Whitworth University
Spokane, WA, USA

Reviews

Whitworth University

JD from Livingston, MT

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Whitworth believes strongly in an education of mind and heart and this is obvious through all of the professors. Class sizes are fairly small, allowing lots of interaction between students and professors. The material is challenging, but there is always help available for those who are looking for it. If the dorms are too loud, the library can provide some much needed quiet and comfortable chairs for study time.
Am enjoying being here
The student life on campus is wonderful. There are many ways to get involved and it is also great to have a personal relationship with professors. Whitworth has a really good support system and it is very difficult for students to fall through the cracks like at some larger schools. As for off-campus activities, Spokane has much to offer in the way of entertainment. There are many options to choose from weekly, but many times, students find themselves so occupied on campus, they rarely leave.
Bang for the buck
The financial aid is fairly substantial and those in the student office are more than willing to work and find other options for individual students. Being a private college, the tuition is higher, but the education to be received is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Explore many different schools and make sure to visit a few. The visit is an important decision factor. It can make all the difference. Ask lots of questions and be curious. Although it may seem like admissions counselors are very busy, they are there to answer any questions. If you forget to ask something in the interview, go ahead and just send them an email. They'll be happy to get back to you and help however they can.
Great for these types of students
Whitworth University is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, but it is not required for students to be of any particular religion or denomination. However, all of the professors are Christian of some denomination and do bring their beliefs and views into their teaching. Christianity is not forced on anyone, but faith is a strong aspect of the education at Whitworth. Students applying should be ready to work hard and to be challenged in many ways, but it is also very rewarding to see what was covered in just one semester.

Jenna from Grand Junction, CO

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Whitworth has great academics--the classes are rigorous, and the class sizes are small enough for students to get the help they need from their professors. All classes integrate faith and learning, and my classes so far have been hard but definitely worthwhile. The CORE classes are required for all students, and CORE 150 taught me a lot this semester about worldviews and church history and different perspectives. The education department is great, and professors will work with you one-on-one to ensure that you are learning the course material.
Am enjoying being here
Whitworth has a great atmosphere and a welcoming community. Events are always occurring on-campus to provide students with a study break or a chance to hang out with others. Primetime, which happens from 8-11 every night, is put on by the RA's in every dorm to give students an option to have fun for a little while. Some of the Primetimes in my dorm this past semester included baking, Candy Corn Olympics, Sleeping Bag Wrestling, board games, and many others. The people at Whitworth are very friendly, and everyone cares for each other. Overall, the community and the campus itself makes Whitworth an amazing school.
Bang for the buck
Whitworth is very expensive. Although they do offer scholarships, the cost to attend the university is significant. I do believe that it is a wonderful institution, but I'm not sure if the cost is necessary--I feel like it puts a burden on many students.
Tips for prospective students
Be excited and willing to meet new people and have a great time. Try to visit during the fall or late spring--it's beautiful during these times. Visit a class if possible, and talk to current students. They will tell you all about the programs offered at Whitworth, the caliber of students and faculty, the integration of faith and learning, the emphasis on the Christian community, and the warm atmosphere that permeates the university.
Great for these types of students
Christian students who want to be challenged in their faith and in their education. Students who are open-minded and caring and who will enjoy a smaller university with countless opportunities to get involved in the Spokane community and receive an education of the mind and heart.

