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Walla Walla University

College Place, WA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1892
Founded
Private university
Type
1,214
Total Students
1,655
Undergrad
$51M
Endowment
(2025)
$33K
Tuition (In-State)
$33K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
64%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Alex Bryan

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Walla Walla University

A historic Adventist university shaping futures in engineering, health, and marine science.

Walla Walla University stands as a beacon of Seventh-day Adventist education in the Pacific Northwest, tracing its roots back to 1892 when it emerged from a visionary consolidation of smaller Adventist schools. Founded as Walla Walla College, it quickly grew to become the largest Seventh-day Adventist college globally by the 1930s, distinguished by its commitment to a holistic education that once included significant manual labor and an exclusively vegetarian diet.

Today, Walla Walla University, a private institution, continues its legacy of academic innovation. It proudly boasts the distinction of having established the first school of engineering within the Seventh-day Adventist church in 1947, a program that achieved accreditation in 1971. Beyond engineering, the university is also recognized for its robust programs in nursing, with a satellite campus in Portland, and a unique marine biology program at its Rosario Beach campus. These offerings highlight a dedication to both practical, in-demand fields and specialized scientific exploration.

Prospective students and families will find an engaging and supportive environment among its 1,855 students. The university's history is marked by significant milestones, from pioneering baccalaureate degrees within the Adventist system to evolving its campus and student experience, including liberalizing rules for female students and expanding its academic offerings to master's level programs in biology, education, and social work. With its main campus in College Place, Washington, and multiple satellite locations, Walla Walla University fosters a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare students for impactful careers and lives of service.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1892, evolving from a consolidation of early Seventh-day Adventist schools.
  • A private Seventh-day Adventist university with a current enrollment of 1,855 students.
  • Established the first School of Engineering in the Seventh-day Adventist church in 1947, accredited in 1971.
  • Pioneered a full four-year college program within the Adventist system, granting its first baccalaureate degree by 1909.
  • Expanded to five campuses, including satellite locations for nursing (Portland) and marine biology (Rosario Beach).
  • Once the largest Seventh-day Adventist college in the world, demonstrating its historical significance and growth.

Timeline

1892
Walla Walla College opened, consolidating three smaller Adventist schools.
1909
Celebrated its first baccalaureate graduate, expanding to a full four-year college program.
1935
Received accreditation for its full college program; high school separated to become Walla Walla Valley Academy.
1947
Opened the first school of engineering in the Seventh-day Adventist church and its first nursing campus in Portland.
1954
Opened a second satellite campus at Rosario Beach for the marine biology program.
1971
The university's engineering school was granted accreditation.
1987
Established an endowment fund and began a graduate program in social work.
2007
The school was officially renamed Walla Walla University.
🏛️
134 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Walla Walla University

⚙️

School of Engineering

The first school of engineering established within the Seventh-day Adventist church (1947), with its program accredited in 1971.

💉

School of Nursing

Opened its first satellite campus for nursing at the Portland Sanitarium (now Adventist Health Portland) in 1947.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Alex Bryan
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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