Whitworth University
Whitworth University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Whitworth University at a Glance
Whitworth University is a private Christian university that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and located in Spokane, Washington, United States. Founded in 1890, Whitworth enrolls nearly 2,600 students and offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs.
1890
136 years old
$215M
$215.25 million (2025)
2,814
2,417 undergrad · 372 grad
149
200 acres
Identity
Is Whitworth University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Whitworth University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,561 — 9% above average — while paying $26,534/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Whitworth University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Whitworth University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in WA
Ranked #43 of 138 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #43 | Whitworth University | 39 | $26,534 | $58,561 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Whitworth University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in WA.
Best Programs at Whitworth University
The highest-earning program at Whitworth University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $70,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $22,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Whitworth University earns $70,500, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $22,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $12,250 in median debt vs. $25,000 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,534/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $70,500 | $70,500 | $12,250 |
| Computer Science | $63,200 | $63,200 | $24,437 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $54,900 | $54,900 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,700 | $42,700 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,500 | $39,500 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $34,400 | $34,400 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $33,600 | $33,600 | $33,332 |
| Sociology | $26,900 | $26,900 | $24,500 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | $25,900 | $25,900 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $25,200 | $25,200 | $23,500 |
| Biology, General | $24,800 | $24,800 | $26,559 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $22,900 | $22,900 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in WA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Spokane, WA
- Student Body
- 1,858 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,534
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,561
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000