Whitman is an independent, co-educational, non-sectarian, residential undergraduate college of liberal arts and sciences. Founded originally as a seminary in 1859, Whitman received its charter as a four-year, degree-granting college in 1882. Whitman has earned a reputation as one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the United States. The College boasts the highest graduation rate and the highest alumni participation in giving in the Pacific Northwest, and possesses one of the largest endowments of any private college in the West. Whitman is characterized by a strong sense of tradition and community that embraces students, faculty and staff alike. More than 85 percent of students who enter graduate within five years. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Whitman's 1,450 students enjoy small classes and work closely with faculty as engaged partners and participants in a dynamic learning community.