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 gives you a low-cost entry with modest but real returns. At roughly $8,300 a year net, your total out-of-pocket sits well below what a four-year university charges, and the $14,000 median debt is small enough to pay down on the earnings this school produces. That combination keeps the downside limited, which matters most for a school where median earnings ten years out land at $43,526.
The 47.5% graduation rate is the number to watch. Barely half of students finish, and the ROI math only works if you're in that half. Drop out with debt and no credential, and the low price stops protecting you. Treat finishing as the actual bar for making this pay off, not enrolling.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so pick your program based on the local job market. Walla Walla's economy leans on agriculture, healthcare, and viticulture, and this college feeds those fields directly. Career and technical tracks that put you into a specific regional job tend to earn back their cost fast. general transfer paths only pay off if you actually move on to a four-year degree elsewhere.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families the most. Under $30k, you pay about $6,500. over $110k, closer to $16,000. The jump between the $48-75k and $75-110k brackets is the sharpest, nearly $4,200, so middle-income families see aid thin out quickly.
This school fits you if you're staying in the Walla Walla region, targeting a specific trade or health field, and want low debt while you train. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree on-site or want earnings well above the low-$40,000s without transferring on.
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.