At $25,884/yr net price, Whitworth University graduates earn $58,561/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,561/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,884 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,561/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,561/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,492/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,727/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,336/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,657/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,339/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 | $70,456 | $14,418 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,995 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,705 | $27,000 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $54,661 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,789 | $41,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
68.4% of students at Whitworth University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Whitworth University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in nursing and computer science but weaker performance across most other programs. At $25,884 per year in net costs, you're paying private school prices for earnings that often fall short of what you'd expect.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $70,456 in median earnings with just $14,418 in debt. Computer science also performs well at $64,493 annually. However, business administration graduates earn only $57,995 despite carrying $41,000 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years.
Your biggest financial risk at Whitworth is the 32% chance you won't graduate at all. With a 68% graduation rate, roughly one in three students leave without a degree but often with substantial debt. The 80% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or computer science and can handle the academic demands. The nursing program's low debt levels suggest strong financial aid or shorter completion times. For other majors, you're likely better off at a public university where similar programs cost less and often produce comparable earnings.
Only 28% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. If you're considering Whitworth for programs outside nursing or tech, carefully compare your expected debt load against realistic salary expectations in Spokane's job market, which tends to pay below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whitworth University worth the cost?
Whitworth's $25,884 annual net price leads to median earnings of $58,561 after 10 years, which is modest for a private college. The 68% graduation rate means nearly one-third of students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Whitworth University?
Nursing programs at Whitworth offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $70,456 annually. Computer Science follows at $64,493, while business and accounting majors earn in the mid-50s range.
How much debt do Whitworth University graduates have?
Whitworth graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this assumes you actually graduate - the 68% completion rate means debt without a degree is a real risk.
Does Whitworth University provide good financial aid?
Whitworth's net price of $25,884 suggests decent financial aid for a private college with a 90% acceptance rate. The school appears to discount tuition significantly from its sticker price to remain accessible.