As a national model in providing access to higher education to students of all backgrounds, Whittier is committed to ensuring that access is matched by affordability.
Whittier College invites supporters of equitable higher education access to consider launching a named scholarship fund in honor of a personal passion, a lived experience, or an individual. Current use scholarship funds can be established with a minimum gift of $10,000. Endowed scholarship funds can be established with a minimum gift of $50,000.
A merit scholarship awarded to incoming students who have demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement, as well as to those displaying talent in the performing arts (music, theater, visual arts.) All students who complete an admission application are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships which are awarded at the time of admission to Whittier College. Merit awards are renewable each year for the duration of a student's time at Whittier.
Whittier College seniors who have achieved at least a 3.70 GPA in the fall semester are eligible to receive a Student Loan Relief Scholarship. Applied directly to a student's account to reduce their senior year federal student loan debt amount, the scholarship awards a minimum of $500.
The Poet Forward Scholarship reduces the amount of unmet need for returning students and makes retention at Whittier possible without additional loans.
Whittier College awards a $2,000 scholarship to every student who wishes to study abroad through the Office of International Programs. With the choice to enroll in a traditional semester-long study abroad program or a short JanTerm faculty-led travel course, approximately 40% of Whittier's undergraduates are expanding their academic journey beyond Whittier and the United States.
Created to support aspiring educators enrolled in the College's highly-respected teaching credential or Master of Arts in Education program, the Poet Educator Scholarship reduces out-of-pocket costs. For decades, the program has prepared teachers and administrators to meet the diverse learning, cultural, and linguistic needs of K-12 students in Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and the State of California.
Student affordability goes beyond being able to afford tuition payments. Unexpected hardships can often derail a student’s college journey. The following funds help ease the burden, allowing Whittier students to thrive.
Unexpected health care costs, family emergencies, unplanned automobile repairs: these and other circumstances can jeopardize a student's ability to successfully complete a college education. Students can apply for emergency grants that typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the need.
Managed by the Dean of Students’ office, the Invisible Students Support fund provides ongoing resources to address issues around food and housing insecurity including funding for Whittier's student food pantry.
Students grappling with mental health challenges make use of free counseling services every year. Whittier's experienced Counseling Center staff is committed to providing high-quality services in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental atmosphere.
