Westmont College

Westmont offers a classic liberal arts curriculum with 30+ majors spanning traditional disciplines like Biology (B.A./B.S.), Chemistry (B.A./B.S.), and Art History (B.A.), alongside professional tracks such as Business/Managerial Economics and Nursing ([13], [16]). The most popular majors reflect this blend: Business/Managerial Economics, Exercise Science/Kinesiology, and Nursing dominate enrollments ([14], [15]). The academic approach integrates faith with learning—what the college calls 'global exploration and multicultural engagement' ([17]). Unique policies include a ban on minoring in one's major field and no overlap of upper-division credits between minors ([16]). Small class sizes (average 17 students) foster close faculty mentorship, with 85% of classes having fewer than 20 students ([1]).

Life at Westmont revolves around its residential community—96% of students live on campus in a 'Christ-centered' environment ([18], [21]). The 111-acre campus (featured in student-led YouTube tours [23]) promotes intentional living with themed housing options and mandatory residency for all four years ([19], [22]). Described as 'vibrant but conservative Christian' ([20]), social life leans into chapel services, outdoor activities (thanks to the Santa Barbara location), and service projects. RAs provide structured support, while policies reflect evangelical values like abstention from alcohol ([18], [22]). The college offers robust student services, including academic support and spiritual counseling, to foster what it calls 'education beyond the classroom' ([19], [22]).

Westmont delivers strong ROI: graduates with only a bachelor's degree rank in the top 9% for mid-career earnings ($137,900 average) ([24]). Within six months of graduation, alumni report an average salary of $63,652—jumping to $146,800 for those with 10+ years' experience ([25]). The four-year graduation rate stands at 72% ([28]), outperforming national averages for private colleges ([29]). Forbes ranks Westmont among top colleges for return on investment, citing these earnings data ([24]). Notably, 25% of graduates secure jobs in the Santa Barbara area, leveraging local networks ([25]), while others pursue advanced degrees at institutions like UCSB and Fuller Seminary ([26]).

With a sticker price of $64,990 (2023-24), Westmont mitigates costs through generous aid—95% of students receive scholarships or grants, averaging $38,956 annually ([30], [31], [34]). The average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $36,412 ([32]), with many families paying 25-50% below published rates ([35]). The college awarded $39 million in grants last year ([31]), including merit scholarships for high-achievers (average aid package: $44,848 [32]). Students typically graduate with $23,250 in debt—below the national average for private colleges ([28]). The Net Price Calculator helps families estimate true costs, accounting for institutional aid ([33], [35]).

Westmont's distinctiveness lies in its fusion of academic rigor (evidenced by 3.98 average incoming GPAs [7]) with intentional Christian community—96% on-campus residency ensures immersion in both ([21]). Its Santa Barbara location offers rare perks: ocean views from dorm rooms and access to California's tech/biotech hubs, boosting outcomes ([24], [25]). The college punches above its weight in earnings, with mid-career salaries rivaling elite universities ([24]). Yet it retains small-college intimacy: no grad students, 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and a 'whole person' education model that interweaves faith, service, and scholarship ([17], [19]). For evangelical students seeking a beachside liberal arts experience with strong ROI, Westmont is a singular option.