Rylee from Spokane, WA

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Whitworth is AMAZING. It lives up to its mission statement, it offers an incredible learning environment, and it contains the nicest people possible. I honestly cannot express how wonderful this institution is!
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus!!! I didn't and ended up choosing a different university, but after just five weeks, I was home and enrolling at Whitworth because I knew in my heart that Whitworth was the place for me. Don't try to persuade yourself out of a school you think you will fit at because your friends are going somewhere else - I did that, and now I'm behind in credits because I missed a semester. Go and visit all colleges that you are interested in...it really does wonders. Try and talk to students at the schools you are interested in as well; most students at my school love to share why they picked Whitworth / what makes it great, and they can give you real insight about the college. Finally, whatever college you choose, GET INVOLVED! Become part of dorm government, join an intramural, club, or activity, etc. Do something! It will help you make friends and give you a greater sense of purpose at your school.
Academic Rigor
As stated in my tips for prospective students section, I actually attended a different university for five weeks before coming to Whitworth. The level of rigor at Whitworth blows the other school I attended out of the water. That being said, the rigor at Whitworth is a good thing! The classes are in-depth and the professors are super knowledgeable; students are challenged to think critically and have intellectual discussions. Everyone - professors and students - is committed to learning on such a high level. The academic culture here values hard work, discussion, asking questions, and critical thinking like no other institution I know. Whitworth is a wonderful place to be for anyone who loves to learn because the classes and professors are focused on growth and learning, not passing exams. The professors also almost always ask to be called by their first names and often invite students into their homes for dinner or game nights, which is both an advantage of our small college and immensely helpful in developing positive faculty-student relationships. Our small class sizes also foster this idea, creating a rigorous and challenging (but valuable) academic environment.
Dorm Life
I have never lived on campus at Whitworth because I live in Spokane, but from the dorms I have visited and from talking to my friends who live in dorms, I think it's a positive experience. There are lots of traditions and opportunities to build community in our dorms, as well as nightly activities. I can't say much more because of my lack of experience with dorms, but I hear they're quite nice.
Food and Dining
I also don't eat in our dining hall because I don't live on campus, but from the few times I have eaten there (and the many times I've eaten in our coffee shop), I'd say the food is average. The coffee shop food and drinks are awesome, but many students complain about the actual dining hall.
What to do for fun
There's always something to do at Whitworth! There are outdoor trips with the rec center, movies on the lawn, functions at the President's house, trivia nights, games / discussions / crafts / etc. every night in all the dorms, clubs, organizations, community service opportunities, student jobs, and SO many more ways to get involved and have some fun!
Bang for the buck
Whitworth is expensive - there's no doubt about it. They offer nice academic scholarships though, but honestly, Whitworth is so special that it makes the price tag worth it. The people here create a truly unique, loving, accepting, kind community, and the rigor makes Whitworth a great choice academically. We have tons of intramurals, clubs, and opportunities to serve the community, and there is always something going on, whether it's games in the dorms, movies at the rec center, or cookies at the President's house. I would not want to complete my undergraduate degree anywhere else.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have awesome traditions! First, there is traditiation, which is a dorm-bonding activity at the beginning of each year. There is also a set of little 3 goals we are supposed to accomplish by the time we leave Whitworth: 1) drop your plate (accidentally!) in the dining hall - everyone else will clap for you! 2) get hit in the head by a frisbee (frisbee golf / frolfing is SUPER popular here). 3) catch a virgin pinecone (i.e. catch a pinecone as it's falling from of our hundreds of gorgeous pine trees). Whitworth is full of fun traditions!
Great for these types of students
I think anyone could really thrive here. While students who are adamantly against Christian beliefs may have a harder time finding their place, Whitworth is extremely welcoming, and many of its students are quite accepting. Aside from that, Whitworth is a great environment for those who thrive in small and strong communities, those who value close relationships with their peers and their professors, and those who enjoy being challenged.
Clubs and Activities
Whitworth has many clubs and activities! They are of varying levels of commitment, and they offer lots of resources for exploring and connecting within one's major, meeting new people, and learning about other opportunities. We have many intramural sports, clubs dedicated to community service, social justice, or major-related fields (and more!), and teams to join. For example, I compete on the Forensics team, and it has exponentially increased my love for Whitworth (which was already pretty strong before joining!). Joining something gives such a wonderful added community, and it makes college life indelibly better.
Greek Life
We don't have a Greek community, but our campus is so close-knit that I don't feel we need one. The Whitworth community is truly a special place.
Campus Safety
I feel SO safe on campus, even at night! Not only are we in a good part of Spokane, but we we have blue light poles throughout campus with emergency buttons on them to aid safety. We also have a trusting campus community - people are ALWAYS willing to help others or support them if they are in trouble, and items are rarely stolen on campus. I know people who leave their laptops in the library or coffee shop for hour unattended and they aren't even touched. Now, I don't know if I would recommend that, but it's a great example of how Whitworthians look out for each other.

