At $8,343/yr net price, Walla Walla Community College graduates earn $43,526/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,526/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,343 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,526/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,526/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,527/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,085/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,869/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,073/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,953/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,688 | $15,868 |
| 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 | $9,618 |
The Risk Factor
47.5% of students at Walla Walla Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Walla Walla Community College delivers strong returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes all the difference. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $59,688 annually, making it one of the best community college nursing investments in Washington state. Agricultural mechanization also pays well at $50,439, reflecting the region's agricultural economy.
The college's low net price of $8,343 per year gives you significant cost advantages over four-year universities, and the modest $14,000 median debt load keeps your financial risk manageable. However, the 47.5% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment if you don't finish.
Ground transportation and food science programs produce middle-range earnings around $40,000, which may limit your long-term financial growth. Vehicle maintenance graduates see weaker returns at $32,569, barely justifying the time investment given entry-level positions available without college credentials.
You'll find this school works best if you're targeting healthcare or agricultural careers in eastern Washington, where local employers actively recruit graduates. The nursing program's clinical partnerships with regional hospitals create direct pathways to employment. Agricultural students benefit from proximity to major farming operations and equipment dealers.
Financial aid covers fewer than 30% of students, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. This actually works in your favor given the low sticker price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return, as the graduation rate suggests many students struggle with persistence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walla Walla Community College worth the cost?
Walla Walla Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,343 per year and median debt of just $14,000. However, the 47% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which hurts the overall return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Walla Walla Community College?
Nursing programs at Walla Walla Community College lead to the highest earnings at nearly $60,000 annually. Agricultural Mechanization pays around $50,000, while vehicle repair programs average $32,569.
How much debt do Walla Walla Community College graduates have?
Walla Walla Community College graduates have a median debt of $14,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Do Walla Walla Community College graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
With average earnings of $43,526 ten years after enrollment, graduates typically earn enough to cover the low cost of attendance. The nursing and agricultural programs offer the best financial returns, while other programs may struggle to justify even the modest investment.