Small College America – Profile: Whitman College

March 16, 2025, by Dean Hoke: This profile of Whitman College, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is the sixth in a series presenting small colleges throughout the United States.

Background

Founded in 1859, Whitman College is a private liberal arts institution located in Walla Walla, Washington. Its 117-acre campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities, creating an inviting environment for academic pursuits and campus life. Originally established as a seminary, Whitman transitioned to a secular liberal arts institution in the early 1880s and has since garnered recognition for its academic rigor, liberal arts commitment, and tight-knit community.

Whitman prides itself on a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, facilitating personalized education. Approximately 1,500 students from across the United States and internationally enroll at Whitman, attracted by its personalized instruction and strong emphasis on experiential learning.

Curricula

Whitman College offers over 45 majors and numerous minors spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Popular disciplines include Environmental Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, and Biology. The curriculum, deeply rooted in the traditional liberal arts, continues to evolve, notably introducing two new majors in Fall 2023: Brain, Behavior & Cognition (Neuroscience) and Ethics & Society, reflecting increasing student interest in neuroscience and applied ethics.

One hallmark program at Whitman is Semester in the West, a unique field-based study experience where students engage directly with environmental and policy research across the American West. Additionally, Whitman’s Encounters Program forms a cornerstone of the first-year academic experience, promoting critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.

Graduate outcomes at Whitman are exceptional, with nearly 70% of alumni enrolling in graduate or professional programs within five years of graduation. The six-year graduation rate stands at an impressive 88%, among the highest for liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest.

Strengths

·       Strong Post-Graduate Outcomes: Over 91% of Whitman graduates secure employment or enroll in graduate programs within six months after graduation, highlighting the institution’s effectiveness in preparing students for professional success.

·       Experiential Learning: More than 80% of students participate in internships, research, or off-campus programs such as Semester in the West and the Whitman in China teaching fellowship, exemplifying Whitman's commitment to hands-on learning experiences.

·       Prestigious Recognition: Whitman students consistently win competitive fellowships and awards, including Fulbright grants, Watson Fellowships, and NSF Fellowships. Since 2000, students have secured more than 600 awards.

·       Sustainability and Outdoor Leadership: Whitman's Outdoor Program provides extensive opportunities for students to engage in activities like hiking, kayaking, skiing, and environmental stewardship, reflecting the institution’s emphasis on sustainability and outdoor leadership.

·       Financial Strength and Support: Despite its modest enrollment, Whitman maintains a substantial endowment nearing $800 million. This financial strength enables the college to offer robust financial aid packages, greatly reducing costs for middle-income families and improving access.

Weaknesses

·       Geographic Isolation and Limited Visibility: Whitman’s location in Walla Walla presents both advantages and challenges. While the picturesque rural setting fosters a tight-knit community, the distance from major urban centers—roughly four hours from Seattle or Portland—can deter prospective students seeking metropolitan amenities. Consequently, Whitman must invest heavily in marketing and recruitment to attract students beyond the Pacific Northwest.

·       Dependence on Tuition Revenue: While Whitman is financially stable, its operating model remains heavily reliant on tuition, with endowment payouts currently covering around 40% of operational expenses. This reliance necessitates careful financial management and continued growth in the endowment.

·       Enrollment and Demographic Trends: Like many liberal arts colleges, Whitman faces a national decline in the traditional college-age population, coupled with increased competition for top-tier students. In response, Whitman has significantly expanded merit-based and need-based financial aid packages, currently averaging a tuition discount rate of over 50%. To address demographic challenges, Whitman is actively broadening its applicant pool through partnerships with organizations such as the Posse Foundation and Matriculate.

Economic Impact

Whitman College is a significant economic driver in Walla Walla. It is among the largest employers in the region, accounting collectively for roughly 1,600 jobs in Walla Walla County.

Beyond direct employment, Whitman attracts thousands of students and visitors to the area each year, which boosts the local hospitality and retail sectors. Students spend on housing, groceries, dining, and entertainment in town, and their families visit for events like orientation, Family Weekend, and Commencement, filling hotels and restaurants. The tourism bureau has even created guides for families visiting their “scholars” at Whitman, recognizing the economic benefit of college-related travel.

Whitman also fosters long-term regional economic growth through strategic partnerships. A key example is the Gateway Program, in collaboration with Walla Walla Community College, which encourages community college students—particularly first-generation and low-income students—to pursue four-year degrees at Whitman. These initiatives enhance local educational attainment and create a talent pipeline beneficial to the regional economy. Additionally, Whitman engages actively with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, supporting educational and cultural initiatives that enrich the local community.

Enrollment Trends

As of Fall 2024, Whitman enrollment is 1,561 students. Over the past decade, enrollment has slightly increased despite national declines in liberal arts college applications and the COVID crisis. To counteract demographic shifts, Whitman has expanded financial aid offerings and enhanced recruitment efforts in the Western U.S., international markets, and underrepresented student populations.

Degrees Awarded by Major

In the 2023 graduating class, Whitman College conferred degrees across various disciplines.

Alumni

Whitman College boasts a vibrant alumni network comprising over 18,000 graduates worldwide. Alumni connections are notably strong in the Pacific Northwest, California, and Washington, D.C., providing substantial networking opportunities through programs such as “Whitties Helping Whitties.” This network significantly aids in securing internships, job placements, and mentoring opportunities for current students.

Notable Alumni

• Adam West (Class of 1951) – Actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s television series.
• William O. Douglas (Class of 1920) – U.S. Supreme Court Justice, serving from 1939 to 1975.
• John W. Stanton (Class of 1977)- Chairman of the Board Trilogy Partners and majority owners of the Seattle Mariners.
• Peter Adkison (Class of 1985) – Founder of Wizards of the Coast, publisher of Magic: The Gathering.
• Dorothy Marie "Dottie" Metcalf-Lindenburger ((Class of 1997 is a retired American astronaut. She was a high school science teacher when she was selected in 2004 as an educator mission specialist. 
• Holly Brooks (Class 2004) – Winter Olympian in Nordic Skiing.

Endowment and Financial Standing

As of 2024, Whitman College’s endowment is valued at nearly $800 million. While this places Whitman on solid financial footing, the college remains largely tuition-dependent. In the 2024–25 budget year, the endowment payout will cover over 40% of Whitman’s operating expenses, which significantly reduces reliance on tuition revenue.

Whitman’s financial aid program has expanded in recent years, aiming to increase affordability and access for students from all economic backgrounds. Forbes 2023 Financial Health Evaluation gave Whitman a B+ grade and a financial grade of 3.345  out of 4.5. Whitman enters 2025 in a favorable financial position.

Why is Whitman College Important?

• Academic Excellence: Whitman College maintains a challenging liberal arts curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of careers and graduate studies.
• High Graduate Success Rates: With 91% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months, Whitman produces competitive and well-rounded professionals.
• Experiential Learning and Outdoor Leadership: Signature programs such as Semester in the West and the Outdoor Program allow students to engage in real-world learning.
• Sustainability and Civic Engagement: Whitman plays a key role in environmental advocacy, sustainability, and community service.

With its strong academic reputation, experiential learning opportunities, and commitment to sustainability, Whitman College remains a leading liberal arts institution in the Pacific Northwest.

Dean, along with W. Kent Barnds, are co-hosts for the podcast series Small College America. On March 18, 2025, Dean and Kent interview Eric Lindberg , Chief Investment Officer and Trustee of the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio. The foundation is a strong supporter of Ohio private colleges.