Communication and Media Studies at Walla Walla University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64—meaning roughly eight months of first-year salary to cover the borrowing—looks reasonable on paper, though both figures here are estimates drawn from peer programs across Washington. Similar communication studies programs in the state typically produce first-year earnings around $37,800, which aligns with Washington's statewide median and sits above the national benchmark of $35,000. The estimated debt load of $24,200 is also fairly typical for this credential. What we don't know is how Walla Walla University's specific graduates perform compared to these aggregated figures from other schools.

The challenge becomes clearer when you look at Washington's top-performing programs. The University of Washington system consistently produces graduates earning $44,600+ in their first year out—about 18% more than the state median that serves as our proxy here. Seattle University and Whitworth graduates also exceed the baseline estimate. Without actual outcomes data for Walla Walla's program, you're essentially betting that this smaller private university performs at least as well as the state average, rather than falling below it. Given that communication studies is offered at 19 institutions across Washington, that's a real gamble with five years of tuition and potential debt at stake. Before committing, your child needs to speak directly with recent alumni about their actual job outcomes and starting salaries.