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Whitman College

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Whitman College campus
Perhaps it's our location in the Pacific Northwest, with natural beauty in all directions and a stunning campus that doubles as both an arboretum and an outdoor art museum. Maybe it's the dynamic community of supportive peers, caring and mentoring professors, and friendly staff who live and work here, helping challenge and inspire you. No matter what it is, we are eager for you to find your place at Whitman College.
Accepts first-year applicationsWestPrivateRuralSmall (2,000 and under)Co-Ed
Virtual Tour

Academic programs

  • Engineering
  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

First-year

A Whitman education is about developing the broad foundation of knowledge as well as the critical thinking and communication skills you need to lead a life of distinction and service. It's about lifelong learning and lifelong friendships. Discovering who you are and who you want to be during your four years on campus. It's about developing the right values and achieving the right balance between the intellectual, professional, social, and personal aspects of your life. Whitman College offers three decision deadlines: two Early Decision, and one Regular Decision.

Transfer

Because we appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions students like you bring to the college, Whitman admits a small number of students each spring and fall who are transferring from a four-year liberal arts college, university or two-year college. Transfer students are eligible for on-campus housing and financial aid. We hope you will consider becoming part of our intellectual community and our transfer student cohort.

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Additional information

Your college education will be one of the most important investments of time and money you will ever make–and we are committed to making the financial piece of that investment as affordable for you as possible. That's why Whitman offers a comprehensive, diversified financial aid program that includes scholarships, grants, employment, and loans. You can even know your financial aid package before you have to submit an application by completing an Early Financial Aid Guarantee!

Nearly 91% of our students receive financial aid. Last year, the average need-based aid award package for Whitman students was $52,833. We also offer merit scholarships of up to $25,000 to high-achieving students.

Whitman offers scholarships in music, theatre arts, visual art and debate. These talent-based awards require an additional application and may require an on-campus or video audition.  The President's Scholarships meet all of the student's demonstrated financial need when combined with scholarships or grants from all other sources, which can amount to the full cost of tuition, housing and other fees for the given year. 

Visit us

You're invited to come visit Whitman College. In fact, we really want you to! And it's not just because we like to meet people from all over the globe (we do - our students come from 44 states and 80 countries); and it's not just because we think you'll have a good time visiting (you will). It's because we think that visiting is the best way to experience the reasons why Whitman is the right place for you. When you visit you'll get to choose your activities, including sitting in on classes, staying overnight in a residence hall, meet with faculty, touring campus and much more.

As a small residential liberal arts college in Walla Walla, Washington, Whitman is rooted in the traditional liberal arts 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.