Founded in 1887, Whittier College is a private liberal arts college located in Whittier, California. This intimate institution prides itself on a close-knit campus community, enrolling approximately 1,700 students. With a focus on personalized education, the college offers over 30 majors and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive attentive instruction and mentoring. Whittier College celebrates a diverse student body and emphasizes inclusivity across its verdant 75-acre campus.
Whittier College boasts notable programs such as the Whittier Scholars Program, which allows students to design their own interdisciplinary major tailored to their personal educational goals. This program underscores the college's dedication to fostering innovative thinking and individualized learning. Another distinctive feature is the emphasis on societal contribution and leadership, as reflected in the Center for Engagement with Communities, which provides students with opportunities to engage in community service and apply their academic skills to real-world problems. Furthermore, the college's JanTerm offers an intensive four-week period where students immerse themselves in unique and concentrated study, often including international travel and experiential learning opportunities.
The college's commitment to positive impact extends beyond its walls, as Whittier College alumni have achieved significant accomplishments in various fields. For example, the college can proudly claim a Nobel Laureate among its graduates, with Richard C. Tolman's far-reaching influence in physical chemistry and physics. Whittier's emphasis on liberal arts education has produced graduates with strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for success in diverse careers. Additionally, many Whittier College students participate in service projects and internships, directly contributing to the local community and gaining valuable experience aligned with the college's ethos of social responsibility.
However, Whittier College faces its own set of challenges. Like many smaller liberal arts colleges, it has to work continuously to enhance its financial stability and endowment growth, especially in the competitive higher education market of Southern California. This financial constraint can limit expansions and updates to campus facilities that might otherwise help in attracting prospective students. Moreover, while intimate class sizes offer personalized attention, they might also pose restrictions on the variety of course offerings each semester, potentially impacting students' abilities to explore a breadth of subjects. Despite these challenges, Whittier College remains dedicated to providing a comprehensive and impactful education to its students.