Joshua from Mission, TX

a past student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
This university contains some of the most intellectually sound, yet compassionate professors anywhere in the world. Not only do almost all of them hold doctoral degrees from outstanding universities (University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Alabama, Princeton, Princeton Theological Seminary, Oxford, etc.), they ALL want and do relate to you in incredible ways. Each professor I had desired to get to know me and would call me to check-in (especially if I missed a class), but challenged me to help me become a competitive professional and diligent employee.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely apply and apply early, even if you do not think you have the grades in high school. I received a D during my junior year of high school (because of outside, familial circumstances), but Whitworth looked beyond my academic capabilities and looked to my extracurriculars and character traits. In fact, they notified me of admission within 7 days and granted me over $10,000 in scholarships that could be renewed year after year.
Academic Rigor
In every single class I took, save one or two, I was required to write and to write well. I was writing several one to two page papers per week and was usually required to write at least two to three research papers per semester. It seems daunting and challenging, and it was. However, the feedback my professors provided and the ability it gave me to articulate clearly and write well is something I will never regret.
Each class was difficult, no matter if it was a freshman class or senior-level class. The professors will not let you off the hook for sloppy work, procrastinating, or not using your God-given abilities, but they WILL help you every step of the way and are available CONSTANTLY for help and support.
ADDITIONALLY, unlike most colleges that have their graduate students teach freshmen-level courses, ZERO classes at Whitworth are taught in that manner; they are all taught by professionals in the particular field being studied.
Dorm Life
Incredible! The dorms are all unique, friendly, and have their own personality. EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, the dorm leadership team is required to hold a three hour long activity for students in the dorm to participate. Not only is it a great way to relieve yourself from stress but it is a great way to build community and meet new friends. The dorms are all exceptionally clean and have excellent heating, especially during the cold winter months.
Food and Dining
Although the food was not the best while I attended, the year I left Whitworth drastically improved the dining hall and upgrade their membership with Sodexo, the food provider.
What to do for fun
You can almost ALWAYS catch a group of students play ultimate frisbee in the loop or playing in the intramural league. Whitworth offers an array of intramural sports ranging from volleyball to softball, and tennis to frisbee.
There are often local artists playing in the coffee shop or a sports event occurring in the field house. Although Whitworth is located on the northern side of town, downtown is only about ten minutes away. In fact, Division Street, the street that Whitworth is located off of, is known as being the one street in the nation with the most restaurants. The street also contains several coffee shops, bars, billiard halls, venues offering famous artists/bands, etc.
Coeur D'Alene is also about thirty minutes away and provides a beautiful scenic lake with a variety of activities.
Bang for the buck
It is expensive to attend, HOWEVER, Whitworth has consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the country to offer financial aid to its students. The average financial aid package is close to $25,000 with many students receiving free tuition.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Before you graduate, each student is supposed to catch a virgin pinecone. These are pine cones that fall from the beautiful pines that engulf the campus before the pinecone hits the floor. In the Spring, you will see tens/hundreds of students standing in the loop waiting to catch their pinecone. And when someone does, you WILL hear about it.

Whitworth students are some of the friendliest students you will ever meet. They are always holding the door open for others, helping you with your books/bags, smiling at you (even if you're a stranger), and making you feel right at home.
Greek Life
None.
Campus Safety
Excellent. They are professional, friendly, and do their job very well.

Ryan from Kettle Falls, WA

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The classes are great and the professors are a great help.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is great and the dorms are in good shape. The school does not cater well to people who's views are different than those of the school.
Tips for prospective students
Go to the school and talk to the students on campus. It is a great time to get into the school if you are a science major.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who are religious.

