Accounting at Whitworth University

Whitworth's accounting program produces graduates earning above the national median but carries notably higher debt than typical Washington accounting programs—$27,000 versus a state median of $20,567. Starting at $61,021, graduates match the state median exactly while ranking in the 77th percentile nationally, putting them ahead of three-quarters of accounting programs across the country. However, within Washington's competitive market, this places them squarely in the middle, trailing Gonzaga and Seattle University by about $8,000 annually.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 remains manageable, meaning graduates would dedicate less than half their first-year salary to debt repayment. Earnings growth to $66,843 by year four shows steady progression, though the 10% increase doesn't dramatically change the financial picture. The premium over the national median ($7,300 more than typical accounting graduates) helps justify the cost, but Washington families should recognize they're paying above the state's typical debt load for middle-of-the-pack in-state results.

For students choosing between Washington accounting programs, Whitworth offers solid national standing without the price premium of Seattle University or Gonzaga. The real question is whether the additional $6,400 in debt compared to the state median—roughly 30% more—delivers sufficient value when graduates earn the same as the Washington median. If your child values Whitworth's smaller setting and 87% admission rate makes it accessible, the financials work. But purely on ROI, Washington's public universities deliver comparable earnings with less debt.