Colleges in Whittier, California
3 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 3 colleges and universities in Whittier, California (2 Private nonprofit, 1 Public). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 3 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $25,757 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 50.0%, schools that report admissions data accept a median 81% of applicants.
The median net price in Whittier runs about $5,046 higher than the California statewide median of $20,711.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in Whittier, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$25,757
After aid
Median grad rate
50.0%
6-year
Median admission rate
81%
Median enrollment
764
Undergrad
All colleges in Whittier
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Hondo College Whittier, CA | CA | Public, 4-year | $14,379 | 24.5% | Not available | 15,684 | Complete | |
| Whittier College Whittier, CA | CA | Private nonprofit, 4-year | $25,757 | 60.0% | 81% | 764 | Complete | |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences Whittier, CA | CA | Private nonprofit, 4-year | $45,848 | 50.0% | Not available | 158 | Partial |
By institution type
Private nonprofit (2)
Private nonprofit colleges in Whittier are mission-driven institutions — often religiously affiliated or research-focused — that reinvest tuition into academics and aid rather than distributing profit.
- Whittier CollegeNet price: $25,757Grad: 60.0%
- Southern California University of Health SciencesNet price: $45,848Grad: 50.0%
Public (1)
Public colleges in Whittier are state- or locally-funded institutions that typically offer lower in-state tuition and serve a broad mix of residents and commuters.
- Rio Hondo CollegeNet price: $14,379Grad: 24.5%
Top programs in Whittier
Most-completed programs across Whittier colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Liberal arts43.3% of degrees
- Homeland security & law enforcement11.1% of degrees
- Business7.6% of degrees
- Family & consumer sci5.6% of degrees
- Psychology3.4% of degrees
- Mechanic & repair3.4% of degrees
- Interdisciplinary3.3% of degrees
- Health professions3.1% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in Whittier
Q.How many colleges are in Whittier, California?
There are 3 colleges and universities in Whittier, California that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 2 Private nonprofit, 1 Public.
Q.What is the largest college in Whittier?
By undergraduate enrollment, Rio Hondo College is the largest institution in Whittier with roughly 15,684 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in Whittier?
Based on average net price after aid, Rio Hondo College is the most affordable institution in Whittier at $14,379 per year.
Q.Which Whittier college has the highest graduation rate?
Whittier College reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among Whittier institutions at 60.0%.
Q.What is the average tuition in Whittier?
The median net price across all 3 colleges in Whittier is $25,757 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in Whittier?
Across Whittier colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Liberal arts, Homeland security & law enforcement, Business.
Q.Are there community colleges in Whittier?
Yes — Whittier includes 1 public institutions, many of which offer 2-year associate degrees and transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
Other cities in California
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in Whittier that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.