Whitman College vs Lewis & Clark College

Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions in the Pacific Northwest, offer distinct educational experiences. Whitman, nestled in Walla Walla, Washington, boasts a lower acceptance rate (29%) compared to Lewis & Clark's (54%) in Portland, Oregon. While Whitman's student body is slightly larger, Lewis & Clark's is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students. Both colleges excel in academics, with popular majors including Biology, Economics, and English. However, Whitman has a slightly higher graduation rate (84%) than Lewis & Clark (81%). To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two exceptional institutions. Dive in to discover which college aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	Lewis & Clark College	Whitman College
Overview
Location	Portland, Oregon	Walla Walla, Washington
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.5%	59.0%
Application fees	$50	$50
SAT range	1240 - 1420	1295 - 1455
ACT range	27 - 32	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	16.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	11.0%	19.0%
Total number of applicants	5,519	5,155
Total number of admissions given out	4,385	3,039
Admitted students who chose to enroll	677	477
Yield rate	15.4%	15.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$74,452	$71,982
Average net price	$37,155	$35,627
Tuition	$56,970	$55,560
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,870 Meal plan: $6,104	Room/dormitory: $6,080 Meal plan: $7,720
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $34,274	91.0% Average amount $30,781
Students receiving federal student loan	78.0% Average amount $5,430	42.0% Average amount $4,853
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $19,885	2.0% Average amount $14,105

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,116 Men 36.3% Women 63.7%	1,559 Men 43.9% Women 56.1%
Graduate students	1,383 Men 28.7% Women 71.3%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	65.0%
International students	3.8%	10.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,450	886
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Washington California Oregon Colorado Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Legal Profession Health Professions Education Psychology Communication and Journalism	Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Visual & Performing Arts English Language and Literature Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	74.2%	88.7%
Dropout rate	17.4%	1.6%
Transferred out	8.3%	8.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $55,375 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $66,934 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,671 Year 2: $48,432 Year 3: $55,989 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,195 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $54,150 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $41,391 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $53,618 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,439 Year 2: $34,704 Year 3: $48,843 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,467 Year 2: $46,254 Year 3: $48,496 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $39,727 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,021 Year 2: $26,121 Year 3: $39,293 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,344 Year 2: $26,585 Year 3: $38,224 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,619 Year 2: $30,119 Year 3: $36,135	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,596 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $64,407 Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: $43,330 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,051 Year 2: $22,999 Year 3: $41,844 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,549 Year 2: $27,584 Year 3: $39,355 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $18,868 Year 3: N/A Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,472 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in campus environment between Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College?

Whitman College is located in Walla Walla, Washington, a smaller town offering a close-knit community feel. The campus is more self-contained, with most students living on or near campus. Lewis & Clark College, on the other hand, is situated in Portland, Oregon, a vibrant and larger city. This provides students with greater access to urban amenities, internships, and cultural experiences. Lewis & Clark's campus is more integrated with the surrounding city.
How do the academic strengths of Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College compare?

Both Whitman and Lewis & Clark offer strong liberal arts educations. Whitman is particularly known for its strong humanities programs, sciences, and debate team. Lewis & Clark is recognized for its international affairs program, environmental studies, and strong law school affiliation, which provides unique opportunities for undergraduates. Both colleges emphasize critical thinking, research, and close interaction with faculty.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each college?

Both Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College pride themselves on small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. You can expect average class sizes of around 15-20 students at both institutions. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 9:1 at Whitman and 10:1 at Lewis & Clark, ensuring personalized attention and opportunities for close collaboration with professors.
How do the social scenes differ between Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College?

Whitman's social scene is often described as more campus-centric, with a strong emphasis on on-campus activities, clubs, and Greek life. Due to its location in Portland, Lewis & Clark's social scene is more integrated with the city, offering students a wider range of off-campus activities, concerts, restaurants, and cultural events. Both colleges have active student governments and a variety of student organizations.
What are the costs of attendance and financial aid opportunities at Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College?

The cost of attendance at both Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College is comparable, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Both institutions offer generous financial aid packages, including merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. It's recommended to visit their respective financial aid websites and use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost of attendance and potential aid eligibility.
What types of students typically thrive at Whitman College versus Lewis & Clark College?

Whitman College tends to attract students who appreciate a close-knit community, a strong academic focus, and a more traditional college experience. Students who thrive at Whitman often enjoy participating in campus activities and building strong relationships with their peers and professors. Lewis & Clark College appeals to students who desire a more urban setting, a global perspective, and a wider range of extracurricular opportunities. Students who thrive at Lewis & Clark are often independent, adventurous, and eager to explore the city of Portland.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between the two colleges?

Both Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship assistance. Lewis & Clark benefits from its location in Portland, providing students with access to a wider range of internship opportunities in various industries. Whitman leverages its alumni network and connections in the Pacific Northwest to help students find internships and job opportunities. Both colleges emphasize experiential learning and encourage students to gain practical experience through internships and research.
What are the notable alumni from Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College?

Whitman College boasts notable alumni in various fields, including business, politics, and the arts. Some prominent Whitman alumni include Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas and former Washington Governor Albert Rosellini. Lewis & Clark College has produced notable alumni in law, government, and environmental advocacy. Some well-known Lewis & Clark alumni include Oregon Governor Kate Brown and environmental activist Bill McKibben. Exploring the alumni networks of both colleges can provide valuable insights into potential career paths and networking opportunities.
How do the athletic programs differ between Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College?

Both Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College are members of NCAA Division III and offer a variety of varsity sports. Whitman is known for its strong basketball and swimming programs. Lewis & Clark has a strong track and field program and offers a wider range of varsity sports. Both colleges also offer intramural sports and recreational activities for students of all skill levels.
What are the application requirements for Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College?

Both Whitman College and Lewis & Clark College require a completed application form, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Both institutions are test-optional, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. It's recommended to visit their respective admissions websites for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines and requirements.

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