Business/Commerce at Walla Walla University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Walla Walla University's business program starts graduates at $43,155—significantly below what they'd earn at other Washington business schools. The median Washington business graduate earns $54,540, and even graduates from Seattle Pacific and Gonzaga command similar premiums. This program lands in the bottom quartile both statewide and nationally, meaning three-quarters of comparable business programs deliver better earning outcomes.
The nearly flat earnings trajectory raises red flags. Graduates see essentially no income growth between their first and fourth year out of school, with earnings stuck around $43,000. While the $27,000 debt load isn't catastrophic, it amounts to 63% of first-year earnings—a higher burden than most business graduates carry. More concerning, Washington peers typically send their graduates out with only $23,250 in debt while earning $11,000 more annually.
For families considering an investment in business education, this program struggles to justify its cost against in-state alternatives. A student could attend a higher-ranked Washington business school, graduate with less debt, and immediately earn 20-30% more. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend Walla Walla specifically, prospective business students should seriously explore other options in the state that offer both stronger earnings potential and lower debt burdens.
Where Walla Walla University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Walla Walla University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Walla Walla University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla University | $43,155 | $43,839 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Seattle Pacific University | $56,283 | $79,563 | $22,000 | 0.39 |
| Gonzaga University | $54,540 | $72,747 | $23,250 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Pacific University Seattle | $38,814 | $56,283 | $22,000 |
| Gonzaga University Spokane | $53,500 | $54,540 | $23,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Walla Walla University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 43 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.