Walla Walla University
Walla Walla University is a private nonprofit university in College Place, WA ranked #465 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, and enrolling about 1,214 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 84.5% first-year retention, and 64.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $23,992, about $6,994 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.9%, roughly 130.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,840. That's about $9,152 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Walla Walla University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Walla Walla University graduates 64.2% of students within six years and keeps 84.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Walla Walla University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,027 |
| Books and Supplies | $765 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,416 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,755 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,075 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.1% of Walla Walla University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,833 to $28,840 depending on family income. Use Walla Walla University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,322/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,840/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,840
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,840
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,306
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.9%
- Employment Rate 90.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Walla Walla University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Walla Walla University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Walla Walla University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Walla Walla University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Walla Walla University graduates earn $52,840 median, the -44.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,214
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 84.5%
- Graduation Rate 64.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Walla Walla University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Walla Walla University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Walla Walla University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Walla Walla University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Computer Engineering, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 18.8%
- Computer Engineering 9.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.0%
- Business/Commerce, General 5.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 5.1%
- Civil Engineering 4.8%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.5%
- Psychology, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $94,358
- 2. Engineering, General $82,046
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $67,982
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mathematics $67,328
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $55,427
- 6. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $52,532
- 7. Design and Applied Arts $28,436
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Social Work (Master's Degree) $62,081
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $94,358—232% more than Design and Applied Arts ($28,436). Graduate: Social Work programs lead with $62,081 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Walla Walla University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 86 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Social Work
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Air Transportation
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Music
- Sociology
- Physics
- International Business
- Engineering, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Public Health
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Information Science/Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Social Work
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,214
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.8%
- Female Students 48.2%
- Caucasian 47.9%
- Asian 5.5%
- Hispanic 23.4%
- Black 3.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Walla Walla University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Walla Walla University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Walla Walla University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Walla Walla University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Walla Walla University has a diverse student body, with 47.9% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Walla Walla University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Walla Walla University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Walla Walla University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -44.9% ROI. Ranked #465 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,992 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,840 median earnings. With 64.2% graduating within six years and 84.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Walla Walla University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #465 ranking, Walla Walla University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,992 annually, Walla Walla University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 84.5% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,794 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -44.9% ROI and $52,840 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,992+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Walla Walla University ranks #465 of 1966 institutions, with 921 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 64.2% six-year graduation rate sits 1.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.5% first-year retention is 7.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.9% return on investment is 130.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,840 run about 21% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,992 is roughly $4,082 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.0% employment rate within three years sits 21.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,992 is about $4,082 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.1% trails the national share by 8.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Walla Walla University, a private nonprofit university in College Place, WA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #465 national ranking Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 84.5% retention and 64.2% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -44.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,992 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,075.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $20,083 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,306 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $52,840 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 21% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 90.0% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -44.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Walla Walla University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address College Place, WA 99324-1198
- Website www.wallawalla.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$36.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.0%