Whitworth University

Whitworth offers 100+ majors and programs, with standout departments in Education (viewed as a 'calling' with a dynamic community), Computer Science (5% of majors), and Chemistry (4%). Classes are small—most have fewer than 20 students—and the university emphasizes undergraduate research and faith-learning integration. Popular majors include Biological Sciences, Elementary Education, and Business. Students can design their own majors, and 55 study-abroad countries are available. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close mentorship.

Campus life revolves around Whitworth’s residential community (53% live on campus) and traditions like the 'Little 3' competition. The 200-acre campus is praised for its beauty and tight-knit vibe, with residence halls designed to foster cultural engagement and self-confidence. Health and counseling services are robust, and TikTok snippets showcase a lively culture of events and outdoor activities (Spokane’s rivers and mountains are nearby). Off-campus, students explore coffee shops and music venues, with 47% living independently.

Whitworth boasts a 97% employment rate for graduates within one year—the highest in Washington state. The 6-year graduation rate is 75% (73% for Pell Grant recipients), outperforming many regional peers. Alumni earnings are strong, with the university ranked #5 for 'Best Value' in the West due to high graduation rates and low student debt. Four-year graduation rates (66%) suggest many finish on time, a marker of academic support.

Tuition and fees total $55,450, with a simplified pricing model to reduce sticker shock. 76% of first-years receive need-based aid, averaging $45,180 per recipient. Merit scholarships range up to $9,000 annually ($36,000 over four years). The 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. calculator suggests significant aid for families earning under $150K (e.g., 21% of students pay $0–$50K). Whitworth emphasizes affordability, with tax benefits and payment plans available.

Whitworth merges academic rigor (11:1 ratio, 100+ majors) with Christian mission, but without dogma—students describe it as 'faith-friendly, not faith-forced.' Its 97% job-placement rate and top-5 value ranking defy the liberal-arts stereotype of poor ROI. The campus’s Pacific Northwest setting and quirky traditions (like dorm-wide competitions) create a distinct vibe. For students seeking small classes, outdoor access, and a pragmatic blend of faith and career prep, Whitworth delivers.