At $23,992/yr net price, Walla Walla University graduates earn $61,885/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,885/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,992 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,885/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,885/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,842 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,833/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,578/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,728/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,322/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,840/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. | Bachelor | $77,297 | $27,000 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $60,568 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,682 | $43,141 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,704 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $32,467 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,881 | $27,381 |
The Risk Factor
64.2% of students at Walla Walla University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Walla Walla University gives you a mixed financial return that depends almost entirely on your major. The median graduate earns $61,885 a decade out while carrying under $27,000 in debt, so the typical outcome clears the debt load without strain. But that median hides a wide gap between programs, and picking the wrong one at this school leaves you paying private-college prices for public-service wages.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays more than double what the weakest majors return, and the debt attached to it is identical to what business or design graduates take on. If you come to Walla Walla for nursing, the math works cleanly. Engineering is the solid second option, landing near the school-wide median. The regional healthcare and technical job market in the Pacific Northwest supports both.
The bottom of the list is where you should be careful. Communication, design, and business all land in the low-to-mid $30,000s. Business graduates carry $26,000 in debt against earnings that barely exceed it. Design carries $27,000 in debt for similar pay. At those numbers, the same debt buys you a nursing salary or a wage you could earn without the degree.
Net price is the specific risk. Families over $110k pay close to $29,000 a year, and even the lowest income bracket pays around $17,800 after aid. That price is defensible for nursing and engineering and hard to justify for the lower-paying majors.
Come here if you're set on nursing or engineering. If you want business, communication, or design, price out a cheaper school first, because the earnings won't cover a $24,000 average net price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walla Walla University worth the cost?
With a net price of $24,000 per year and 10-year earnings of $61,885, Walla Walla University offers decent value if you graduate in nursing or engineering. The 64% graduation rate and $26,842 median debt are concerning factors to weigh against potential earnings.
What are the best paying majors at Walla Walla University?
Nursing programs at Walla Walla University lead to the highest earnings at $77,297 annually, followed by engineering at $60,568. Social work, communication, and design programs result in significantly lower earnings between $34,000-$43,000.
How much debt do Walla Walla University graduates have?
Walla Walla University graduates carry a median debt of $26,842. This debt load is manageable for nursing and engineering graduates but creates financial stress for those in lower-paying fields like design or communication.
What is Walla Walla University's graduation rate?
Only 64% of students graduate from Walla Walla University. This below-average completion rate means over one-third of students pay tuition without earning a degree, significantly worsening the financial investment.