ABOUT

Discover Classic Westmont

Wikipedia: A classic is an outstanding example of a particular style; something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality; of the first or highest quality, class, or rank – something that exemplifies its class.

What makes Westmont classic?

Westmont College offers a classic liberal arts education that integrates faith and learning, cultivating both academic excellence and spiritual growth. Students thrive in a vibrant residential community where they build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, and engage with diverse viewpoints. 

Located in scenic Santa Barbara, Westmont prepares students to lead purposeful lives through global experiences, athletics, and a focus on whole-person development.

Sink Roots Into a Welcoming Community

Quick Facts

Westmont College is an undergraduate, residential, Christian, liberal arts community serving God's kingdom by cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world. 

11:1 student ratio white icon

 Student-to-Faculty Ratio 

average class size 18 white icon

 Average Class Size 

located in santa barbara white california icon

Located in Santa Barbara, California

1300 undergraduate students white icon

Enrollment (1,200 on Campus) 

76% graduation rate white icon

 4-year Graduation Rate  

Academics

Classic Liberal Arts Education

Westmont offers the best of the timeless liberal arts with students exploring the breadth of academic disciplines, from the arts to the sciences, while delving deep in their major. Highly qualified professors share their research with students and teach essential skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. All majors, including nursing, engineering and data analytics, expose students to a variety of viewpoints and encourage deeper thinking that leads to finding a meaningful purpose in life.

100%

of classes are taught by faculty,
not graduate students

98%

of faculty have
terminal degrees

31

majors

Classic Relationships Between Professors and Students
Professors share their knowledge and their faith in class and take time to mentor students, helping them become the people God created them to be. These essential relationships may include conducting research together, providing valuable experiences that can lead to internships, jobs and rewarding careers.

Largest Majors: Economics & Business, Kinesiology, Psychology, Biology and Communication Studies

Spiritual Life

Classic Integration of Faith and Learning

At Westmont, Christ holds first place (Christus Primatum Tenens), and we embrace both rigorous academics and deep love of God. Outstanding relationships and experiences push our faith, expand our knowledge, challenge our beliefs and help us use our talents well in serving
Christ. Learning to lead a life of significance begins with a deep love of God tempered by rigorous, excellent training in every area of human knowledge.

Financial Aid

Affording College

Like many students, you may discover that our generous assistance means you pay less at Westmont than at a public university or other independent college. Dig in to the numbers at think about where you want to invest these transformational four years.

Awarded In Scholarship Every Year

Of Incoming First-Year and Transfer Students Received Financial Aid

Average Amount Awarded

 

Student Life

Classic Residential Community

Students learn by living in a vibrant campus community, where they study, play and participate in worthwhile activities encouraging them to build strong relationships, apply what they’re learning and develop excellent leadership skills. Because they live and learn together, they can interact effectively with people from different backgrounds with a variety of viewpoints. Attending class in person, sharing meals and daily living with others, and pursuing a range of interests and activities all prepare them for deeper, purposeful, successful lives.

Classic Emphasis on the Whole Person

Westmont seeks to help students become their best selves and hone the gifts God has given
them so they can make a significant contribution in their family, their profession and their
community. Experiences in the classroom, activities on campus and a wealth of relationships all
foster intellectual, spiritual and personal growth and develop the whole person. We believe that
the central element of human development is an interactive life with God. In a variety of practical
ways, we encourage Christian spiritual formation throughout the Westmont experience.

We Are Warriors

Classic Athletic Competition

Warrior athletes experience the heart of a champion, winning on the field and excelling in a rigorous academic environment. They’ve gained a national reputation for athletic prowess, academic achievements and service to others. Caring and capable coaches prepare athletes for challenges facing them in competition, in the classroom and after graduation, encouraging them to strive for excellence in every area of life.

10

NAIA 
National Championships

106

GSAC 
Team Championships

637

NAIA 
All-
Americans

MICAH 6:8

Classic Global Perspective

Expert Westmont professors with a global focus lead international study programs that give students a deeper understanding of diverse cultures while developing multicultural competencies. These experiences enhance their adaptability, independence and cross-cultural communication skills. Living in a different culture broadens their worldview and creates lasting memories and relationships that shape their personal and professional lives.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Global Education

 

World map graphic

58%

of the student body participate in off-campus programs across six continents.

 

Classic Location

Scenic Santa Barbara

A world-class destination for visitors from around the world, Santa Barbara offers both natural and architectural beauty as well as significant cultural resources and a nearly perfect climate. The Pacific Ocean, extensive beaches, soaring mountains and a beckoning backcountry provide many opportunities for recreation, discovery and adventure.

Future Success

Discover the Value of Westmont

Westmont equips its graduates with the skills they need to lead and serve in all sectors of society. Students have opportunities to publish research papers with faculty, complete multiple internships and forge important networking relationships with leaders in their fields. The college has earned a reputation for its strong entrepreneurial program, and many alums start their own businesses.

97%

of graduates are employed or attending graduate school 6 months after graduation

30

students participate in summer research with professors each year

64%

of students participate in an internship while at Westmont 

$111,500

median alumni salary with 10+ years experience

Classic Leadership Training

Students build capacity as leaders by actively collaborating in class, participating in clubs and activities, and pursuing internships and international experiences. Leadership programs equip them with practical skills and confidence so they can build organizations, businesses and communities as Christians leaders, becoming great thinkers with hearts committed to God and dedication to things greater than themselves.

History

In 1937, Ruth Kerr founded a liberal arts college committed to the historic Christian faith. Wallace Emerson, the first president, envisioned an institution that rivaled the best colleges nationwide, and he set the standard for academic rigor and excellence that still applies. 

Since its founding, Westmont has produced alumni who live with intelligence, character, and hope.

 

Ranked #1 Christian Liberal Arts College 
in California and the Western United States. 

For the 19th straight year, Westmont, ranked by U.S. News & World Report at No. 107 (tied), is one of the top two national Christian liberal arts colleges and the number one Christian liberal arts college in California and in the Western United States

AMERICA'S 
TOP COLLEGES

Forbes

BEST 
COLLEGE TOWNS

WorldAtlas

TOP 10 LIBERAL ARTS 
COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA

U.S. News & World Report

 

BEST UNIVERSITIES FOR
A BACHELOR'S DEGREE

PayScale

BEST 
COLLEGES

Money