Whitworth University Unveils Transparent Tuition Model, Cutting Cost Confusion
Whitworth will introduce a simplified undergraduate tuition rate of $26,900 for the 2026-27 academic year; in comparison, the listed tuition rate for 2025-26 is $54,000. The industry standard – increasing the list price and providing significant discounts traditionally labeled as scholarships – does not indicate the actual price that students and their families pay. Whitworth’s price adjustment reflects the actual cost of tuition for undergraduate students, removing the confusion of the traditional high-price, high-discount model used by many private colleges.
Whitworth will continue to offer students academic scholarships and institutional aid, like talent awards and support grants. Whitworth scholarships and aid for current students will be adjusted to align with the simplified tuition starting in 2026-27. Current students can expect to pay about the same as they would have paid without the tuition price adjustment. Knowing the actual cost of tuition allows students and families to focus on what truly matters: whether Whitworth’s highly ranked, relational Christian education is the best fit for them.
“By clarifying the actual cost of attending Whitworth, we’re providing much-needed transparency around college pricing,” President Scott McQuilkin says. “This bold step reflects our commitment to service and responsiveness to students and their families and empowers them to make informed, confident decisions about Whitworth’s transformative, Christ-centered education of mind and heart.”
Whitworth’s commitment to access means that students from all backgrounds, including first-generation and underrepresented students, will benefit. By clarifying the cost of tuition, Whitworth is removing a major barrier for students who might otherwise rule out private colleges based on sticker price alone. Research shows that nearly 70 percent of families do just that.
“We want all students to know they belong at Whitworth,” says Josh Hibbard, vice president for enrollment management. “This tuition clarification empowers students from all backgrounds to take that life-changing step toward higher education and say ‘Yes’ to a bright future. And that’s worth seeking.”
Learn more and read frequently asked questions at www.whitworth.edu/cost-clarity
While Whitworth has clarified its tuition cost, the significant value of a Whitworth education remains unchanged. Through intentional relationships, distinctive academic programs, faculty-student research collaboration, experiential learning, and the integration of faith and learning, Whitworth prepares confident graduates for successful careers with purpose.
Whitworth continues to expand its first-rate academic offerings in high-demand and emerging fields. New programs include doctoral degrees in occupational therapy and physical therapy, a master’s in business leadership, a dual degree in graduate business and health science, and an integrated engineering program designed to prepare students for careers in cutting-edge technologies.
Through this simplified tuition pricing, Whitworth is leading with transparency and reaffirming our mission to serve students and families with clarity and care.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
