Whitman College

Three students stand together talking and smiling with Penrose Library and the Memorial Building clock tower in the background. There are many green trees and bushes and students are walking and biking on campus paths.

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.

Whitman College
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
509.527.5176 / 877.462.9448
admission@whitman.edu
www.whitman.edu
⋅ 1,544 students
⋅ 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio
⋅ Average class size: 17
⋅ Students come from 45 states, 68 countries, and 9 federally recognized tribal nations
⋅ Multicultural/International students make up 40.1% of the student body:
– 0.2% American Indian/Native Alaskan
– 5.5% Asian
– 2.9% Black/African American
– 11.5% Hispanic
– 13.8% international
– 6.2% two or more races
– 2.3% unknown
– 57.6% White
Whitman’s comprehensive student budget includes tuition, student association fees, standard room (assuming double occupancy) and board, and an estimated amount for books and incidental expenses:
⋅ Tuition: $61,070
⋅ 92% of students received financial assistance in 2023-24, and the average award was $55,798.
Merit scholarships of up to $25,000 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.

a professor and student work with an augmented reality sandbox

a class meets outdoor in the amphitheater

a Whitman women’s basketball player goes up for a shot

The atrium in the Hall of Science with study tables and classrooms in the background

students cook together in a residence hall kitchen

Character
Learn, Think and Create in Service to a Better World
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.

Worth Noting
Smarts and Drive
Our talented students are among the best in the nation, and they seek out opportunities to deepen and expand their knowledge. In the past 15 years over 500 Whitman students have earned prestigious fellowships and grants, including:

  • 20 Watson Fellowships
  • 67 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Awards
  • 37 Gilman International Scholarships
  • 4 Udall Scholarships
  • 32 National Science Foundation Fellowships
  • 3 Projects for Peace Awards

A Lot to Love
The Princeton Review’s Great Colleges list includes Whitman in multiple categories, including:

  • Most Loved Colleges
  • Great Quality of Life
  • Great Classroom Experience
  • Great Professors
  • Great Professor Accessibility
  • Great College Library
  • Great Health Services

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.

Faculty & Academics
Learn from the Best
Whitman 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. In the 2023–24 academic year, a new concentration in Human-Centered Design, a new minor in Finance, and two new majors—Ethics & Society and Neuroscience (Brain, Behavior & Cognition)— were introduced.

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 2023–24, Whitman offered 61 majors, three combined programs, 37 minors, two concentrations and two other programs. For the most current listings, please check the college website.

Majors, Minors, Programs and Concentrations
Anthropology
Anthropology-Environmental Studies
Art
Art-Environmental Studies
Art History
Astronomy
Astronomy-Geology
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology
Biology
Biology-Environmental Studies
Biology-Geology
Biology + French
Chemistry
Chemistry-Environmental Studies
Chemistry-Geology
Chinese
Classical Studies
Classics
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Dance
Data Science
Economics
Economics-Environmental Studies
Economics-Mathematics
Engineering (3-2 Combined Plan)
English
Environmental Humanities
Environmental Studies
Ethics & Society
Film & Media Studies
Finance
Forestry & Environmental Management (3-2 Combined Plan)
French & Francophone Studies
Gender 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 & Ethnic Studies
Japanese
Latin American Studies
Mathematics
Mathematics-Physics
Mathematics-Statistics
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
Religion
Religion + French
Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse
Sociology
Sociology-Environmental Studies
Sociology + French
South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
Theater & Dance

Campus Life

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.

Varsity Sports
Whitman College fields 17 varsity athletics programs for men and women. Our NCAA Division III sports compete in the Northwest Conference (NWC). Whitman has been tremendously successful across many of its programs both on the field, court and trails, as well as in the classroom. Our students are gifted athletes and top scholars. Each year, nearly 100 scholar-athletes earn spots on the NWC Academic Honor Roll.

Baseball (Men)
Basketball
Cross Country
Distance Track
Golf
Lacrosse (Women)
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball (Women)

Life After College

Whitman graduates are known for making their mark in the world. From researching at Tesla, to caring for patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and developing the future of social media at Snapchat, 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.

Academic Profile of Entering Class
  • Median GPA: 3.77 unweighted
  • Median Combined SAT: 1,355*
  • Median Combined ACT: 30*
  • 31% are students of color
  • 41.2% male, 58.8% female

*Whitman has a test-optional application process