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University of Puget Sound vs Walla Walla University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tacoma WA · vs · Private nonprofit, College Place WA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Walla Walla University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,316 in 6.9 years versus 7.2 years at University of Puget Sound, on median earnings of $61,885 vs $69,594 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Puget SoundWalla Walla University
Net price / yr$38,394$23,329
Total net cost$153,576$93,316
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,594$61,885
Median debt$25,000$26,842
Payback7.2 yrs6.9 yrs
20-year net return$271,104$177,184

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Puget Sound or Walla Walla University?

Walla Walla University, at $23,329 a year after aid versus $38,394 — a gap of $15,065 a year, or $60,260 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Puget Sound or Walla Walla University graduates earn more?

University of Puget Sound graduates report a median $69,594 ten years after entry, $7,709 more than the $61,885 at Walla Walla University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Puget Sound or Walla Walla University?

University of Puget Sound: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,842 at Walla Walla University, a difference of $1,842. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at University of Puget Sound, against 60% at Walla Walla University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Puget Sound vs Walla Walla University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Puget Sound or Walla Walla University a better value?
Walla Walla University. It clears its $93,316 net cost in about 6.9 years versus 7.2 years at University of Puget Sound, on median earnings of $61,885 vs $69,594 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Puget Sound or Walla Walla University?
Walla Walla University: $23,329/yr net price after aid versus $38,394/yr at University of Puget Sound — a difference of $15,065 a year, or about $60,260 over four years.
Do University of Puget Sound or Walla Walla University graduates earn more?
University of Puget Sound graduates earn a median $69,594 ten years after entry, versus $61,885 at Walla Walla University — a $7,709 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.