Katelyn from Union, OR

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
whitworth is a great christian university that doesn't compromise its christ mission, while still having a vibrant, diverse community and high academics. the many opportunities for community, service, faith, and learning provide anyone with the options for success. christian and non-christians alike will feel welcome here and be challenged to ask tough questions and learn about other perspectives.
Tips for prospective students
don't be intimidated by the seemingly confusing registration process, housing forms, and required classes. if you have any questions don't hesitate to call or ask in person and people will be more than willing to help you out. also, the faculty here is great, so don't be afraid to call a department chair just to chat about your intended major or for some more information. finally, if you visit, be sure to visit dorms and see what dorm life is like too.
Academic Rigor
whitworth has very high academics and top-notch faculty that teach the classes. i am an engineering major and i have had to work very hard even in my first year to stay on top of my grades. the classes are challenging and integrate real world learning as well, and the professors are always helpful and available to help or answer questions.
Dorm Life
the dorms at whitworth are amazing! the communities formed between roommates, halls, and whole dorms are, for the most part, very close and caring. my favorite part of dorm life is the many activities that are offered; every night from 8 to 11pm there is primetime in the lounge that is a different fun activity like jam sessions or doodling. there are also lots of fun off campus dorm activities too.
Food and Dining
whitworth has several options for food: the dining hall, the cafe, and then snacks at the various coffee shops around campus. the dining hall is fairly good, but like anything it gets old after a while. the cafe has a sub shop, mexican place, and grill which are all good too.
What to do for fun
whitworth is in spokane, wa which is a great small city. there is lots of fun shops, thrift stores, and cafes downtown, as well as the beautiful riverside park. on campus there are intramurals year round and lots of impromptu frisbee games in the loop. primetime is also a great time killer in the evenings, and there are many club sponsored activities like movie nights, ski trips, and more.
Bang for the buck
yes, whitworth is expensive, but it is worth every penny! (plus there is lots of financial aid available.) the tuition gets you a quality undergrad education that prepares you very well for either the workforce or grad school and life in general. the overall experience of whitworth is also very welcoming and positive and prospective students should consider the spiritual growth that they will undoubtedly experience while here also.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the most unusual tradition whitworth has is called traditiation. it is for freshman and first year transfer students at the beginning of the year as a sort of icebreaker and way to meet lots of people while having fun. traditiation consists of a mockrock, dorm chant contest, and wooing, as well as small quirky things that continue through the weekend. wooing is what it sounds like; boys from the dorms come around to the girls and sing to them, then the girls sing back and so forth. it is very cheesy and ridiculous, but enjoyable too.
Great for these types of students
any student to simply wants a quality education will thrive at whitworth, however, students who are christians will get the added benefits of an extremely supportive and challenging spiritual community. as long as you aren't afraid to have open discussions about any topic from christian and secular perspectives and you are willing to grow and help other grow, you will fit right in.
Clubs and Activities
there are countless clubs on campus and if there isn't a club that you want it is relatively easy to start one. there are also varsity division iii sports that are high-caliber and a great experience (i'm on the track team).
Greek Life
none, the closest we come is the all girls dorm, ballard, and the all guys dorm, mcmillan.
Campus Safety
i always feel safe on campus and the security guys are very fun and friendly to students. i often run in the dark alone, or walk on campus by myself and don't feel worried at all. whitworth is in north spokane, so the campus is slightly isolated from the main bustle of downtown.

Hailey from Greenacres, WA

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
whitworth university promotes a sense of community that is incomparable to any other i've seen or heard of. the student body is driven and diverse. and the faculty genuinely cares for the personal and academic growth of their students.
Tips for prospective students
take some time to look into the professor's qualifications. whitworth has some amazing academic minds that are beyond qualified and have extensive credentials and field experience. these are great contacts to have and amazing sources of information.
Academic Rigor
classes are challenging and fun while being taught by professors that have extensive life, career and academic experience.
Dorm Life
the community within the dorms is lively, safe and above all a complete blast!
Food and Dining
it's a university cafeteria, enough said.
What to do for fun
there are nightly prime times that are run by ras and cultivate a community that is never sedentary. on top of these nightly activities are clubs, exercise classes, volunteer opportunities and dances.
Bang for the buck
whitworth is a private university, but the price is worth the academic merit.
Campus Safety
i know the campus security by name and talk with them nightly is they make their rounds through my dorm, i feel extremely safe on campus.

Anya from Medford, OR

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Whitworth University is wholeheartedly committed to its motto of providing an education of the mind and heart. The professors are devoted to encouraging their students to reach their fullest potential and to explore topics outside of their usual comfort zone. Whitworth's student body is welcoming, energetic, and on fire for Christ.
Tips for prospective students
Any student that is considering attending Whitworth University should stay overnight on campus with a current student! It is the best way to get a genuine feel for the campus and school.
Academic Rigor
The academics at Whitworth are excellent and students must study diligently to succeed in their classes. The professors challenge their students and the students strive to do their best work.
Dorm Life
Each dorm at Whitworth is different and can please the most outgoing to introverted student. The Resident Assistants are wonderful and enthusiastically encourage the dorm's community. Hall dates and outings are common occurences at Whitworth...and are always a lot of fun!
Food and Dining
While the food in Sodexho can get repetitive, they offer a wide variety of options. Sodexho offers vegetarian and other special-diet friendly foods, as well as the American grill classics. Health-conscious eaters have plenty of dining options as well. Whitworth also has a cafe with Mexican, Asian, and American food and several coffee shops/kiosks.
What to do for fun
Whitworth students enjoy nightly Prime Time activities in the dorms, exploring downtown Spokane, outdoor activities, getting frozen yogurt from one of the several local frozen yogurt restaurants, and lots more! Whitworth is a dry campus and students participate in good, clean fun. Some students attend alcohol-laden parties, but only a small percentage of students do and they are all off-campus.
Bang for the buck
From personal communication and relationships with professors, to cozy residence halls and a close knit community of students, Whitworth University is well worth its expensive price-tag.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Freshman boys Wooing the girls during orientation week, the interlude dance at basketball games, hall dates to Dockside to order huge oversized sundaes, catching falling pinecones
Great for these types of students
Students who want to be big fish in a small pond, want to know their professors on a personal level, love the outdoors, like snow, love God, are intellectuals, athletes, musicians, or dancers, want to study abroad
Clubs and Activities
Plenty to get involved in!
Greek Life
There is no greek life at Whitworth
Campus Safety
Campus security is always present and willing to give rides to students back to their dorms at night.

