Is Westmont College a Christian college?

Yes. Westmont College is a Christian college.

What is Westmont College’s Compass Score?

89 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at Westmont College?

Chapel is listed at Murchison Gym. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Is Westmont College Compass Recommended?

Yes. Westmont College meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

Christian college

#1 Best small Christian colleges in America

Westmont College

Santa Barbara, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid $29,053 a year

Median debt at graduation: $23,250 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Honor Roll badge

Westmont College is a Christian liberal arts college in Santa Barbara, California, in the worldwide evangelical Protestant tradition. Chapel is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am and is required of students, with twelve absences allowed each semester. The Campus Pastor's Office, the Center for Spiritual Formation and Student Ministries & Outreach run small groups, mission programs and a prayer chapel, and the core curriculum requires Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Doctrine courses.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Westmont College

MonToday
- 10:30AMChapel
TueToday
No set time
WedToday
- 10:30AMChapel
ThuToday
No set time
FriToday
- 10:30AMChapel
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

No set time: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

“The Nancy Voskuyl Prayer Chapel is a place to spend time with God and to pray and meditate in a quiet place away from noise and distractions.”
Source: westmont.edu
“The Westmont College Worship Team exists to help our campus engage with God and each other in worship.”
Source: westmont.edu
“Some churches send buses, shuttles and vans to the campus on Sunday morning to help students have access to Sunday services.”
Source: westmont.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel is required, but twelve absences are permitted each semester, and attendance is recorded.

Source: westmont.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Murchison Gym.

Source: westmont.edu

Where do I find community?

Students can join Capax Dei small groups, weekly devotional groups and the Worship Team.

Source: westmont.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Three mission programs run trips each year, including Potter's Clay in Ensenada over spring break and Emmaus Road for a summer month.

Source: westmont.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 26 more

In California

Show 20 more

Academic Excellence

A-

84 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score70%
First-year retention 20% of score85%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,328 · ACT 28.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score10 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$22,852

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

91 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Yes:
Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel on Monday, Wednesday and Friday: three services a week.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We are invited to gather in Murchison Gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's from 10:30-11:20 am.”
  Chapel meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am in Murchison Gym.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Chapel is required for all students, with twelve absences permitted each semester; attendance is recorded.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel is required, but twelve chapel absences are permitted each semester (almost one per week).”
  Chapel attendance is required, with twelve absences permitted each semester.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Scott Lisea, Campus Pastor”
  Scott Lisea is Campus Pastor.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Nancy Voskuyl Prayer Chapel is a place to spend time with God and to pray and meditate in a quiet place away from noise and distractions.”
  The Nancy Voskuyl Prayer Chapel is a campus space for prayer.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 3 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

96 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Three Bible or theology courses are required of all students in the Biblical and Theological Canons of the 2025-26 catalog: Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament and Introduction to Christian Doctrine. The 2025-26 catalog is the newest one found; the June 2025 general education document uses the same three requirements under other titles.)
Sources (1)
1. Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “A. Biblical and Theological Canons 1. Introduction to the Old Testament 2. Introduction to the New Testament 3. Introduction to Christian Doctrine”
  Three Bible and theology courses are required: Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Doctrine.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Both the Old Testament and New Testament introductions are required.)
Sources (1)
1. Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “A. Biblical and Theological Canons 1. Introduction to the Old Testament 2. Introduction to the New Testament 3. Introduction to Christian Doctrine”
  Three Bible and theology courses are required: Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Doctrine.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (World History in Christian Perspective is the one required course described as faith-and-learning; it is not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “2. World History in Christian Perspective. Students will explore world history from a Christian perspective”
  A required course takes world history from a Christian perspective.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The catalog's general education section states that these courses aim at integrating faith and learning throughout the curriculum.)
Sources (1)
1. Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “thereby gaining essential resources for the integration of faith and learning throughout the curriculum.”
  The general education program aims to integrate faith and learning throughout the curriculum.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Religious Studies (B.A.) major is offered.)
Sources (1)
1. Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Religious studies majors develop biblical and theological literacy”
  A Religious Studies (B.A.) major is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes (The Statement of Faith (Articles of Faith).)
Sources (1)
1. Statement of Faith | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/community-commitments/statement-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In faithfulness to God, who is the source of truth, and under the authority of Scripture, we joyfully and humbly affirm the following articles of faith”
  Westmont publishes a Statement of Faith (Articles of Faith).

