Pre-Engineering
Creative Writing
Dance
Data Science
Economics
Economics-Environmental Studies
Economics-Mathematics
Engineering (3-2 Combined Plan)
English
Environmental Humanities
Ethics & Society
Film & Media Studies
Finance
Forestry & Environmental Management (3-2 Combined Plan)
French & Francophone Studies
Gender Studies
General Studies
Geology
Geology-Computer Science
Geology-Environmental Studies
Geology-Physics
Geology + French
German Studies
Global Literatures
Global Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
History-Environmental Studies
Human-Centered Design
Indigeneity, Race & Ethnicity
Japanese
Latin American Studies
Mathematics
Mathematics-Physics
Mathematics-Statistics
Mathematics/Pre-Engineering
Music
Neuroscience (Brain, Behavior & Cognition)
Oceanography (3-2 Combined Plan)
Philosophy
Physics
Physics-Astronomy
Physics-Environmental Studies
Politics
Politics-Environmental Studies
Pre-Health
Pre-Law
Psychology
Psychology + French
Physics/Pre-Engineering
Religion
Religion + French
Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse
Social Justice
Sociology
Sociology-Environmental Studies
Sociology + French
South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
Theater & Dance
Whitman College isn’t just a place to learn—it’s a place where you can grow, thrive and make a difference. Connect with classmates who share your interests in a club and find ways to engage with the community around you. You’ll find a sense of belonging and the confidence to try new things—at one of the most beautiful colleges in the country.
Residence Halls
All students live in on campus housing their first two years. We have dedicated halls for first year students, where they get comfortable, make friends, have fun and are supported. Beginning their second year, there are multiple options for single and shared rooms in multiple halls as well as in our Interest House community.
Student Activities
At Whitman, we encourage students to take advantage of over 100 clubs, organizations and intramural sports. Launch a radio show, join friends in the fight to stop climate change or run for student office. Every student receives $150 a year to spend on adventures with the Outdoor Program, so take on a new challenge or join others in a favorite outdoor activity.
Inclusive Excellence
We embrace perspectives from students, staff and faculty from all backgrounds. Our Intercultural Center offers academic and social support for all students. Dozens of affinity groups help students connect with others from shared backgrounds. And annual programs like Power & Privilege and Unity Week call on our entire community to have thoughtful dialogue around issues of difference.
Baseball (Men)
Basketball
Cross Country
Distance Track
Golf
Lacrosse (Women)
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball (Women)
Whitman graduates are known for making their mark in the world. Whether running research labs or building peace through law and advocacy, providing hands-on health care or fighting climate change, the opportunities are vast and varied. Wherever they want to go, a Whitman degree can get them there.
In the year immediately following graduation, 64% of our students begin careers, 20% go directly to graduate school, and 6% receive prestigious fellowships that take them all over the world. Over time, more than half of Whitman alums pursue advanced degrees.
- Median GPA: 3.79 unweighted
- Median Combined SAT: 1,390*
- Median Combined ACT: 31**
- 30% are U.S. students of color
- 17% are international students
- 40.3% male, 58.5% female, 1.3% other/unspecified
*Whitman has a test-optional application process; only 31% of applicants submitted SAT scores.
**Whitman has a test-optional application process; only 11% of applicants submitted ACT scores.