Emily from Woodinville, WA

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge due to the fact that all of the professors I have had here are very passionate in their field. Most all of them have a doctorate, and all classes have upperclassman TA's that assist students with preparing for upcoming tests. The TA's are helpful, and sometimes provide optional sessions for students that need extra help. The largest class I had, which I took for my major, had 50 students. Even in this large class, my learning really progressed because I was able to develop a one on one relationship with the professor who encouraged everyone to visit her during office hours.
Am enjoying being here
Everyday I walk around campus completely thankful and amazed that I have the opportunity to be part of the Whitworth community. It truly is a close community that is vastly different than any large state university. When you meet someone new, you don't have to worry about never seeing them again. People are so friendly, it's really refreshing! Also, the weather is magnificent because Spokane has four wonderfully distinct seasons, only 17 inches of annual rainfall, and 260 clear days of sunshine. Another bonus is that the dining hall is expanding and will be brand new in fall 2012, three dorms have been built in the past 10 years, and a new dorm will be construted soon. I live in the newest dorm and it is like a hotel that is nicer than my room at home! Heck, I even get to take skiing/snowboarding for a PE credit! The brand new science building is also INCREDIBLE.
Bang for the buck
Yes, this is an expensive private university, but I believe the school has so many advantages that make it a great value. Out of all the schools I applied too, Whitworth granted me the largest scholarship of $11,000 per year for four years. A few things that makes this school worth the price is that the class sizes are usually less than 20, the professors actually care about you as a whole person, are willing to help you one on one, and are understanding when you have a crisis. Not to mention there is so much openness between students and staff who want to investigate the spiritual side of the world. No matter what religion (or non-religion), students with various worldviews are encouraged to tackle big questions and present as well as develop their personal worldview while at Whitworth. This dimension is of Whitworth, combining mind and heart, is a unique aspect of the university. It truly feels like home.
Tips for prospective students
APPLY EARLY! It is so worth it because you will be accepted faster and have first choice for which dorm you want. Also, campus visits give you the best experience for making the final college decision. Especially try to stay overnight in a dorm if possible so you can get a glimpse of student life, which is tons of fun.
Great for these types of students
Acceptance to Whitworth has started getting slightly more difficult to keep the undergrad population around 2,000-2,500, but is definitely possible. A good GPA and SAT score will REALLY be rewarding in the scholarship department, however, having a strength other than getting the grades, such as a sport, art, or music will make you a great candidate as well. Whitworth will be a good fit for you if want to have professors that want to get to know you and help you succeed, if you want to feel accepted no matter what religion, race, or orientation you may be, and if you want have the opportunity to hear so many great bands and speakers visit your school EACH WEEK.

Taylor from Rathdrum, ID

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The material to be studied is of a more difficult standard, but the professors are always there to help. Their office hours are consistent and they respond to e-mails really well. The class size is pretty small which allows for a more intimate setting where you learn more.
Am enjoying being here
The overall Whitworth community is just fantastic! There is always something going on that you may never be bored! Everyone is so nice and friendly too. It's a fantastic school.
Bang for the buck
Don't let the initial cost of Whitworth deter you from wanting to go. The financial aid here at Whitworth is some of the best around. It is a private college so the tuition is pretty high, but the financial aid office makes it reasonable for just about anyone to go. The education you receive is well worth the cost too.
Tips for prospective students
Don't look at just one college. Make sure you do your research first. Also, if you are able, visiting the campuses is key. You never really know how much you are going to like a place until you go and see if for yourself. A lot of the time campus visits end up being the deciding factor for choosing a college.
Great for these types of students
Whitworth is a pretty strong christian college. You do not need to be any certain religion to go here, but the professors and other staff are all of some kind of christian denomination and they are proud to be so. It is also a dry campus, so if you are not a big party person and Jesus is a big part of your life, the Whitworth will be perfect for you!