Whitman is an independent, co-educational, non-sectarian residential liberal arts and sciences undergraduate college, founded in 1882. In 1919 Whitman became the second college or university in Washington, after the University of Washington, to be selected for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Whitman is the premier liberal arts college that combines academic excellence with an unpretentious Northwest culture and an engaging community. Since becoming a college in 1882, Whitman College ha
s a history of graduating ethical, accomplished leaders. The tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually dynamic, diverse, active and supportive community. Students find a balance at Whitman between challenging academics and developing meaningful and enduring personal relationships through an involved campus community.
Location: Historic Walla Walla in the scenic southeastern corner of Washington, two-and-a-half hours from Spokane, four hours from Portland, and 4.5 hours from Seattle.
Enrollment: 1,450 students from 45 states and 30 nations. Approximately 70 percent of Whitman students live on campus.
Facult
y: 98 percent of tenure-track faculty hold the Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree in field. During recent years the faculty has garnered honors and fellowships from Battelle Research Institute, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Fulbright Fellowships, Hughes Medical Institute, PEW Foundation, and National Endowment for the Humanities and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, among others.
Academic Excellence:
- Whitman offers a rigorous and collaborative liberal arts education that extends beyond the classroom.
- Faculty are teacher-scholars, experts in their fields and devoted to enabling students to learn.
- Students routinely collaborate with faculty on scholarly endeavors at levels more commonly associated with graduate students.
- The Princeton Review ranks Whitman in the top 20 in the nation for “Best Classroom Experience, “Professors Get High Marks” and “Best Theatre Program.”
- Whitman has developed more than 20 innovative teaching and learning programs, including Semester in the West, Klamath Mountain sociology and environmental studies, and history and ethno-botany of the Silk Roads.
- There have been 50 Fulbright scholars and 12 Watson fellows since 1999.
- All seniors complete a capstone experience in their major, including an oral examination.
Unpretentious Northwest Culture:
- Whitman people can be characterized as individuals with a love of learning, passion for fun, and who like to work collaboratively.
- They are described by parents, students and counselors as incredibly friendly. Comments from families after campus tours are consistent – “The people are so nice.” It’s a culture born out of Whitman’s rural Northwest location.
- The Princeton Review ranks Whitman in the top 20 in the nation for “School Runs Like Butter.”
- Key indicators of success are among the best in the nation: retention rates of 92-94 and graduation rates of 88-90 percent.
- Love of the outdoors and commitment to environmental principles and sustainability issues help define the Whitman community.
Engaging Community:
- Whitman offers a supportive and friendly environment where involvement is irresistible.
- Nearly all students are involved in at least one co-curricular activity, from which there are scores to choose.
- And it’s common for Whitties to start new clubs and activities, upon developing a new interest formed through campus relationships.
- Whitman is honored to attract students who represent the Whitman mosaic—down to earth, high achievers with diverse interests.
- The Princeton Review ranks Whitman in the top 20 in the nation for “Best Quality of Life,” “Best Radio Station” and “Everyone Plays Intramural Sports.”
- About 45 percent of Whitties study abroad, returning to campus with newfound global perspectives that they share and incorporate into their Whitman experience.