Westmont College, established in 1937, is a private Christian liberal arts college nestled in the picturesque hills of Montecito, near Santa Barbara, California. Serving a relatively small student body of approximately 1,200, the institution provides a close-knit community atmosphere on a 111-acre campus. With its commitment to undergraduate education, the college offers a broad range of bachelor's degree programs while maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, which fosters an environment where students can receive personalized attention from their instructors.
Exclusive to Westmont College is its strong emphasis on integrating faith with learning. Students are invited to explore how their convictions intersect with their academic pursuits, guided by faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also committed to mentorship rooted in Christian values. This integration is exemplified by Westmont's Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts, which hosts symposia and lectures aimed at exploring the breadth and depth of the liberal arts tradition. Moreover, the college is recognized for its off-campus programs, such as the Westmont in Jerusalem study program that offers students a chance to engage directly with the historical and contemporary issues of the Middle East.
Westmont College prides itself on fostering not just academic excellence but also developing leaders who commit to serving their communities. Its alumni network is replete with individuals who have made significant contributions in fields ranging from business to the arts, and public service to education. The college's emphasis on global awareness is underlined by its Mayterm program, which allows students to study abroad or engage in domestic travel courses that often include service components. Additionally, Westmont is often celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous initiatives that ensure the campus remains eco-friendly and that students are educated on environmental responsibility.
However, prospective students should be aware of the challenges associated with attending a small, faith-based liberal arts college like Westmont. The college's adherence to a specific set of religious beliefs means that those seeking a more secular educational environment may find the college's ethos to be less compatible with their own. The smaller size of the institution can also mean a somewhat limited selection of majors and extracurricular opportunities compared to larger universities. Moreover, being situated in a high-cost-of-living area like Santa Barbara may pose financial challenges for some students and their families. Despite these considerations, Westmont continues to attract students who are looking for a college experience that harmoniously blends academic rigor with spiritual growth.
