Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla Community College's nursing program graduates earn solidly above the national median but lag behind most Washington nursing programs—sitting at the 40th percentile statewide. First-year earnings of $75,416 beat the national average by $7,000, but fall nearly $4,000 short of what the typical Washington nursing graduate earns. Among the state's 32 nursing programs, several community colleges produce graduates earning $8,000-9,000 more annually, suggesting regional healthcare labor markets may offer better opportunities elsewhere in Washington.

The modest debt load of $20,625 keeps this financially reasonable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 that new nurses can handle. However, the earnings trajectory moves in the wrong direction—dropping 6% by year four to $70,697. This decline is unusual for nursing, where experience typically commands higher pay, and may reflect local market saturation or limited advancement opportunities in the Walla Walla area.

For families committed to staying in Eastern Washington, this program provides solid nursing credentials at an affordable price. But if relocation is an option, Washington's western community colleges consistently deliver better earning outcomes. The comparison matters: that $8,000-9,000 annual difference compounds significantly over a nursing career, potentially justifying the cost and effort of attending school farther from home.