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Whittier College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A
ACT RangeN/A
Average GPA3.50
Acceptance Rate83.5%

With an 83.5% acceptance rate, Whittier gives many applicants a real opening, so your strategy should focus on fit, cost, and staying on track to graduate. The average merit award is about $28,900. Since Whittier is test-optional, submit SAT/ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your academic profile.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Whittier College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Whittier College enrolls 767 undergraduate students in a suburban campus setting. Whittier has a 66% freshman retention rate and a 60% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8.2:1.

Location

Whittier, CA

Undergrad Enrollment767
Freshman Retention66%
SettingSuburban
Student to Faculty Ratio8.2:1
Graduation Rate60%
Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Whittier College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Early Action

December 10

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

February 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you plan to submit scores to test-optional Whittier, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes, with the November test as the last practical option for scores to arrive before the December 10 Early Action deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Whittier is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $51,350, and 57% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $28,904, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$51,350
Room and Board$15,925
Average Merit Award$28,904
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid57%
Average Aid Package$47,310
Average Debt at Grad$28,977

Whittier College’s listed cost of attendance is about $67,275, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 57% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $47,310. Merit awards average $28,904, which can significantly reduce the published price for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $28,977.

Student life at Whittier College

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Jazz band
Dance
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Yearbook
Film society
Student government
Model UN
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

53% of undergrads live on campus

Coed
Living-learning
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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