Organizer Information
Whitman College is a private liberal arts college in Walla Walla, Washington, offering undergraduate education across the humanities, arts, sciences, and social sciences. Relevant academic areas for prospective artists and filmmakers include the Art Department, Film & Media Studies, and Art History. The Art Department provides studio-based study across areas including ceramics, drawing, new media, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Whitman College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: BA
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Art History / Film & Media / Photography / Theater & Dance / Creative Writing
- Relevant Programs: Art; Art History; Film & Media Studies; Theater; Creative Writing
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: 2026–2027 admission cycle
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026–15 January 2027, depending on admission plan
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: $60; waived for applications submitted before 1 December
- Tuition: $68,692 per year for full-time study
- Funding: Merit- and need-based aid, scholarships and grants; international students may receive need-based and merit-based aid.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Whitman offers undergraduate study relevant to visual arts, film and media through Art, Art History, Film & Media Studies, Theater, and Creative Writing. The Art major includes areas such as ceramics, drawing, new genres, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Film & Media Studies combines media theory and history with practical work in editing and production.
- The Film & Media Studies major does not require previous filmmaking experience; Whitman states that students develop practical production skills through the curriculum.
General Eligibility
Whitman admits first-year and transfer students, including international applicants. First-year applicants apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application. International applicants must complete the international application requirements described by Whitman.
Educational Background
- First-year applicants must provide a secondary-school record. Whitman's catalog recommends four years of secondary-school English and mathematics, three years of laboratory science, and two years each of history/social sciences and foreign language.
- Transfer applicants must submit transcripts from colleges attended and a final high-school transcript or GED documentation.
Language Requirements
International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Proficiency scores. Minimum scores are TOEFL iBT 4.5 on the post-January 2026 scale (85 on tests taken before January 2026), IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 110. The requirement may be waived when English is the applicant's first language or the primary language of instruction at high school has been English.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| International applicants | $60 | Waived for applications submitted before 1 December |
Whitman also states that fee waivers are available for certain applicants, including first-generation college students, students from Eastern Washington and applicants experiencing financial hardship after 1 December.
Tuition
| Study Level | Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, full-time | All students | $68,692 | Per academic year | ASWC student association fee: $576 |
For 2026–2027, Whitman lists on-campus food and housing at $15,952 based on a double room and Meal Plan 2. Its estimated cost of attendance excluding travel is $86,620 and also includes books, supplies, incidentals and loan fees.
Funding & Financial Support
- Whitman provides merit- and need-based financial aid, scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships.
- International students can receive need-based and merit-based scholarships. Whitman states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for international students who are admitted and offered need-based aid. International applicants seeking need-based aid use the Whitman International Student Financial Aid Application (WISFAA). Talent scholarships are also available to international applicants in areas including art, music, debate, and theater.
University Services & Academic Support
- International Student and Scholar Services provides international orientation, immigration services and advising for international students. New F-1 and J-1 students participate in a dedicated international orientation program.
- Art students have access to the Fouts Center for Visual Arts, including studios, exhibition spaces, a darkroom and digital media facilities. Senior Art majors receive dedicated studio spaces during their final year.
Application Requirements
- Common Application
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score, where applicable
- Secondary school report
- Counselor recommendation
- Official transcript
- Midyear report
- Teacher evaluation
- $60 application fee, unless waived
SAT or ACT scores are optional. Whitman states that international applicants are strongly encouraged to submit them as evidence of academic preparedness.
No portfolio is identified as a general admission requirement for the Art or Film & Media Studies majors. Fine Arts scholarship applications are separate from admission.
Transfer applicants submit the Transfer Common Application, college transcripts, a final high-school transcript and one academic evaluation; up to two additional recommendation letters may be submitted optionally.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I: 15 November 2026
- Early Action: 1 December 2026
- Early Decision II: 5 January 2027
- Regular Decision: 15 January 2027
- Fall Transfer: 1 March 2027
- Spring Transfer: 1 November 2026
- Admission Notification — Early Decision I: Mid-December
- Admission Notification — Early Action: Early February
- Admission Notification — Early Decision II: Late January
- Admission Notification — Regular Decision: Early March
- Admission Notification — Fall Transfer: Early April
Whitman's current admissions page lists the first-year deadlines above; its transfer page separately lists 1 March for fall transfers and 1 November for spring transfers.
Location
Whitman College — Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Additional Details
- Whitman's Film & Media Studies program is an undergraduate major combining media history, theory and production. Students can work with professional film equipment and pursue filmmaking, documentary, screenplay and other media projects.
- The Art program is also interdisciplinary, with opportunities to combine art study with other fields, including Environmental Studies.
- International students seeking financial aid are encouraged by Whitman to apply through Regular Decision, because international applications requiring substantial financial support may be deferred from Early Decision for consideration with the wider international applicant pool.