Washington State vs. Whitman College

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington State University in Pullman, WA with Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington State University is larger than Whitman College based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 1,561 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington State University is located in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting); Whitman College is in Walla Walla, WA (Remote Town setting).
• Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington State University 15:1; Whitman College 10:1.

Washington State vs. Whitman College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington State or Whitman College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washington State University than Whitman College ($18,171 vs. $37,633).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 9.7% lower than at Whitman College ($13,622 vs. $15,080).
• Whitman College is 378.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington State (about $50,659 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $13,391.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.9% higher at Whitman College than at Washington State University (about $34,100 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whitman College than at Washington State University (94% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitman College students is 271.9% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($40,489 vs. $10,886).

Washington State vs. Whitman College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington State or Whitman College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Whitman College and Washington State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitman College (1400) is 280 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming Whitman College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at Washington State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington State University 1020/1210; Whitman College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington State University 20/26; Whitman College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington State - Test-free; Whitman College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington State Jan 31, 2027; Whitman College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitman College students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Washington State (3.5).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Whitman College (38.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at Washington State vs. 14.1% at Whitman College.

Washington State vs. Whitman College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington State and Whitman College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Whitman College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Washington State University's (67%).
• Graduates from Whitman College earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Washington State graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitman College graduates have a $2,929 lower median loan debt than Washington State graduates ($17,500 vs. $20,429).
• Among borrowers, Whitman College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington State graduates ($180 vs. $211).
• More Whitman College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington State students, three years after graduation. (93% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.