Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Spokane, Washington
86.8% Acceptance Rate
Whitworth University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86.8%Acceptance Rate
3.72Avg GPA
1212Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$65,711Annual Cost
$58,561Grad Salary
28%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.8%
Avg GPA
3.72
Avg SAT
1212
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1100–1320
ACT Middle 50%
21–29
Need-Based Aid
28% receive Pell
Whitworth University is a private, Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts institution in Washington recognized for its rigorous academic culture and commitment to faith integration. Admissions are competitive and holistic; the university looks for students who can demonstrate both high intellectual curiosity and a strong record of service. Applicants should highlight their ability to think critically and their desire to engage in meaningful dialogue between faith and contemporary social issues.
Whitworth University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Whitworth University is inclusive by design. 86.8% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.72 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.52 – 3.71
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.27
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Whitworth University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 15 for Whitworth University (Early Action — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 97 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: December 15
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: March 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Whitworth College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Whitworth College is 3.72. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.42 and 3.72? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.92–4.12.Whitworth College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.72 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.52 – 3.71
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.32 – 3.51
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.31
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Whitworth uses a distinctive 4-1-4 academic calendar (adopted in 1969, among the first nationally) with a one-month Jan Term for intensive single-course study, internships, or faculty-led travel.
- The Core Worldview curriculum (Core 150/300) is a required philosophical/theological engagement sequence distinct from standard general education; Core 300 can alternatively be satisfied by Core 150.
- No specific high school courses are required for admission, but the relative rigor of a student's curriculum is strongly weighed in decisions.
- 83% of classes have fewer than 30 students; ~20 faculty-led off-campus programs run annually, with ISEP partnerships enabling study abroad in more than 60 countries.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Whitworth College
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Whitworth University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Whitworth University (Whitworth College) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Whitworth College. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Whitworth College Without SAT or ACT?
Whitworth College considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Whitworth University Average SAT Score: 1212
Admitted students at Whitworth University average a 1212 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1212 — Slightly Competitive
A 1212 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1320 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Whitworth University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1100? A retake is worth it at Whitworth College. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 595 | 540 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 615 | 560 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1212 | 1100 | 1320 |
A score under 1100 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1320+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Whitworth University (Whitworth College) with a 1300 SAT?
At 1300, your SAT is squarely in Whitworth College's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Whitworth University (Whitworth College) ACT Requirements
Whitworth College's admitted students average an ACT of 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 25 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT English | 25 | 20 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 29 |
Can I get into Whitworth University with a 29 ACT?
At 29, you're in the top quarter of Whitworth College's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Whitworth College weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Whitworth College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Whitworth College is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Ask which Jan Term programs exist in your intended major
Whitworth's 4-1-4 calendar (adopted in 1969, among the first in the country) includes a one-month Jan Term between semesters, during which roughly 20 faculty-led programs run domestically and internationally (in 60+ countries via ISEP). Ask admissions specifically which Jan Term offerings exist in the intended major - this is a genuinely distinctive structural opportunity, not just an elective add-on term.
Clarify the Core Worldview sequence before registering
The Core Worldview requirement (Core 150/300) is a required philosophical and theological engagement sequence distinct from standard general education, and Core 300's requirement can alternatively be satisfied by Core 150. Confirm with an academic advisor which specific course track applies to avoid unnecessarily double-enrolling in overlapping requirements.
Prioritize curriculum rigor over easy-GPA electives
Whitworth doesn't require specific high school courses for admission, but explicitly weighs the relative rigor of a student's curriculum. An applicant with access to AP, IB, or dual-credit options should prioritize those over easier electives that simply pad GPA, since course rigor is a distinct factor admissions considers.
Contact a specific academic department directly before applying
With 83% of classes under 30 students, Whitworth's teacher-scholar model means faculty are often genuinely accessible to prospective students before enrollment. Reaching out to a specific department (not just general admissions) can meaningfully strengthen a demonstrated-interest-style application and help a student make a more informed major decision.
Expert Insight:
Search sources report a range of acceptance rate figures for Whitworth (86%, 91%, 91.5%) - while less wildly divergent than some schools, these likely reflect different reporting cycles or aggregator methodologies. Treat any single number as approximate rather than exact when setting selectivity expectations with a family.
Whitworth College Profile
Full Name
Whitworth University (Whitworth College)
City
Spokane
State
Washington
ZIP Code
99251
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Whitworth College Degree Worth It?
Whether Whitworth College is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $63,700, and graduates see a 4.42% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Whitworth College Cost?
Listed tuition runs $65,711/year at Whitworth College. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Whitworth College, 28% receive a Pell Grant and 53.6% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Whitworth College on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Whitworth College Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Whitworth College graduates report a median income of $58,561, about 44% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Whitworth University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Whitworth University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Whitworth University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at Whitworth College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitworth College Admissions
Whitworth University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $58,561/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Whitworth University runs high, at roughly $65,711+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
28.0% of Whitworth University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Whitworth University's acceptance rate is 86.8%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Whitworth University students is 3.72, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.42 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Whitworth University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.32 or below makes admission tougher at Whitworth University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Whitworth University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1212, and within the 1100–1320 range, keeps you competitive.
Whitworth University's deadline is November 15 (Early Action), with decisions out by December 15.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Priority: 2026/02/01. That's Whitworth University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all Washington Colleges
Average SAT Score of Washington Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in Washington
Bachelor Programs in Washington
Test Optional Colleges in Washington
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in Washington