Whittier College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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
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.
Whittier, CA
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Key Whittier College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
December 10
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
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.

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
53% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
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San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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