Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Walla Walla University

Walla Walla's $27,000 debt load sits squarely at the national median for health sciences bachelor's programs, but it's notably higher than the state average of about $16,000. Based on comparable programs in Washington, first-year earnings hover around $37,000—enough to keep the debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.75, which represents manageable repayment territory. However, the wide range of outcomes in Washington's health sciences landscape is striking: Seattle Central's graduates average over $71,000 while most bachelor's programs cluster around $37,000, suggesting that credential type and specialization matter enormously in this field.

The challenge here is that "health sciences" is an umbrella category covering everything from health administration to pre-professional programs, and the estimated earnings figure doesn't tell you which pathway Walla Walla's graduates typically pursue. If this program serves primarily as preparation for graduate school in nursing, physical therapy, or other clinical fields, the debt might be just the first installment. If it's designed for direct entry into healthcare administration or support roles, the $37,000 starting point is workable but unspectacular.

Given the limited data and the $10,000 debt premium over state peers, you'll need to dig into exactly what this program trains students to do. Ask the school for placement outcomes and alumni career paths before committing, since the financial return hinges entirely on which segment of the health sciences field graduates actually enter.