Business Administration, Management and Operations at Whitworth University

Whitworth's business program graduates start around $47,000—slightly above the national median but notably below Washington state's typical $49,000. More concerning is the 40th percentile ranking among Washington business programs, suggesting students might find better value elsewhere in-state. When schools like Western Washington and Olympic College produce graduates earning $6,000-$11,000 more annually, families should carefully consider whether Whitworth's approach justifies the premium.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $29,000, graduates carry less burden than most business majors nationally, though it's still $8,000 above Washington's state median. That 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need about seven months of gross salary to cover their loans—manageable territory. The 10% earnings bump by year four shows steady if unspectacular progress, though it doesn't close the gap with higher-performing state programs.

For Washington families, this creates a straightforward calculation. Whitworth delivers accessible admission and a solid business foundation, but the below-median state performance suggests you're not getting the earnings advantage that often justifies private school costs. If your child is drawn to Whitworth's campus culture or has received substantial financial aid, the moderate debt makes it workable. Otherwise, strong public alternatives in Washington offer better earning potential at lower cost.