Whittier College Transfer Requirements

Whittier College Overview

Whittier College is a premier private liberal arts institution located in Southern California, recognized as a top 100 national liberal arts college and a top 15 institution for social mobility. Founded in 1887 with Quaker roots that emphasize social responsibility and community, Whittier is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the nation. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and guaranteed admission for qualified California Community College transfers, Whittier provides a personalized, interdisciplinary education where students can choose from over 50 majors or design their own through the unique Whittier Scholars Program.

Whittier College Student Body at a Glance

As of Fall 2024, Whittier College has a total enrollment of approximately 795 students, including 767 undergraduates and 28 graduate students. A federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, the college maintains a diverse community with students of color constituting about 69% of the student body and an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Whittier College Transfer Admission Stats

Whittier College accepted approximately 190 transfer students for the Fall 2024 term. The transfer acceptance rate for that period was 77% based on 245 transfer applicants. The college maintains a six-year graduation rate of approximately 60% for its overall student body.

Academic Benchmarks for Transfers

Whittier College considers a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.0 to be a safe benchmark for admission, though students with a minimum GPA of 2.8 may be eligible for transfer agreements. There is no minimum number of units required to apply, and community college students can transfer up to 70 semester units. While Whittier College is test-free and does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, the middle 50% of enrolled students typically score between 1060 and 1260 on the SAT and between 21 and 27 on the ACT.

Why transfer to Whittier College?

Whittier College is a top 100 national liberal arts college and ranks 14th for social mobility, offering a private, student-centered education with an annual tuition of $52,877. As a transfer student, you will join a diverse campus in the heart of Southern California with an intimate 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized mentorship across more than 50 majors and concentrations. Whittier is dedicated to your success, providing a median alumni salary of $118,600 and a supportive community where nearly 70% of students are of color. California Community College students benefit from guaranteed admission through the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) commitment, streamlining your path to a bachelor's degree at an institution that values community and social responsibility.

Whittier College Transfer Information

Whittier College offers a seamless transition for transfer students, welcoming those from two-year and four-year institutions with no minimum unit requirement for eligibility. Through the California Community College Advantage (CCC Advantage), students can benefit from guaranteed admission and specialized tuition rates, while all applicants are automatically considered for the John Greenleaf Whittier Scholarship. Whittier accepts up to 90 transfer credits, including a maximum of 70 from community colleges, and provides personalized support through transfer admission counselors and preliminary credit evaluations to help you reach your graduation goals efficiently.

Academic Benchmarks for Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants to Whittier College must submit several materials as part of their application. Here are the key requirements and details: Required:

• College Transcript: Official or unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted.
• High School Transcript: Final high school transcripts or GED results are required for all transfer applicants.
• Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from a recent or current college professor is required.

Optional or Not Required:

• Standardized Test Scores: Whittier College is test-optional; SAT or ACT scores are considered only if submitted by the applicant.
• Interview: Not required, though Instant Decision applicants may participate in a face-to-face interview for immediate admission decisions.
• Application Fee: No application fee is required for domestic applicants.

Credit Guidelines:

• Minimum College Credits: Applicants must have completed at least 30 transferable units with a C- or better to qualify for the Transfer Admission Guarantee.
• Maximum College Credits: A maximum of 90 semester credits may be accepted in transfer, with no more than 70 credits from a community college.
• Minimum GPA: While a 3.0 GPA is recommended for safe admission, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 is required for the Transfer Admission Guarantee.

Transfer Application Deadlines

Whittier College accepts transfer applications for both the Fall and Spring semesters on a rolling basis. For students planning to enter in the Fall, the priority application deadline is April 15, with a final rolling deadline of July 25. For the Spring semester, the priority deadline is December 1, and the final application deadline is December 12. While applications are accepted until shortly before the term begins, students are encouraged to apply by the priority dates for the best consideration for admission and financial aid.

Transfer Decision Dates

Whittier College releases transfer admission decisions on a rolling basis for both the spring and fall semesters. For spring applicants, decisions typically begin rolling out after the October 15 application deadline. Fall transfer applicants can also expect rolling decisions, which are generally reached within two weeks once an application and all supporting documents are complete. While the priority deadline for fall admission is April 15, students are encouraged to apply early as completed files receive earlier notifications. An Instant Decision option is also available, allowing students to receive an admission decision immediately following a virtual or in-person interview with an admission counselor.