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Walla Walla University vs Saint Martin's University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, College Place WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Lacey 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 8.2 years at Saint Martin's University, on median earnings of $61,885 vs $62,092 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWalla Walla UniversitySaint Martin's University
Net price / yr$23,329$28,119
Total net cost$93,316$112,476
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,885$62,092
Median debt$26,842$22,500
Payback6.9 yrs8.2 yrs
20-year net return$177,184$162,164

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

Which is cheaper, Walla Walla University or Saint Martin's University?

Walla Walla University, at $23,329 a year after aid versus $28,119 — a gap of $4,790 a year, or $19,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Walla Walla University or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?

Saint Martin's University graduates report a median $62,092 ten years after entry, $207 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, Walla Walla University or Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $26,842 at Walla Walla University, a difference of $4,342. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at Walla Walla University, against 52% at Saint Martin's 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.

Walla Walla University vs Saint Martin's University: frequently asked questions

Is Walla Walla University or Saint Martin's University a better value?
Walla Walla University. It clears its $93,316 net cost in about 6.9 years versus 8.2 years at Saint Martin's University, on median earnings of $61,885 vs $62,092 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Walla Walla University or Saint Martin's University?
Walla Walla University: $23,329/yr net price after aid versus $28,119/yr at Saint Martin's University — a difference of $4,790 a year, or about $19,160 over four years.
Do Walla Walla University or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?
Saint Martin's University graduates earn a median $62,092 ten years after entry, versus $61,885 at Walla Walla University — a $207 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.