Q: Why change, when Walla Walla College is doing well?
A: Adopting a university name appropriately describes what Walla Walla College is. 

The term "university" applies to a wide spectrum of schools ranging from large research institutions to schools much smaller than Walla Walla College. 

The Carnegie Basic Classification categorizes WWC  among the Master's Colleges and Universities (medium program), based on our programs and our volume of master's degree production. Each year, approximately one third of WWC's graduates are graduating with a master's degree.

While the distinctions between a university and college may not be as formally defined in the minds of prospective students and other college constituents, the term university more accurately describes what WWC is: a comprehensive institution. Walla Walla College maintains a liberal arts core; however, approximately 70 percent of WWC students are enrolled in professional programs, typical of most universities.