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$6,513Tuition
2,372Students
48%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,526Earnings
#15 in WashingtonPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla Community College serves 2,372 students in Washington's wine country with a focus on career training and university transfer preparation. The college has built a reputation for practical programs that connect directly to regional job markets, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. Students come from across the Pacific Northwest, though 80% are Washington residents drawn to the small-city setting and personalized attention.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. After financial aid, the average student pays $8,343 annually, making this one of the more affordable paths to higher education in the region. Graduates earn a median of $43,526 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $14,000 in debt with monthly payments of $148. The 94% employment rate suggests the college's career-focused approach pays off for students entering the workforce.

Nearly 29% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families in the Walla Walla Valley. The Warriors compete in nine varsity sports with 156 student-athletes sharing $296,131 in athletic scholarships. With a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, the quarter system allows for intensive, hands-on learning that prepares students for immediate employment or seamless transfer to four-year universities.

Academics & Faculty

This community college serves the agricultural Walla Walla Valley with practical career training and university transfer pathways. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors across programs that emphasize hands-on learning. Students can pursue workforce development in trades, healthcare, and business, or complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities. The 45% graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or leave early after completing certificates. Programs align with regional economic needs, including viticulture and enology given Walla Walla's wine industry prominence. The quarter system allows for accelerated progress through coursework and multiple entry points throughout the year.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
45.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
47.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,526

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,688
Agricultural Mechanization. Associate $50,439
Ground Transportation. Certificate $39,927
Food Science and Technology. Associate $39,648
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $32,569
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $30,409
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $29,685
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $23,579
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $23,182
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $21,964

View all 82 programs →

Campus Life

Walla Walla's small city setting puts you 260 miles from Seattle, surrounded by rolling wheat fields and wine country. With 2,372 students spread across a commuter campus, most Warriors head home after classes rather than staying for campus life. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes typical of community colleges focused on career training and transfer preparation.

Eastern Washington's high desert climate brings hot, dry summers reaching 90°F and cold winters dipping below freezing. You'll need both sunscreen and a winter coat depending on the season. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly through fall, winter, and spring terms. With 94% of graduates finding employment, many students balance part-time work with studies. Weekend activities center around Walla Walla's downtown area, known for its emerging food scene and proximity to over 120 wineries. The college's nine varsity sports programs, supported by nearly $300,000 in athletic scholarships, provide some campus community, though the Warriors compete at the junior college level.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Quarter
Founded
1967

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
30°–40°F
July Avg
60°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
40.7"
Annual Snowfall
-761.0"

Student Demographics

Four out of five students call Washington home, reflecting the college's deep roots in the Walla Walla Valley. The student body is nearly evenly split between men and women across 2,372 enrollees. Hispanic students make up about 30% of enrollment, with white students comprising just under half the population. The school draws working-class families seeking affordable career training and college prep. Many students work while attending classes, drawn by the college's reputation for hands-on programs in agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades that match the region's economy.
Men
51.9%
Women
48.2%
White
48.8%
Black
6.1%
Hispanic
30.1%
Asian
1.5%
In-State Students
80.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.0%

Location

Walla Walla Community College sits in southeastern Washington's wine country, about 260 miles from Seattle and 45 miles from the Oregon border. The community college serves a city of roughly 34,000 people surrounded by rolling wheat fields and vineyards. Walla Walla has earned recognition as a top wine destination, with over 100 wineries in the valley. The area blends agricultural heritage with a growing arts scene. About 80% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a regional center for career training and university transfer preparation. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Walla Walla Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Walla Walla, Washington 99362-9267
Dietrich Center Walla Walla Community College
Dietrich Center Walla Walla Community College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,526
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,543
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,600
Loan Repayment Rate
43.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Walla Walla Community College?

As a community college, Walla Walla Community College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 2,372 students primarily from the local area, with 80.30% coming from Washington state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the Walla Walla Valley.

How much does Walla Walla Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,343 annually at Walla Walla Community College. In-state tuition runs $6,513 while out-of-state students pay $7,967, making it an affordable option compared to four-year institutions. Only 28.96% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure of this community college.

What academic programs is Walla Walla Community College known for?

Walla Walla Community College offers career training and transfer programs designed to serve the Walla Walla Valley's workforce needs. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, the college operates on a quarter system to provide flexible scheduling. The school focuses on practical education that prepares students for immediate employment or seamless transfer to four-year universities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Walla Walla Community College?

The college achieves a 47.50% six-year graduation rate and an impressive 94.0% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $43,526 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of $14,000. These outcomes reflect the school's emphasis on career-focused programs that lead directly to employment opportunities in the region.

Where is Walla Walla Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in the small city of Walla Walla, Washington, serving a diverse student body that is 48.82% white and 30.10% Hispanic. The Warriors compete in 9 varsity sports with 156 total athletes supported by $296,131 in athletic scholarships. The gender split is nearly even with 51.85% men and 48.15% women among the student population.

How affordable are student loans at Walla Walla Community College?

Only 13.04% of students take federal loans at Walla Walla Community College, with typical monthly payments of just $148 after graduation. The low borrowing rate reflects the school's affordable tuition structure and strong employment outcomes. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of only $6,527, making higher education accessible to low-income families.