Westmont College
Westmont College has an acceptance rate of 77.0%, an average net price of $29,343, and an overall rank of #509 (Grade B+). About 67.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $67,372 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Westmont College is a private nonprofit university in Santa Barbara, CA. Students most often pursue Business/Managerial Economics and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.0% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 55.9%, roughly 6.0 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Westmont College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Westmont College graduates 67.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 71.4% and keeps 85.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Westmont College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $44,201 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $55,724 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,650 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,400 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $73,544 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 24.3% of Westmont College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $25,406 to $35,729 depending on family income. Use Westmont College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,273/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $35,729/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $67,372
- 10-Year Median Earnings $70,327
- Average Years to Graduate 4.1 years
- Average Student Debt $21,609
- Debt-to-Earnings ~32.1%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 81.6%
- Employment Rate 93.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Westmont College graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Westmont College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Westmont College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Westmont College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 630-750
- SAT Math 610-700
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,302
- Full-Time Students 99.3%
- Part-Time Students 0.7%
- Retention Rate 85.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 67.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 71.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Westmont College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Westmont College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 77.0%, Westmont College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 77.0% acceptance rate, Westmont College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240 and 1450 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Westmont College undergraduates. Business/Managerial Economics, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business/Managerial Economics 15.7%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.9%
- Biology, General 9.0%
- Psychology, General 8.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 7.0%
- English Language and Literature, General 5.8%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 5.2%
- Chemistry 4.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business/Managerial Economics $88,820
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $83,026
- 3. Psychology, General $55,705
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $55,700
- 5. Communication and Media Studies $47,236
- 6. English Language and Literature, General $37,806
- 7. Biology, General $30,635
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business/Managerial Economics grads earn $88,820—190% more than Biology, General ($30,635). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Westmont College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (29 programs)▼
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Philosophy
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Engineering, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Physics
- International/Globalization Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Anthropology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,302
- Full-Time Students 99.3%
- Part-Time Students 0.7%
- Male Students 39.0%
- Female Students 61.0%
- Caucasian 51.5%
- Asian 5.3%
- Hispanic 23.4%
- Black 2.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 24.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Westmont College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Westmont College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Westmont College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Westmont College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 61.0% of undergraduates. About 24.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Westmont College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Westmont College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Westmont College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #509 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,343 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $67,372 median earnings. With 67.9% graduating within 150% of normal time and 85.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Westmont College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #509 ranking, Westmont College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,343 annually, Westmont College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,540 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $67,372 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,343+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Westmont College ranks #509 of 1934 institutions, with 0 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.9% graduation rate sits 5.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.0% first-year retention is 8.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $67,372 run about 9% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $29,343 is roughly $9,436 higher than the national median of $19,908.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years is 25.1 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years sits 25.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,343 is about $9,436 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 24.3% trails the national share by 14.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- 50.8% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Westmont College—a private nonprofit university in Santa Barbara, CA—at B+ overall. It holds a #509 overall ranking Completion earns A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 85.0% retention, 67.9% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 71.4% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,343 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $73,544.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $44,201 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,609 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Five years after graduation, alumni earn roughly $67,372 at the median. This is roughly 9% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 93.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
77.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Westmont College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Westmont College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/westmont-college/
MLA (9th): “Westmont College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/westmont-college/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Westmont College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/westmont-college/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westmont College's acceptance rate?
Westmont College's acceptance rate is 77.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Westmont College cost?
At Westmont College, listed tuition and fees are $55,724 per year, and the average net price after aid is $29,343. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Westmont College's ranking?
Westmont College ranks #509 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Westmont College's graduation rate?
At Westmont College, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 67.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 71.4%, and first-year retention is 85.0%.
What are Westmont College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Westmont College report median earnings of $67,372 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Westmont College's student population?
Westmont College enrolls about 1,302 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 955 La Paz Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108-1089
- Website www.westmont.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$89.0M