Rankings & What Really Matters

How do you choose the right college when there are thousands of schools to consider, each offering something different? It’s easy to look at “best of” lists for advice, but at Whitman College, we believe there’s more to the college experience than what any rankings system can capture.

We’re honored to be recognized on lists like Best in the West and Best Small Colleges, but we aren’t defined by our rankings. Instead, we focus on what really matters: the educational community we are cultivating. It’s an experience grounded in personal connections, exciting opportunities and well-supported growth.

What Matters:
A Personalized & Hands-On Education

Related rankings/honors: Most Accessible Professors; Top Schools for Undergraduate Instruction

A professor and three students stand as a group with a table full of colorful supplies. The professor is laughing. One student is looking intently at a phone.

At Whitman, our commitment to student-faculty relationships is a top priority. Small class sizes and engaging professors create a space where student-faculty research thrives. In fact, Whitman has long been recognized for having some of the most accessible professors in the nation. Expert and dedicated professors are just one way we ensure that students receive the attention and guidance they deserve.

And we’re focused on undergraduate students—they are at the heart of what we do. Recognized as one of the top schools for undergraduate instruction, Whitman professors not only teach but mentor, challenge and inspire students to pursue meaningful post-college experiences.

What Matters:
Value That Lasts a Lifetime

Related rankings/honors: Best Value School; Colleges That Change Lives

Close up of two male students in navy blue graduation gowns and caps. They are looking seriously ahead and one has his hand on his chin as if thinking.

When it comes to value, we’re proud of our commitment to making a high-quality education accessible through merit and talent-based scholarships as well as generous need-based financial aid. Increasing financial accessibility is one reason we created our lauded Early Financial Aid Guarantee, which provides unmatched transparency about the cost of attending Whitman.

But being a best value school is about more than providing an affordable college experience. Our goal is to prepare students for lifelong success.

We help students grow as critical thinkers, compassionate leaders and engaged citizens. Our alumni thrive in a variety of fields, from business and law to education and the arts. A Whitman education is transformational both during and after college, and we are proud to have been included in the Colleges That Change Lives for decades.

What Matters:
A Strong Community & Better World

Related rankings/honors: Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award; Green Colleges; Tree Campus USA

View from the back of several students walk down a wooden staircase while they carry flat boxes of plant sprouts. They are in a brightly lit building with tall windows and lots of plants.

What we value extends beyond academics—it’s also about creating a community where every student feels known and valued. We’ve been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, recognizing our efforts to create a diverse and inclusive campus where all students feel at home.

We’re also focused on caring for the environment and creating healthy spaces for living and learning. As a recognized Green College, our students learn to become environmental leaders as well people who incorporate sustainable practices into daily life.

And all this takes place on a beautiful Tree Campus where environmental awareness is woven into everything from dining services to LEED Platinum-certified buildings and a sustainability plan that is moving our campus to carbon neutrality.

What Matters: Quality of Life

Whitman's home city, Walla Walla, is an exceptional college town offering a high quality of life and memorable experiences. Students are drawn to the vibrant community, renowned for its walkable and thriving downtown, rich cultural events and unique opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to hiking, biking and more, all set against the stunning natural beauty of southeastern Washington.

About Whitman

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