Westmont College
Santa Barbara, California
Thoughtful Inquiry, Meaningful Dialogue, and Purposeful Action. Set in the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Westmont College offers students a distinctive blend of intellectual rigor, artistic expression, and community engagement. Known for its close faculty mentorship and emphasis on whole-person education, Westmont challenges students to think critically, live ethically, and contribute meaningfully to the world. The college’s liberal arts foundation prepares graduates to navigate complexity with both wisdom and compassion, skills that resonate in every career and calling.
Get to know Westmont College
College Highlights
Westmont students learn best by doing. The college’s liberal arts curriculum is infused with opportunities for research, internships, and service-learning that turn theory into practice. Whether studying environmental science in Santa Barbara’s coastal ecosystems, participating in local outreach through the Office of Student Life, or interning with organizations in Los Angeles, students actively connect their classroom studies to the wider world. Westmont’s emphasis on small classes and faculty collaboration ensures that experiential learning feels both personal and purposeful.
Beyond the classroom, students engage in programs like the Westmont in San Francisco and Westmont in Washington semesters, which immerse participants in professional environments while encouraging critical reflection on global issues. These experiences help students develop adaptability, leadership, and a sense of civic responsibility. Through this balance of academic challenge and real-world engagement, Westmont cultivates graduates who see learning not as an end in itself, but as preparation for a lifetime of service and discovery.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 7%
Hispanic/Latine: 11%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 15%
White, non-Hispanic: 54%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 5%
At the heart of Westmont’s academic excellence is a faculty deeply committed to student growth. Professors are not only accomplished scholars and artists but also approachable mentors who invest in their students’ intellectual and personal development. The college’s small student-faculty ratio allows for rich discussion, individualized feedback, and collaborative projects that stretch students’ creativity and analytical abilities.
Academic programs at Westmont span the sciences, humanities, and fine arts, all grounded in a commitment to rigorous inquiry and Christian perspective. Faculty invite students to join them in research, fieldwork, and creative collaboration, from exploring biomedical innovations to analyzing theological ethics. In every discipline, Westmont’s teaching reflects the belief that education should develop both the mind and the heart.
Community is central to life at Westmont. Students live and learn together in an atmosphere of hospitality, shared purpose, and joy. Chapel gatherings, residence hall activities, and service programs create opportunities to connect faith with daily living. Whether performing in Spring Sing, competing as Warrior athletes, or hiking through the nearby mountains, students form lasting friendships rooted in respect, curiosity, and spiritual growth.
Set in one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities, Westmont’s campus invites reflection and renewal. The natural beauty of Santa Barbara encourages balance and appreciation for creation, while the college’s welcoming community fosters belonging and accountability. Westmont’s campus culture reflects its guiding belief that faith flourishes best in fellowship, where diversity of thought and unity of purpose coexist harmoniously.
A Westmont education prepares students for both professional success and a life of meaning. The college’s Career Development & Calling office helps students discern their strengths, explore vocations, and connect with internships and alumni mentors across industries. By the time they graduate, most students have participated in research, service, or professional experiences that give them confidence to thrive beyond college.
Westmont alumni are leaders in education, business, medicine, ministry, and the arts, carrying forward the college’s vision of thoughtful scholarship and compassionate service. They stand out for their ability to think deeply, communicate effectively, and act ethically in every arena of life. Whether launching new ventures or serving their communities, Westmont graduates embody the integration of faith and excellence that defines their alma mater.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $45,120
Fees: $750
Room: $6,900
Board: $7,350
Contact Westmont College
Contact Admissions
westmont.edu/admissions
(805) 565-6200
admissions@westmont.edu
Campus Location
955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 565-6000