Rankings & What Really Matters
How do you choose the right college when there are thousands of schools to consider, each offering something different? It’s easy to look at “best of” lists for advice, but at Whitman College, we believe there’s more to the college experience than what any rankings system can capture.
We’re honored to be recognized on lists like and , but we aren’t defined by our rankings. Instead, we focus on what really matters: the educational community we are cultivating. It’s an experience grounded in personal connections, exciting opportunities and well-supported growth.
What Matters:
A Personalized & Hands-On Education
Related rankings/honors: Most Accessible Professors; Top Schools for Undergraduate Instruction

At Whitman, our commitment to student-faculty relationships is a top priority. Small class sizes and engaging professors create a space where student-faculty research thrives. In fact, Whitman has long been recognized for having some of the in the nation. Expert and dedicated professors are just one way we ensure that students receive the attention and guidance they deserve.
And we’re focused on undergraduate students—they are at the heart of what we do. Recognized as one of the , Whitman professors not only teach but mentor, challenge and inspire students to pursue meaningful post-college experiences.
What Matters:
Value That Lasts a Lifetime
Related rankings/honors: Best Value School; Colleges That Change Lives

When it comes to value, we’re proud of our commitment to making a high-quality education accessible through merit and talent-based scholarships as well as generous need-based financial aid. Increasing financial accessibility is one reason we created our lauded , which provides unmatched transparency about the cost of attending Whitman.
But being a is about more than providing an affordable college experience. Our goal is to prepare students for lifelong success.
We help students grow as critical thinkers, compassionate leaders and engaged citizens. Our alumni thrive in a variety of fields, from business and law to education and the arts. A Whitman education is transformational both during and after college, and we are proud to have been included in the for decades.
What Matters:
A Strong Community & Better World
Related rankings/honors: Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award; Green Colleges; Tree Campus USA

What we value extends beyond academics—it’s also about creating a community where every student feels known and valued. We’ve been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, recognizing our efforts to create a diverse and inclusive campus where all students feel at home.
We’re also focused on caring for the environment and creating healthy spaces for living and learning. As a recognized , our students learn to become environmental leaders as well people who incorporate sustainable practices into daily life.
And all this takes place on a beautiful where environmental awareness is woven into everything from to LEED Platinum-certified buildings and a sustainability plan that is moving our campus to carbon neutrality.
What Matters: Quality of Life
Whitman's home city, Walla Walla, is an exceptional college town offering a high quality of life and memorable experiences. Students are drawn to the vibrant community, renowned for its walkable and thriving downtown, rich cultural events and unique opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to hiking, biking and more, all set against the stunning natural beauty of southeastern Washington.
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Our Community
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Our Place in Walla Walla
- Our Place in Walla Walla #33: Jason Pribilsky 93
- Our Place in Walla Walla #32: Kate Morrison 95
- Our Place in Walla Walla #31: Anna Okada 17
- Our Place in Walla Walla #30: Feather Sams Huesties 00
- Our Place in Walla Walla #29: Jennifer Lopez 13
- Our Place in Walla Walla #28: Preston Frederickson 02
- Our Place in Walla Walla #27: Jennifer Northam 91
- Our Place in Walla Walla #26: Nathan Brannon
- Our Place in Walla Walla #25: Abby Muro
- Our Place in Walla Walla #24: Danielle Garbe Reser 97
- Our Place in Walla Walla #23: Joshua Huh
- Our Place in Walla Walla #22: Andrew Trogstad-Isaacson 11
- Our Place in Walla Walla #21: Michelle Jamison Adams
- Our Place in Walla Walla #20: Amy Ly 06
- Our Place in Walla Walla #19: Sandy Garcia 08
- Our Place in Walla Walla #18: Summer!
- Our Place in Walla Walla #17: Wine
- Our Place in Walla Walla #16: Higher Education
- Our Place in Walla Walla #15: The Penitentiary
- Our Place in Walla Walla #14: Community Spirit
- Our Place in Walla Walla #13: Women Leaders
- Our Place in Walla Walla #12: Getting Noticed
- Our Place in Walla Walla #11: Asian-Americans
- Our Place in Walla Walla #10: Olympia
- Our Place in Walla Walla #9: Civil Rights
- Our Place in Walla Walla #8: Religion
- Our Place in Walla Walla #7: Veterans
- Our Place in Walla Walla #6: Elections and Voting
- Our Place in Walla Walla #5: Local Alumni
- Our Place in Walla Walla #4: Heritage Park and Windows on the Past
- Our Place in Walla Walla #3: Connections Conference
- Our Place in Walla Walla #2: The Happy Canyon Pageant
- Our Place in Walla Walla #1: The Fair
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Our Place in Walla Walla
- Campus Map
- History of the College
- Rankings and What Really Matters
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Inclusive Excellence
- President & Leadership
- Mission, Constitution and Bylaws
- Strategic Planning
- Sustainability
- Land Acknowledgment
- Policies and Statements
- Contact Us
- Our Campus
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Our Community
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Our Place in Walla Walla
- Our Place in Walla Walla #33: Jason Pribilsky 93
- Our Place in Walla Walla #32: Kate Morrison 95
- Our Place in Walla Walla #31: Anna Okada 17
- Our Place in Walla Walla #30: Feather Sams Huesties 00
- Our Place in Walla Walla #29: Jennifer Lopez 13
- Our Place in Walla Walla #28: Preston Frederickson 02
- Our Place in Walla Walla #27: Jennifer Northam 91
- Our Place in Walla Walla #26: Nathan Brannon
- Our Place in Walla Walla #25: Abby Muro
- Our Place in Walla Walla #24: Danielle Garbe Reser 97
- Our Place in Walla Walla #23: Joshua Huh
- Our Place in Walla Walla #22: Andrew Trogstad-Isaacson 11
- Our Place in Walla Walla #21: Michelle Jamison Adams
- Our Place in Walla Walla #20: Amy Ly 06
- Our Place in Walla Walla #19: Sandy Garcia 08
- Our Place in Walla Walla #18: Summer!
- Our Place in Walla Walla #17: Wine
- Our Place in Walla Walla #16: Higher Education
- Our Place in Walla Walla #15: The Penitentiary
- Our Place in Walla Walla #14: Community Spirit
- Our Place in Walla Walla #13: Women Leaders
- Our Place in Walla Walla #12: Getting Noticed
- Our Place in Walla Walla #11: Asian-Americans
- Our Place in Walla Walla #10: Olympia
- Our Place in Walla Walla #9: Civil Rights
- Our Place in Walla Walla #8: Religion
- Our Place in Walla Walla #7: Veterans
- Our Place in Walla Walla #6: Elections and Voting
- Our Place in Walla Walla #5: Local Alumni
- Our Place in Walla Walla #4: Heritage Park and Windows on the Past
- Our Place in Walla Walla #3: Connections Conference
- Our Place in Walla Walla #2: The Happy Canyon Pageant
- Our Place in Walla Walla #1: The Fair
-
Our Place in Walla Walla
- Campus Map
- History of the College
- Rankings and What Really Matters
-
Inclusive Excellence
- President & Leadership
- Mission, Constitution and Bylaws
- Strategic Planning
- Sustainability
- Land Acknowledgment
- Policies and Statements
- Contact Us