Whittier College emblem

Whittier College

Whittier, United States • Founded 1887

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Whittier College
Acronyms: WC
Founded: 1887
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: Lux, Poesis, Veritas, Pax, Amor Eruditionis
Colours: Purple and gold
Mascot: Johnny Poet
Whittier College emblem

Established in 1887, the Whittier College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Whittier (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Whittier College (WC) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Whittier College (WC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 137-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

WC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Whittier College's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.

Address: 13406 E Philadelphia Street
Postal Code: 90602
Map:
Phone: +1 (562) 907 4200
Fax: +1 (562) 698 4067
Social Media:

Academic Details

Whittier College's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.

Recognition: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Total Students: 764
Student Enrollment: 1
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Programs Offered

Whittier College's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.

34 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 31 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Bachelor's Degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Economics
Bachelor's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 31.

Master's Degree 1 programme

Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Law
Law

Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme

Postgraduate Certificate in Education, General
Education & Teaching

How to apply to Whittier College

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Whittier College, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Whittier College runs 34 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to Whittier College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Whittier College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.whittier.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (562) 907 4200. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Whittier College

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Whittier College, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

When did Whittier College open?

Whittier College traces its founding to 1887 (approximately 139 years ago).

In which city is Whittier College?

Whittier College is based in Whittier, United States.

What is Whittier College's control type?

Whittier College operates as a private institution.

How many students study at Whittier College?

Whittier College has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.

Is Whittier College officially recognised?

Whittier College is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

What is Whittier College's official website?

The institution's website is www.whittier.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United States universities. Whittier College's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Member institutions of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.

Faculties at nearby universities

Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Whittier College. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

Programme-led research opportunities for Social & Cultural Studies students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.

Universities Compared with Whittier College

Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.

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