
Christian college
#20 Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in AmericaWestmont 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
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
Source: westmont.edu“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.”
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.eduWhat's a normal week?
Chapel meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Murchison Gym.
Source: westmont.eduWhere do I find community?
Students can join Capax Dei small groups, weekly devotional groups and the Worship Team.
Source: westmont.eduCan 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.eduRankings
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
- Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America#1 of 135
- Christian colleges with the biggest discount off the sticker price in America#1 of 132
- Christian colleges that spend the most on teaching in America#1 of 132
- Best small Christian colleges in America#1 of 104
- Best Christian colleges for exercise science and kinesiology in America#2 of 122
- Best Christian colleges in America#3 of 145
Show 26 more
- Best Christian colleges for business in America#3 of 142
- Best Christian colleges for psychology in America#3 of 138
- Best Christian colleges for biology and pre-med in America#3 of 125
- Christian colleges that require the most Bible and theology in America#3 of 125
- Best Christian colleges for music in America#3 of 125
- Best test-optional Christian colleges in America#3 of 125
- Best Christian colleges for communications and journalism in America#3 of 124
- Best Christian colleges for history in America#3 of 124
- Best Christian colleges for English in America#3 of 123
- Best Christian colleges for mathematics in America#3 of 110
- Best Christian colleges for nursing in America#3 of 94
- Best Christian colleges for chemistry in America#3 of 92
- Best Christian colleges for art and design in America#3 of 90
- Best Christian colleges for political science and pre-law in America#3 of 88
- Christian colleges with a full-time campus pastor in America#3 of 68
- Best Christian colleges for engineering in America#3 of 59
- Best Christian colleges for NCAA Division II athletes in America#2 of 33
- Christian colleges with chapel three or more times a week in America#3 of 49
- Best Christian colleges for philosophy in America#3 of 49
- Christian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel in America#13 of 142
- Christian colleges with the most faculty per student in America#15 of 132
- Christian colleges that pay for themselves fastest in America#9 of 73
- Christian colleges with the highest graduation rates in America#21 of 145
- Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in America#20 of 132
- Best value Christian colleges in America#22 of 128
- Christian colleges with the best earnings for the price in America#31 of 130
In California
- Christian colleges with the biggest discount off the sticker price in California#1 of 12
- Christian colleges that spend the most on teaching in California#1 of 12
- Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in California#1 of 11
- Best Christian colleges in California#2 of 12
- Best Christian colleges for business in California#2 of 12
- Christian colleges that require the most Bible and theology in California#2 of 12
Show 20 more
- Best test-optional Christian colleges in California#2 of 12
- Christian colleges with the most faculty per student in California#2 of 12
- Best Christian colleges for communications and journalism in California#2 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for English in California#2 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for exercise science and kinesiology in California#2 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for psychology in California#2 of 11
- Christian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel in California#2 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for biology and pre-med in California#2 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for history in California#2 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for mathematics in California#2 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for music in California#2 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for art and design in California#2 of 9
- Best Christian colleges for chemistry in California#2 of 9
- Best Christian colleges for political science and pre-law in California#2 of 9
- Christian colleges with a full-time campus pastor in California#2 of 8
- Best Christian colleges for nursing in California#2 of 8
- Best Christian colleges for philosophy in California#2 of 8
- Christian colleges with the highest graduation rates in California#3 of 12
- Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in California#3 of 12
- Lowest net price for middle-income families in California#3 of 12
Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.70%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.85%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,328 · ACT 28.5
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence 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: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel on Monday, Wednesday and Friday: three services a week.)
Sources (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 | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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 | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Scott Lisea, Campus Pastor”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (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.”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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”
- Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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”
- Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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)
- 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”
- Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
- Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Religious Studies (B.A.) major is offered.)
Sources (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”
- Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A published statement of faithYes (The Statement of Faith (Articles of Faith).)
Sources (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”
- Statement of Faith | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/community-commitments/statement-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Christian community
76 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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)
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Scott Lisea, Campus Pastor”
“Carissa Gagnon, Chapel Coordinator & Assistant to the Campus Pastor”
- 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”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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)
- 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.”
- IC Programs | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/institutes-and-centers/martin-institute/incarnatio-center/ic-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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”
- Student Ministries & Outreach | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Weekly small groups for devotion tailored to you and your peers.”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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)
- 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”
- Faculty Handbook 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/users/user401/Official%20Faculty%20Handbook%202025-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.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)
- 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”
- IC Programs | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/institutes-and-centers/martin-institute/incarnatio-center/ic-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Missions and service
100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service or outreach officeYes (The Student Ministries & Outreach office runs Urban Initiative and other service programs.)
Sources (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 | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.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)
- 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.”
- 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”
- 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”
- Potter's Clay | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/potters-clay · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Named partnerships with Rancho Agua Viva Ministries, Kingdom Causes Inc. and Sea Tribes.)
Sources (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”
- 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”
- Urban Initiative | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/urban-initiative · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Global programs in Ensenada, Mexico and in other countries, with cross-cultural learning.)
Sources (2)
- 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.”
- 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”
- Student Ministries & Outreach | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (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”
- Emmaus Road | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/emmaus-road · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Strengths
- Chapel meets three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am, and is required of students.
Sources (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 is required, but twelve chapel absences are permitted each semester (almost one per week).”
- Chapel | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Three Bible and theology courses are required of all undergraduates, including Old and New Testament introductions.
Sources (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”
- Westmont College Academic Catalog 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-2026%20College%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- The Statement of Faith is published, and full-time faculty affirm the Articles of Faith each contract year.
Sources (2)
- 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”
- 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”
- Statement of Faith | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/about/community-commitments/statement-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Three named mission programs (Potter's Clay, Emmaus Road and Urban Initiative) run trips each year with named partners.
Sources (3)
- 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.”
- 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”
- 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”
- Potter's Clay | Westmont Collegewestmont.edu/student-life/student-ministries-outreach/potters-clay · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Concerns
- Adjunct faculty may be exempted from agreeing with the Articles of Faith.
Sources (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.”
- Faculty Handbook 2025-2026westmont.edu/sites/default/files/users/user401/Official%20Faculty%20Handbook%202025-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
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
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”
“Our Office is located 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.”
“Involving students in cross cultural fellowship & expanding the Kingdom of God in Ensenada, Mexico.”
Christian clubs and student life
5 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 3 off campus
Service 3
- Potter's ClayOff campusSpring breakStudent mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico, partnering with Rancho Agua Viva Ministries.
- Emmaus RoadOff campusSummer, one-month programsStudent-led global engagement ministry with cross-cultural trips.
- Urban InitiativeOff campusFall and spring break experiencesStudent-led outreach in Santa Barbara and other cities, partnering with Kingdom Causes Inc.
Clubs and groups 1
- Capax Dei small groupsOn campusWeekly during the school yearCommunity of small groups for Bible study and spiritual formation, sponsored by the Campus Pastor's Office and the Center for Spiritual Formation.
Worship and prayer 1
- Westmont College Worship TeamOn campusStudent worship team that leads worship in chapel.
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.”
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.
| Family income | Price after aid |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | |
| $30,001–$48,000 | |
| $48,001–$75,000 | |
| $75,001–$110,000 | |
| Over $110,000 |
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.
| 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% |
| 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).
| Major | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Managerial economics | |
| Biology | |
| Communication studies | |
| Liberal arts | |
| English | |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | |
| Psychology |
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).
| Field | Share of degrees |
|---|---|
| Business | |
| Parks, recreation and fitness | |
| Health professions | |
| Psychology | |
| Biology |
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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
| 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.
Christian churches nearby
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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