ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ | California's #1 Christian Liberal Arts College

ABOUT

A Classic College Experience in a Place Set Apart 

Wikipedia: A classic is an outstanding example of a particular style; something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality; of the first or highest quality, class, or rank – something that exemplifies its class.

What makes ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ classic?

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, founded in 1937, offers a classic liberal arts education that integrates faith and learning, cultivating both academic excellence and spiritual growth. Located in scenic Santa Barbara, a classic coastal city, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ prepares students to lead purposeful lives through local and global experiences, athletics, and a focus on whole-person development.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Ranked

#1 Christian Liberal Arts College in California and the Western United States.

Ranked nationally by , ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ has been one of the top two national Christian liberal arts colleges and the No. 1 Christian liberal arts college in California and the Western United States for more than two decades.

America's Top Colleges

Forbes

Best College Towns

WorldAtlas

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges in California

U.S. News & World Report

Best Universities For A Bachelor's Degree

PayScale

Best Colleges

Money

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At a Glance

Discover the Top Christian Liberal Arts College in California and the Western U.S.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is a Christian, liberal arts community serving God's kingdom by cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world.

100+

MAJORS, MINORS & PROGRAMS

11:1

STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO

1,300

WESTMONT COLLEGE STUDENTS

BEST CALIFORNIA COLLEGE TOWN

BEST CALIFORNIA COLLEGE TOWN

40+ CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

40+ CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

15 ATHLETICS TEAMS

15 ATHLETICS TEAMS

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The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Way

Classic Liberal Arts Education

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ offers the best of the timeless liberal arts with students exploring the breadth of academic disciplines, from the arts to the sciences, while delving deep in their major. Highly qualified professors share their research with students and teach essential skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. All majors, including nursing, engineering and data analytics, expose students to a variety of viewpoints and encourage deeper thinking that leads to finding a meaningful purpose in life.

100%

of classes are taught by faculty

98%

of faculty have terminal degrees

31

majors

Classic Relationships Between Professors and Students
Professors share their knowledge and their faith in class and take time to mentor students, helping them become the people God created them to be. These essential relationships may include conducting research together, providing valuable experiences that can lead to internships, jobs and rewarding careers.

Largest Majors: Economics & Business, Kinesiology, Psychology, Biology and Communication Studies

westmont students laughing and walking together
Finding

 Community

RESIDENCE HALLS
BUILDING COMMUNITY 

Experience life in a vibrant, Christ-centered community where living and learning go hand in hand. In ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½â€™s residence halls, you’ll build lasting friendships, grow in your faith and learn how to live with purpose, respect and authenticity alongside others.

REFINE YOUR CHARACTER

Learn how to make difficult decisions rooted in faith and values as you explore how to live with integrity and discover deeper purpose. Dig deeper, push your faith, expand your knowledge and search your soul to understand why you believe what you believe.

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

Embrace the welcoming and wonderful community at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. 

Join one of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½â€™s many clubs, including:

  • Adventure Club
  • NSTEP
  • Swing Dance
  • Writer’s Guild
  • Vespers
  • Catholics and Friends Ultimate Frisbee
  • Ping Pong
  • Water Polo
  • Debate
  • Ohana Warriors
  • Sustainability
  • +30 more!

 

INTERNSHIPS & CAREER PREP

Learn to lead and serve in every sphere of society. Through classes, internships, and research with professors, you’ll get hands-on experience that takes you beyond the classroom. You’ll also be prepared for what’s ahead: 97% of our graduates are employed or attending graduate school six months after graduation!

Scholarships

Financial Aid

Like many students, you may discover that our generous assistance means you pay less at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ than at a public university or other independent college. Dig in to the numbers at think about where you want to invest these transformational four years.

$46.3 million

in grants and scholarships

99%

of new students at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ receive scholarships and/or grants

$1,000

scholarship for 2026 applicants who visit campus

 

Cost of Attendance

You Belong Here.

Classic Emphasis on the Whole Person

At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, you’re not just a student — you’re part of a community that feels like home. This is a place where your story matters, your voice is heard and your friendships run deep.

Whether you connect through your major, a team, a club, or something like chapel band or work study, you’ll find people who truly see you — and who walk with you every step of the way. Professors know your name. Friends become family. Even simple moments, like sharing a meal in the Dining Commons, help build lifelong bonds. 

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ thrives on real relationships — across cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs — where you’ll grow in faith, deeper purpose and confidence. The people you meet here will shape your college experience just as much as your classes will.

These are your years to grow, explore and become who you’re meant to be. We know you’ll thrive and flourish. We can’t wait to see the story you’ll write.

We are all ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. And there’s a place here for you.

We Are Warriors

Classic Athletic Competition

Warrior athletes experience the heart of a champion, winning on the field and excelling in a rigorous academic environment. They’ve gained a national reputation for athletic prowess, academic achievements and service to others. Caring and capable coaches prepare athletes for challenges facing them in competition, in the classroom and after graduation, encouraging them to strive for excellence in every area of life.

10

NAIA National Championships

106

GSAC Team Championships

637

NAIA All- Americans

 

Learn More About ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

 

MICAH 6:8

Classic Global Perspective

Expert ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ professors with a global focus lead international study programs that give students a deeper understanding of diverse cultures while developing multicultural competencies. These experiences enhance their adaptability, independence and cross-cultural communication skills. Living in a different culture broadens their worldview and creates lasting memories and relationships that shape their personal and professional lives.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Global Education

 

 

World map graphic

58%

of the student body participate in off-campus programs across six continents.

 

santa barbara skyline view
Classic Location

Scenic Santa Barbara

A world-class destination for visitors from around the world, Santa Barbara offers both natural and architectural beauty as well as significant cultural resources and a nearly perfect climate. The Pacific Ocean, extensive beaches, soaring mountains and a beckoning backcountry provide many opportunities for recreation, discovery and adventure.

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Future Success

Discover the Value of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ equips its graduates with the skills they need to lead and serve in all sectors of society. Students have opportunities to publish research papers with faculty, complete multiple internships and forge important networking relationships with leaders in their fields. The college has earned a reputation for its strong entrepreneurial program, and many alums start their own businesses.

97%

of graduates are employed or attending graduate school 6 months after graduation

30

students participate in summer research with professors each year

79%

of students participate in an internship while at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

$146,800

median alumni salary with 10+ years experience

 

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Classic Leadership Training

Students build capacity as leaders by actively collaborating in class, participating in clubs and activities, and pursuing internships and international experiences. Leadership programs equip them with practical skills and confidence so they can build organizations, businesses and communities as Christians leaders, becoming great thinkers with hearts committed to God and dedication to things greater than themselves.

 

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Students in a car from 1956
 

History

In 1937, Ruth Kerr founded a liberal arts college committed to the historic Christian faith. Wallace Emerson, the first president, envisioned an institution that rivaled the best colleges nationwide, and he set the standard for academic rigor and excellence that still applies. 

Since its founding, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ has produced alumni who live with intelligence, character, and hope.

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