Saint Martin's University vs Whitman College
Whitman College is selective with a 50.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Saint Martin's University (75.9%). Graduates of Whitman College earn $5,497 more per year at the 10-year mark ($67,589 vs $62,092). For families earning $48k–$75k, Saint Martin's University is more affordable at $19,090 net price vs $28,426. Students at Whitman College graduate with less debt ($18,437 vs $22,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Whitman College has a higher yield rate (14.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Whitman College has a higher median SAT (1360 vs 1070).
Lacey, WA
Walla Walla, WA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Saint Martin's University is more affordable at $15,233 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $29,720 vs $47,254.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Saint Martin's University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Saint Martin's University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$66,045
- 2 Civil Engineering$60,623
- 3 Mechanical Engineering$57,995
- 4 Accounting and Related Services$47,118
- 5 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$44,077
Whitman College
- 1 Economics$42,682
- 2 Sociology$33,993
- 3 Political Science and Government$33,993
- 4 Psychology, General$27,584
- 5 Visual and Performing Arts, General$26,353
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Saint Martin's University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Biology, General
Whitman College
- 1 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Economics
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Saint Martin's University
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$39,500
- Est. total cost/year$52,350
- School typePublic
Whitman College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$50,000
- Est. total cost/year$64,208
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Saint Martin's University or Whitman College?
Whitman College is more selective with a 50.0% acceptance rate, compared to 75.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Saint Martin's University or Whitman College?
Whitman College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $67,589 compared to $62,092. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Saint Martin's University or Whitman College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Saint Martin's University has a lower net price at $19,090 per year vs $28,426. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Saint Martin's University vs Whitman College?
Whitman College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 81.0%, compared to 57.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Saint Martin's University or Whitman College?
Whitman College has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Saint Martin's University and Whitman College?
At Saint Martin's University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $66,045 within two years. At Whitman College, the top-earning major is Economics at $42,682. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.