In the annual list, Whittier is #102 in the nation, three spots above its placement the year before.
The College also ranked as the top liberal arts college in California for students’ social mobility: a graduate’s ability to move up the economic ladder. To measure the latter, U.S. News compared the graduation rates of students who receive federal Pell Grants—given to students whose household income is less than $50,000 annually—with students who did not receive them.
In addition, Whittier ranked as the 8th-best liberal arts college in California for “best value,” which compares the quality of the institution’s academics against the cost of attendance, given the average financial aid package. The higher quality the education, and the lower the cost, the better the deal. For the same criteria, the College ranked in top 100 nationally.
“Whittier College is dedicated to lowering the barrier for all students to receive a top-quality education; one that will not only improve the trajectory of their own lives, but the communities around them, as well,” said Falone Serna, vice president of enrollment management. “These rankings reflect that mission.”
In its commitment to making higher education more affordable, Whittier is waiving application fees and decided not to raise this year’s tuition. To further support the mission of easing the cost a college education, the institution is also actively finding new sources of revenue beyond undergraduate tuition, including fundraising and creating new certificate and other non-degree programs.
Beyond dollars and cents, U.S. News also ranked Whittier as the 15th most diverse liberal arts college in the United States, and 7th in California.
About Whittier College Founded in 1887, Whittier College is an independent four-year residential liberal arts college that encourages students to question the world around them and figure out their place in it. Located in the heart of Southern California between bustling Los Angeles and beautiful Orange County, Whittier is distinguished by its small size, energetic faculty, and nationally recognized curriculum. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and curricular innovation, the College’s primary mission is to endow students with the education, skills, and values appropriate for global leadership and service.
