About Walla Walla University
The financial picture shows mixed value for families. Students typically pay $23,992 after aid, well below the sticker price of $33,027. Graduates earn a median of $61,885 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the $26,842 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $285 for those borrowing. Lower-income families receive significant breaks, paying just $17,833 if earning under $30,000 annually.
The campus reflects its Adventist heritage through policies and culture that emphasize health and service. With 969 housing spots available, most students live on campus during their undergraduate years. The 64% six-year graduation rate falls below national averages, though 92% of graduates find employment. Eight varsity sports compete at the NJCAA level, with 111 total student-athletes receiving $322,382 in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.2%
- Retention Rate
- 84.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,885
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $77,297 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $60,568 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,682 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $32,467 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,881 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around Friday evening vespers and Saturday worship rather than traditional weekend parties. Students often venture to nearby Walla Walla's downtown or the Blue Mountains for hiking and outdoor adventures. The engineering and nursing programs draw serious students who balance rigorous coursework with community service projects. With 51.8% male enrollment, the gender split stays fairly even. The 84.5% retention rate reflects students who find their niche in this faith-based environment where wellness principles shape dining options and lifestyle choices. Campus traditions include Week of Prayer and annual mission trips that strengthen the close community bonds.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 969 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1892
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–42°F
- July Avg
- 53°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.8%
- Women
- 48.2%
- White
- 47.9%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 23.4%
- Asian
- 5.5%
- In-State Students
- 27.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.2%
Location
- Address
- College Place, Washington 99324-1198
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,885
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $71,100
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,842
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student experience like at Walla Walla University?
The campus houses 969 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 84.46% of students return each year. This Seventh-day Adventist university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for close relationships between professors and students. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a steady pace across the small suburban campus.
How much does Walla Walla University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,992 annually, less than the published tuition of $33,027. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,833 per year. Graduates typically leave with $26,842 in debt and monthly loan payments of $285.
What academic programs is Walla Walla University known for?
The university has built a strong reputation in engineering and nursing, reflecting the Seventh-day Adventist emphasis on service and health. With 1,214 total students, the school maintains small class sizes that allow for hands-on learning in technical fields. The quarter calendar system enables students to dive deep into specialized coursework throughout the academic year.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Walla Walla University?
Graduates achieve a 92% employment rate and earn a median salary of $61,885 ten years after graduation. About 64% of students complete their degree within six years, while 71.88% successfully repay their student loans. The strong focus on practical fields like engineering and nursing helps explain these solid career outcomes.
Where do Walla Walla University students come from?
The student body draws from across the country, with only 27% coming from Washington state. The demographics reflect the school's Seventh-day Adventist mission, with 48% White students, 23% Hispanic students, and smaller populations of other backgrounds. Men slightly outnumber women at 52% versus 48% of the enrollment.
Does Walla Walla University have strong athletic programs?
The Wolves compete in NJCAA athletics with 111 student-athletes across 8 varsity sports. The school awards $322,382 in athletic scholarships annually, demonstrating a commitment to supporting student-athletes. The relatively small athletic program fits the university's intimate campus culture and academic focus.
