This document provides information on independent colleges in Washington state. It discusses the diversity of the student bodies and missions across the colleges. It also outlines the benefits these colleges provide, including personalized education with small class sizes, high graduation rates, and significant financial aid to make the colleges affordable for students from a variety of backgrounds. The document emphasizes that independent colleges award a large portion of degrees in the state and prepare students for success after graduation.

1. Opportunity, Choice, Success at Washington’s Independent Colleges Gonzaga University  Heritage University  Pacific Lutheran University  Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University  Seattle University  University of Puget Sound Walla Walla University  Whitman College  Whitworth University

2. Opportunity, Choice, Success Diversity in student body, mission, and location High quality, with personalized programs and small classes Graduating successful students, on time and prepared for the future Affordable with strong financial aid

3. Opportunity, Choice, Success Nearly 40,000 students enrolled each year About 2/3rds are from Washington state Representing 50 states and 90 countries From all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

4. Opportunity, Choice, Success Liberal arts prepare students for a rapidly changing world Well rounded programs that emphasize Critical thinking Communication Leadership Ethics Service

5. Opportunity, Choice, Success Personalized to the strengths of each student 13:1 Student/Faculty ratio with instruction by professors in small classes

6. Over 90% of students receive financial aid at Independent Colleges Nearly 80% is need-based 25%: Federal Pell Grant 20%: State Need Grant (of resident undergrads) Opportunity, Choice, Success

7. Opportunity, Choice, Success Institutional Aid: $12,900 State Grant Aid: $7,700 Federal Grant Aid: $6,750 Work Study: $2,700 Federal Loans: $7,500 Total Aid: $ 37,550 Tuition: $27,100 Room and Board: $8,000 Books, Tech, Misc: $4,200 Cost of Attendance: $ 39,300 Sources: ICW FA Survey, WFAA, IPEDS

8. Opportunity, Choice, Success Independent Colleges award nearly a quarter of baccalaureate and higher degrees in the state Nearly 80% of students who graduate do so in 4 years or less

9. Opportunity, Choice, Success Nearly 80% of students who graduate do so in 4 years or less 30% of teaching certificates, with 40% of math and science 35% of BS and MS Nurses 50% of K-12 administrator & counselors 50% business degrees

11. Financial Aid

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16. Opportunity, Choice, Success

18. Overall graduation rate of 89 percent and first-year to sophomore retention rate of 94 percent – both among the highest in the nation.

19. Facilities reflect Whitman’s excellence and devotion to students: the library, health center and computer labs are open 24/7, a $15.5 million renovation to the athletic center was completed in 2009, and renovation to the Harper Joy Theatre is under way.

21. Gonzaga University enrolled 1120 first-year students; the strongest academic class in its history

22. Gonzaga’s School of Engineering and Applied Science ranks 17th in the country for undergraduate programs and its PACCAR building received “Gold” LEED certification for energy efficiency.

24. Began accepting the Common Application exclusively in 2009

25. New Programs: Global Development Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Appropriate & Sustainable Engineering, Music Therapy

26. 29% of new students came from ethnically diverse backgrounds, 11% more than in 2008

27. 3 athletes received coveted and competitive NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarships

29. An expanded Lemieux Library & Learning Commons opens fall 2010.

30. A new fitness center and residence hall are currently under construction.

32. 90% of freshman return for their sophomore year.

33. More than 500 students study abroad in 45 countries each year.

35. SAT composite 1570- 1900