Deciding between Whittier College and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) can be a challenging task. Both schools offer unique academic experiences, diverse student bodies, and strong alumni networks. This article will compare these institutions across several key factors, such as costs and tuition, academics, admissions, diversity, and outcomes. By understanding the similarities and differences between these schools, prospective students can make an informed decision about which college best suits their needs and goals.
Whittier College Overview
Whittier College is a private liberal arts college located in Whittier, California. Established in 1887, the college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs within its small campus setting. Whittier College prides itself on its commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and personalized education, which can help students grow academically and personally.
Whittier College Costs & Tuition
The tuition and fees at Whittier College for the 2021-2022 academic year are $49,732. On top of this, students can expect to pay around $14,184 for room and board. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with approximately 99% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Whittier College Admissions
Whittier College has an acceptance rate of 76%, making it moderately selective. The college requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, with the middle 50% range for SAT scores being 990-1210 and for ACT scores being 19-25. In addition to standardized test scores, the college takes into consideration a student’s high school GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Whittier College Degrees Offered
Whittier College offers over 30 majors and minors, as well as several pre-professional programs and graduate degrees. Popular majors at the college include Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, and Political Science. The college also offers a unique Whittier Scholars Program, which allows students to design their own interdisciplinary major.
Whittier College Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Whittier College provides a personalized educational experience. Small class sizes encourage close interaction between students and faculty, fostering a supportive learning environment. The college emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and research projects.
Whittier College Diversity
Whittier College is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse campus community. Approximately 65% of the student body identifies as a student of color, and the college has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The college also offers numerous programs and resources to support students from various backgrounds, such as the Center for Engagement with Communities and the Cultural Center.
Whittier College Students
Whittier College has a total enrollment of around 1,700 students, creating a tight-knit and vibrant campus community. Students can participate in over 70 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional societies to cultural and special interest groups. The college also offers a variety of intramural sports and recreational activities, as well as a strong NCAA Division III athletics program.
Whittier College Campus
The Whittier College campus spans 75 acres in the heart of Southern California. The college’s facilities include modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, a library, an art gallery, and athletic facilities. The campus is located just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, providing students with myriad cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
Whittier College Alumni
Whittier College boasts a strong network of over 15,000 alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in various fields, such as business, government, and entertainment. Notable alumni include former President Richard Nixon and author and activist Susan Sontag.
Whittier College Rankings
Whittier College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts institutions in the United States. The college is currently ranked #133 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Whittier College Outcomes
Whittier College graduates have a strong track record of success in securing jobs or pursuing further education. According to the college’s website, 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
PLU Overview
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private liberal arts university located in Tacoma, Washington. Established in 1890, the university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its eight academic divisions. PLU is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and global perspectives.
PLU Costs & Tuition
The tuition and fees at PLU for the 2021-2022 academic year are $45,750. Room and board expenses can be expected to cost around $12,270. Like Whittier College, PLU offers financial aid to eligible students, with approximately 98% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
PLU Admissions
PLU has an acceptance rate of 86%, making it less selective than Whittier College. Applicants are required to submit SAT or ACT scores, with the middle 50% range for SAT scores being 1080-1310 and for ACT scores being 22-28. The university also considers factors such as high school GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation when reviewing applications.
PLU Degrees Offered
PLU offers over 90 majors and minors, as well as several graduate and professional programs. Popular majors at the university include Nursing, Business, Biology, and Psychology. PLU also offers a unique interdisciplinary program called the International Honors Program, which combines rigorous coursework with study abroad experiences.
PLU Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, PLU offers a personalized learning experience similar to Whittier College. Small class sizes foster close collaboration between students and faculty. PLU emphasizes experiential learning and provides opportunities for internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.
PLU Diversity
PLU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 40% of the student body identifies as a student of color. The university offers various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds, such as the Diversity Center and the Center for Gender Equity.
PLU Students
PLU has a total enrollment of around 3,100 students, offering a slightly larger campus community than Whittier College. Students can participate in over 100 clubs and organizations, as well as intramural sports and a strong NCAA Division III athletics program.
PLU Campus
The PLU campus spans 156 acres in the Pacific Northwest, providing a beautiful and serene learning environment. Campus facilities include modern classrooms and laboratories, a library, an art gallery, and athletic facilities. The university is located just 35 miles from Seattle, offering students access to a vibrant cultural and professional environment.
PLU Alumni
PLU boasts a strong network of over 40,000 alumni who have achieved success in various fields, such as business, healthcare, and the arts. Notable alumni include former Washington Governor Booth Gardner and actress Pamela Reed.
PLU Rankings
PLU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. The university is currently ranked #22 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report.
PLU Outcomes
Like Whittier College, PLU graduates have a strong track record of success in securing employment or pursuing further education. According to the university’s website, 97% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Whittier College vs PLU Cost Comparison
Both Whittier College and PLU offer competitive tuition rates and financial aid packages for eligible students. Whittier College’s tuition ($49,732) is slightly higher than PLU’s tuition ($45,750), but the difference in room and board costs is minimal. Financial aid is available at both institutions, with 99% of Whittier College students and 98% of PLU students receiving some form of assistance. Ultimately, the cost of attendance will depend on each student’s individual financial aid package and personal expenses.
Whittier College vs PLU Admissions Difficulty
PLU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Whittier College (76%), making it less selective. However, the average standardized test scores of admitted students are slightly higher at PLU, with a middle 50% SAT score range of 1080-1310 compared to Whittier College’s range of 990-1210. Both institutions take into account additional factors such as high school GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation when reviewing applications.
Whittier College vs PLU Academic Difficulty
Both Whittier College and PLU offer rigorous academic programs and personalized educational experiences, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio at each institution. The academic difficulty will depend on the individual student’s major, coursework, and personal motivation. Both schools emphasize experiential learning and offer opportunities for internships, study abroad experiences, and research projects.
Whittier College vs PLU Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Whittier College and PLU have strong outcomes, with high rates of employment or enrollment in graduate school within six months of graduation (90% for Whittier College and 97% for PLU). Alumni from both institutions have gone on to achieve success in various fields and maintain strong connections to their respective schools.
In conclusion, both Whittier College and PLU offer unique educational experiences, diverse student bodies, and strong alumni networks. Prospective students should consider factors such as cost, location, academic offerings, and campus culture when deciding which institution best suits their needs and goals.
