The new Whittier College Promise covers tuition for qualifying California students and guarantees on-time graduation for students who opt in.
Whittier College offers a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, financial aid from the College for every student, small classes, personalized mentoring, and career readiness experience through Whittier Works.
Now, Whittier is leveling up its commitment to students with the Whittier College Promise. The Promise offers three guarantees to incoming Fall 2027 students who meet the qualifications, opt into the program, and follow their approved academic plan:
“Students and families assume a private college is out of reach, and that is simply not the case with Whittier. We ensure every student gets the financial, experiential learning, and the classroom support they need—and the Whittier College Promise solidifies that commitment to our students,” says President Kristine Dillon ’73, Ph.D. “We believe in the potential of every scholar, and we want their talents and interests to flourish while on a clear course to their future.”
The Promise launches for students entering Whittier in Fall 2027—and builds on the College’s reputation as one of the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Top 20 Best Value colleges in the nation among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Whittier also tied for spot #28 in Social Mobility in the report, which is driven by graduation outcomes for Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students. U.S. News evaluates nearly 1,700 colleges and universities in the nation for its annual ranking report.
“Families make decisions based on price, and we’re proud to be #3 in California and #20 in the nation for value, but we continually look for ways to do more. The Promise stretches dollars for our families at every income level and guarantees on-time graduation – because extra semesters cost more. If a student is unable to graduate on time when following an approved academic plan, Whittier covers tuition for the remaining courses,” says Ken Woods, Vice President, Strategic Enrollment Services.
Golden State GuaranteeGrants + scholarships cover full tuitionEligibility:
Whittier will cover any remaining tuition after Cal Grant A and Pell Grants are applied (housing, dining, and fees excluded). The award renews for up to four years while the student stays academically eligible for financial aid. Note: A California student receiving the Golden State Guarantee can also receive a 4-year graduation guarantee.
4-Year Graduation GuaranteeGraduate in four yearsEligibility:
If a student follows the plan established with their advisor and does not graduate in four years, Whittier covers tuition for the remaining courses.
2-Year Transfer GuaranteeGraduate in two yearsEligibility:
About 15–20 ADT degrees will qualify at launch with more to be added in the future. If a student follows the plan established with their advisor and does not graduate in two years, Whittier covers tuition for the remaining courses.
All three guarantees are shaped by Whittier Works, the College’s commitment to integrate experiential learning, research and internships into every undergraduate’s education. Through Whittier Works, students connect with faculty mentors and internships with partners such as City of Hope, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Edison and The Aerospace Corporation, so they graduate on time and are ready for what comes next.
According to Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College report, 79% of families eliminated a school from consideration based on cost alone, and new federal loan caps leave less room to borrow, making the Whittier College Promise more important than ever.
Learn more about the Whittier College Promise as well as Whittier Works and how it empowers students for professional success.