Christian community

76 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (Three named ministry staff: Campus Pastor Scott Lisea, Chapel Coordinator Carissa Gagnon and Mariah Velásquez (Martin Institute spiritual formation contact).)
Sources (2)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Scott Lisea, Campus Pastor”
  Scott Lisea is Campus Pastor.
  “Carissa Gagnon, Chapel Coordinator & Assistant to the Campus Pastor”
  Carissa Gagnon is Chapel Coordinator and Assistant to the Campus Pastor.
2. IC Programs | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/institutes-and-centers/martin-institute/incarnatio-center/ic-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Contact Mariah Velásquez at mvelasquez@westmont.edu”
  Mariah Velásquez is a contact for spiritual formation programs.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (One named annual Fall Retreat, offered through the Augustinian Scholars program with the Martin Institute.)
Sources (1)
1. IC Programs | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/institutes-and-centers/martin-institute/incarnatio-center/ic-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Offerings Include: Fall Retreat, Capax Dei Small Groups, Off-Campus Resources and Spiritual Direction.”
  A Fall Retreat is offered for Augustinian Scholars.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Capax Dei small groups, weekly devotional groups, Emmaus Road, Urban Initiative and the Worship Team.)
Sources (2)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “sponsored by the Westmont Campus Pastor's Office and the Westmont Center for Spiritual Formation”
  Capax Dei small groups are sponsored by the Campus Pastor's Office and the Center for Spiritual Formation.
2. Student Ministries & Outreach | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Weekly small groups for devotion tailored to you and your peers.”
  Weekly small groups for devotion are offered to students.
Partly:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithSome faculty (Full-time faculty must affirm the Articles of Faith each contract year; adjunct faculty may be exempted. Recorded as some faculty.)
Sources (1)
1. Faculty Handbook 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/users/user401/Official%20Faculty%20Handbook%202025-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Full time faculty are required each contract year to indicate their affirmation of the Articles of Faith”
  Full-time faculty affirm the Articles of Faith each contract year.
Partly:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Resident Chaplains provide opportunities for spiritual growth in residence halls.)
Sources (1)
1. IC Programs | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/institutes-and-centers/martin-institute/incarnatio-center/ic-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “providing opportunities for spiritual growth in residence halls”
  Resident Chaplains provide opportunities for spiritual growth in residence halls.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (Church rides: some churches send buses, shuttles and vans to campus on Sunday mornings, and the college encourages church membership.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Some churches send buses, shuttles and vans to the campus on Sunday morning to help students have access to Sunday services.”
  Some churches provide transportation on Sunday mornings to help students attend services.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (Campus Pastor's Office and the Center for Spiritual Formation sponsor Capax Dei.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “sponsored by the Westmont Campus Pastor's Office and the Westmont Center for Spiritual Formation”
  Capax Dei small groups are sponsored by the Campus Pastor's Office and the Center for Spiritual Formation.

