Whitworth University

Whitworth is a really good university for people who want to make friends quickly and get involved in their communities. The families made here are full of great people who are actually fun to be around. The academics are tough but also helpful in figuring out what you want in your future life.

1st Year Female -- Class 2018

Education Quality: A+, Useful Schoolwork: A-

A hint about this place: do NOT go unless you are an evangelical Christian, or you can put up with them easily. Also, I would advise you from coming unless Young Life or Christian high school or church groups played a major role in your growing up.

If you are not from the Pacific Northwest, prepare to feel somewhat excluded, as almost everyone here is from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, or Colorado. Many people come here already knowing people. If you are at all socially awkward, it will take a lot of time for you to meet anyone here. Still, everybody is polite to make up for it.

The teachers are great; many have fun personalities and assign smart work over busy work. I've yet to encounter a teacher who was even mediocre. Many of the clubs, although lacking in variety, aren't bad either.

It may also be noted that, despite it's name, it's fairly loose for a Christian college (which IMO is a good thing). There are plenty of independent-thinking people, and students are fairly open minded when it comes to issues. A long ways from the San Francisco bay area I used to live in.I am as of now uncertain if I'm going to want to stay all four years, but I still don't entirely regret coming.

1st Year Male -- Class 2011

Campus Maintenance: A+, Education Quality: F

Let's begin with the good: the faculty and staff here are wonderful. Professors always take time to sit and listen to students and it is common to see a professor eating in the cafeteria with students. The president also joins us for meals and is often seen riding his bike around campus, telling students on occasion, "Don't study tonight! It's the weekend!"

There is definitely a focus on a well rounded education here. By "rounded," I mean the faculty want you socially, spiritually and personally rounded, as well as academically. Class discussion is always encouraged and few classes are manditory.

Students, however, typically attend all classes, only occasionally skipping for an intramural game of Ultimate Frisbee. Frisbee, it should be noted, is adhered to cult-ishly. Whitworth IS a cult of frisbee players -- very smart, friendly frisbee players.

Getting to know people here has been relatively easy. The frosh week, aka Traditiation, involves quite a bit of dorm bonding time. After that you're on your own, but there are so many dorm activities, campus events, extra-curricular activities (intramurals, sports, clubs, etc) that it's easy to always be meeting new people.

Students are very outgoing and involved, but you won't find many intellectual geniuses here. Students hold their own and typically get good grades, but original thought is rare. The majority of students are willing to be force-fed information, which they then study in order to pass the class. It seems people are not here to learn, but to be degreed.

Therefore, this is NOT a research level institution. There just isn't enough academic interest and resources are limited. The library doesn't have near enough materials to truly be able to research many topics in depth.

Whitworth does offer opportunites to study abroad in areas that have far better resources, such as the University of Aberdeen, Nanjing University or any of the ISEP schoools.

Whitworth is a fine College with fine people; if only it weren't in Spokane...

1st Year Male -- Class 2007

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: C-