Computer Science at Walla Walla University

Washington's computer science programs vary dramatically, with outcomes ranging from $79,000 at Washington State to nearly $129,000 at UW campuses. Based on comparable programs across the state, Walla Walla's computer science degree appears to track with the middle tier—similar to what Washington State and Seattle Pacific graduates earn, though well below what Seattle-area schools command.

The estimated debt load of $25,000 creates a manageable starting point, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggesting graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a year of disciplined repayment. Computer science degrees generally deliver strong financial returns, and peer programs in Washington typically produce outcomes that justify the investment. The question becomes whether Walla Walla's location in the small city of College Place limits access to the tech hubs where higher salaries cluster, or whether remote work has leveled that playing field.

Without program-specific data, you're essentially betting that Walla Walla's outcomes mirror the state median rather than falling below it. If that holds true, your child would enter the workforce with reasonable debt and competitive earning potential. But recognize you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at schools with published outcomes—which includes most of the top-performing programs in the state.