Whittier, CA · Private University
Is Whittier College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$59,492
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$49,864
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,864
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$199,456
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.19x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
63.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,937
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$29,871
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Whittier College graduates earn $14,492 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Whittier College ranked by graduate earnings
42 graduates
23 graduates
19 graduates
26 graduates
22 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Whittier College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and OperationsBest ROI | $53,702 | 1.1x |
| Social Sciences, General | $52,209 | 1.1x |
| Political Science and Government | $51,422 | 1.0x |
| Biology, General | $44,101 | 0.9x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $35,089 | 0.7x |
| Psychology, General | $34,778 | 0.7x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $25,799 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Whittier College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $59,492 10 years after starting, $14,492 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.