Engineering at Walla Walla University

Walla Walla University's engineering program lands squarely in the middle of Washington's competitive engineering landscape, ranking at the 40th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $66,416. That's about $2,700 below the state median and roughly $5,400 behind Seattle Pacific University, the state leader. Nationally, it performs similarly—41st percentile—suggesting this reflects the program's actual market position rather than geographic disadvantage.

The financial fundamentals are solid. With $27,625 in debt at graduation, students face a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they'd owe less than half their first-year salary. That debt level is notably lower than most engineering programs nationwide (5th percentile), giving graduates breathing room despite middling earnings. Steady 6% earnings growth to $70,249 by year four shows typical career progression for engineers.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers a reasonable path into engineering without excessive debt burden. You're not getting the premium outcomes of Washington's top programs, but you're also not taking on crushing loans. If your student has strong offers from University of Washington or Seattle Pacific, those might deliver better returns. If this is the most affordable engineering option available, the debt-to-earnings picture makes it workable—just understand you're paying for an average outcome at a below-average price point.