Missions and service

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (The Student Ministries & Outreach office runs Urban Initiative and other service programs.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Ministries & Outreach | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Acknowledging, learning from and partnering with local communities in Santa Barbara & across cities in our nation.”
  Student Ministries & Outreach runs local and urban outreach with partners.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Three named mission programs run trips each year: Potter's Clay (Ensenada, spring break), Emmaus Road (summer, one month) and Urban Initiative (fall and spring break). Recorded as many each year.)
Sources (3)
1. Potter's Clay | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/potters-clay · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join us as we travel to Ensenada, Mexico this upcoming Spring Break to partner with churches, families, and professionals.”
  Potter's Clay sends students to Ensenada each spring break.
2. Emmaus Road | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/emmaus-road · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Summer experiences are one month long programs that provide students to be immersed in the local culture of a global community”
  Emmaus Road runs one-month summer programs abroad.
3. Urban Initiative | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/urban-initiative · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Spring Break experiences are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about urban engagement and ministry”
  Urban Initiative runs spring break trips to other cities.
Yes:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Named partnerships with Rancho Agua Viva Ministries, Kingdom Causes Inc. and Sea Tribes.)
Sources (2)
1. Urban Initiative | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/urban-initiative · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Urban Initiative partners with Kingdom Causes Inc. to come alongside people experiencing homelessness”
  Urban Initiative partners with Kingdom Causes Inc. to serve people experiencing homelessness.
2. Potter's Clay | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/potters-clay · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Potter's Clay partners with Rancho Agua Viva Ministries in Ensenada, Mexico”
  Potter's Clay partners with Rancho Agua Viva Ministries in Ensenada.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Global programs in Ensenada, Mexico and in other countries, with cross-cultural learning.)
Sources (2)
1. Student Ministries & Outreach | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Engaging in Holistic global & cultural engagement through the pursuit of intentional community & deeper understanding across the world.”
  Global and cultural engagement programs are offered.
2. Emmaus Road | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/emmaus-road · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Emmaus Road connects students with global communities, engages in cross-cultural learning”
  Emmaus Road connects students with global communities through cross-cultural learning.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Emmaus Road | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/emmaus-road · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “developing a Christ-centered heart for ministry and service at Westmont”
  Student ministries aim to build a Christ-centered heart for service.

Strengths

Chapel meets three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am, and is required of students.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We are invited to gather in Murchison Gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's from 10:30-11:20 am.”
  Chapel meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am in Murchison Gym.
  “Chapel is required, but twelve chapel absences are permitted each semester (almost one per week).”
  Chapel attendance is required, with twelve absences permitted each semester.
Three Bible and theology courses are required of all undergraduates, including Old and New Testament introductions.
Sources (1)
1. Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “A. Biblical and Theological Canons 1. Introduction to the Old Testament 2. Introduction to the New Testament 3. Introduction to Christian Doctrine”
  Three Bible and theology courses are required: Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Doctrine.
The Statement of Faith is published, and full-time faculty affirm the Articles of Faith each contract year.
Sources (2)
1. Statement of Faith | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/community-commitments/statement-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In faithfulness to God, who is the source of truth, and under the authority of Scripture, we joyfully and humbly affirm the following articles of faith”
  Westmont publishes a Statement of Faith (Articles of Faith).
2. Faculty Handbook 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/users/user401/Official%20Faculty%20Handbook%202025-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Full time faculty are required each contract year to indicate their affirmation of the Articles of Faith”
  Full-time faculty affirm the Articles of Faith each contract year.
Three named mission programs (Potter's Clay, Emmaus Road and Urban Initiative) run trips each year with named partners.
Sources (3)
1. Potter's Clay | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/potters-clay · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join us as we travel to Ensenada, Mexico this upcoming Spring Break to partner with churches, families, and professionals.”
  Potter's Clay sends students to Ensenada each spring break.
2. Urban Initiative | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/urban-initiative · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Urban Initiative partners with Kingdom Causes Inc. to come alongside people experiencing homelessness”
  Urban Initiative partners with Kingdom Causes Inc. to serve people experiencing homelessness.
3. Emmaus Road | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/emmaus-road · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Summer experiences are one month long programs that provide students to be immersed in the local culture of a global community”
  Emmaus Road runs one-month summer programs abroad.

Concerns

Adjunct faculty may be exempted from agreeing with the Articles of Faith.
Sources (1)
1. Faculty Handbook 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/users/user401/Official%20Faculty%20Handbook%202025-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “These faculty, by special action of the Provost, may be exempted from agreement with the Articles of Faith.”
  Adjunct faculty may be exempted from the Articles of Faith by the Provost.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Campus Pastor's Office

Address: 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Location: On campus
Facilities: prayer chapel

View on map ↗

Source: westmont.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, westmont.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)

Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Scott Lisea, Campus Pastor”
Scott Lisea is Campus Pastor.
“Our Office is located in the Clark B Cottage!”
The Campus Pastor's Office is located on campus in the Clark B Cottage.
Student Ministries & Outreach | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Acknowledging, learning from and partnering with local communities in Santa Barbara & across cities in our nation.”
Student Ministries & Outreach runs local and urban outreach with partners.
“Involving students in cross cultural fellowship & expanding the Kingdom of God in Ensenada, Mexico.”
Student Ministries & Outreach runs cross-cultural mission work in Ensenada, Mexico.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 3 off campus

Service 3

Potter's ClayOff campus
Spring break
Student mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico, partnering with Rancho Agua Viva Ministries.
westmont.edu, westmont.edu
Emmaus RoadOff campus
Summer, one-month programs
Student-led global engagement ministry with cross-cultural trips.
westmont.edu, westmont.edu
Urban InitiativeOff campus
Fall and spring break experiences
Student-led outreach in Santa Barbara and other cities, partnering with Kingdom Causes Inc.
westmont.edu, westmont.edu

Clubs and groups 1

Capax Dei small groupsOn campus
Weekly during the school year
Community of small groups for Bible study and spiritual formation, sponsored by the Campus Pastor's Office and the Center for Spiritual Formation.
westmont.edu, westmont.edu

Worship and prayer 1

Westmont College Worship TeamOn campus
Student worship team that leads worship in chapel.
westmont.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

Monday, Wednesday, Friday10:30 AMMurchison Gym · Required chapel; the 2025-26 page gives the time and place.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“We are invited to gather in Murchison Gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's from 10:30-11:20 am.”
Chapel meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am in Murchison Gym.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$20,899
$30,001–$48,000	$15,492
$48,001–$75,000	$19,867
$75,001–$110,000	$24,524
Over $110,000	$38,124

Full cost of attendance before aid: $71,150 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	1,310
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 39% · Women 61%
First-generation students College Scorecard	17%
Total students	1,310
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$29,053
Cost of attendance (per year)	$71,150
Median federal debt at graduation	$23,250
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	70%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	79%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	71%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	82%
First-year retention	85%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$64,778
Admission rate	77%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	No application fee
Regular decision deadline College website, 2026-27	January 15
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $2,746 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	20%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1240–1450ACT 25–32

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1328
SAT reading & writing	630–750
SAT math	610–700
ACT composite	25–32
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 63 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Managerial economics	$84,815
Biology	$75,889
Communication studies	$62,535
Liberal arts	$61,939
English	$58,459
Kinesiology and exercise science	$56,878
Psychology	$45,455

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Anthropology, Chemistry, Computing and information science, Engineering (general), Engineering Physics, Film and video, Fine arts, General studies, Global studies, History, Linguistics, Mathematics, Music, Nursing, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Religious studies, Romance languages, Social sciences, Sociology, Theatre.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Business	16%
Parks, recreation and fitness	13%
Health professions	11%
Psychology	9%
Biology	8%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Suburb
Part-time undergraduates	1%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	4%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$16,960
Sports	NCAA Division II · Pacific West Conference
ROTC	Army · Air Force
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	10 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability office	About 14%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time	64%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$68,256IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 92% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)About 10 miles away · about 25 minutes by car
Nearest major airport	Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport (BUR)About 76 miles away
Town population	87,779Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	BakersfieldAbout 72 miles away · about 2 hours 55 minutes by car
Typical weather	57°F in January · 68°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Santa Barbara, CA, about 3 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.38	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	1.53	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Westmont College a Christian college?: Yes. Westmont College is a Christian college.
What is Westmont College’s Compass Score?: 89 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Westmont College?: Chapel is listed at Murchison Gym. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Westmont College Compass Recommended?: Yes. Westmont College meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 125727
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (arts & sciences)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Non-Denominational
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The same kind of school first, then the closest in selectivity, size and cost.

Compass ScoreCovenant CollegeLookout Mountain, GAAlso a liberal arts college Compass ScoreWheaton CollegeWheaton, ILAlso a liberal arts college Compass ScoreGordon CollegeWenham, MAAlso a liberal arts college Not yet ratedPatrick Henry CollegePurcellville, VAAlso a liberal arts college

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