Analysis
Washington's computer engineering programs command some of the nation's strongest starting salaries, and the estimated $121,710 first-year earnings from comparable programs in the state suggest graduates here could enter the market at nearly $43,000 above the national median. With estimated debt around $26,000—just slightly above national norms but well above what other Washington programs typically report—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 indicates manageable repayment even if actual outcomes vary somewhat from these peer-based projections.
The challenge lies in the significant range among Washington programs. The University of Washington campuses report first-year earnings near $142,000, while Washington State comes in closer to $87,000—both actual reported figures that frame the uncertainty around Walla Walla's estimated position. Computer engineering is thriving in Washington's tech economy, but where exactly this program's graduates land within that spectrum remains unclear without school-specific data.
For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals look solid: computer engineering credentials are in high demand, the estimated debt burden is reasonable relative to likely earnings, and Washington's robust tech sector provides strong employment prospects. Just recognize you're making this decision based on state-level patterns rather than verified outcomes from Walla Walla itself, which means the actual return could swing higher or lower depending on factors like the program's industry connections and graduate placement success.
Where Walla Walla University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,027 | $121,710* | — | $26,146* | — | |
| $12,643 | $141,588* | $168,957 | $16,127* | 0.11 | |
| $12,559 | $141,588* | $168,957 | $16,127* | 0.11 | |
| $37,400 | $101,832* | — | —* | — | |
| $12,997 | $87,135* | $83,510 | $21,750* | 0.25 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952* | — | $24,500* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in WA. Actual outcomes may vary.