Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,561/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,561/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,705 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,575 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,747 | $26,799 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $31,771 |
Analysis
Whitworth University's Adult Degree Programs put out a middle-of-the-road financial result: $58,561 median earnings ten years out against $25,000 in median debt. That debt load is manageable if you land in the higher-paying tracks, but the program-level earnings tell you the outcome depends heavily on what you study.
Accounting is the clear winner here. Its graduates earn close to the school-wide median and carry $27,000 in debt, so the return roughly covers the cost. Business Administration is a different story: you take on the same $27,000 debt but earn about $14,000 less per year than accounting graduates. That gap matters over a career, and it means the same borrowing buys a much weaker payoff.
Teacher Education and Liberal Arts land at the bottom. Liberal Arts graduates earn around $35,000 while borrowing the most of any listed program at nearly $32,000. That combination is the worst financial deal on this list. If you're paying for a Liberal Arts degree here with loans, expect the numbers to stay tight for years.
The financial risk specific to Whitworth's adult programs is this spread. Two students can borrow the same amount and walk away with a $14,000 annual earnings difference based solely on major. Pick accounting and the math works. Pick liberal arts and you're paying premium private-school debt for below-average earnings.
This school fits you if you're heading into accounting or a career-focused business role and can keep borrowing near the median. If your goal is a general liberal arts or humanities degree, the debt-to-earnings ratio here is hard to justify, and a lower-cost public option in the Spokane area would serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs worth the cost?
With median debt of $25,000 and 10-year earnings of $58,561, graduates typically see reasonable returns. However, program choice matters significantly since earnings vary from $35,060 to $57,705 depending on your major.
What are the highest paying programs at Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs?
Accounting graduates earn the most at $57,705 annually, followed by business administration at $43,575. Liberal arts graduates earn considerably less at $35,060, making program selection critical for ROI.
How much debt do Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. This debt level allows most graduates to achieve positive returns within a reasonable timeframe.
Should I avoid certain majors at Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs for financial reasons?
Liberal arts and humanities graduates earn only $35,060 annually, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Teacher education also pays below average at $40,747, though some find the career fulfilling despite lower earnings.