Social Mobility gauges a graduate’s ability to move up the economic ladder. To measure this, 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.
According to U.S. News, economically disadvantaged students are less likely to complete college and earn a degree, but some colleges like Whittier are more successful at ensuring students get to the finish line successfully and graduate. More than 45 percent of Whittier students are the first in their families to attend college and nearly 40 percent are Pell-eligible.
U.S. News also ranked Whittier as the 17th most diverse liberal arts college in the United States, and 6th in California. Whittier is a model for the nation in providing college access to students of all backgrounds and promoting the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, about 50% of Whittier’s students identify as Latinx and students of color constitute roughly 68% of the student body.
Overall, Whittier College was ranked 107 nationally in the U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023 Best Colleges ranking. Now in its 38th year, the rankings evaluate more than 1,450 colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality.
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.
