About Washington Adventist University
Washington Adventist University centers its mission around health sciences education within a Seventh-day Adventist framework. With just 522 students enrolled, this small Christian university creates an intimate learning environment in suburban Takoma Park. The nursing program is the institution's flagship offering, preparing students for healthcare careers through hands-on training. Students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The university's religious foundation shapes campus culture, with wellness principles integrated throughout academic programs.
Students pay an average net price of $15,026 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median salary of $64,249 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the $30,500 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $323, manageable given the strong earning potential in healthcare fields. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds.
The student body is diverse, with 43% Black students and 24% Hispanic students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women comprise 59% of enrollment, typical for health-focused institutions. The Shock compete in eight NAIA sports with 112 total athletes. The 40% six-year graduation rate suggests students face academic challenges, though the 94% employment rate indicates strong job prospects for graduates.
Students pay an average net price of $15,026 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median salary of $64,249 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the $30,500 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $323, manageable given the strong earning potential in healthcare fields. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds.
The student body is diverse, with 43% Black students and 24% Hispanic students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women comprise 59% of enrollment, typical for health-focused institutions. The Shock compete in eight NAIA sports with 112 total athletes. The 40% six-year graduation rate suggests students face academic challenges, though the 94% employment rate indicates strong job prospects for graduates.
Academics & Faculty
Washington Adventist University centers its academics around health sciences and nursing, reflecting its Seventh-day Adventist commitment to wellness and service. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide intensive mentoring. However, the 40% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite this support. The university's nursing program prepares students for careers in healthcare ministry, while other health science tracks focus on physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and medical imaging. Small class sizes allow for hands-on clinical training and close faculty relationships. Students benefit from individualized attention but may face challenges with program completion and academic rigor.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 24.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.0%
- Retention Rate
- 82.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,249
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Campus Life
This Seventh-day Adventist campus sits just seven miles from Washington DC, placing 522 students at the doorstep of the nation's capital. With housing for 400 students and a total enrollment of 522, nearly three-quarters of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers.
Takoma Park's tree-lined streets and progressive community culture create a unique backdrop for campus life. Students need winter coats for snowy DC winters and layers for humid summers that stretch into September. The Seventh-day Adventist tradition shapes campus rhythm, with Sabbath observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Many students spend weekends exploring DC's museums and monuments via nearby Metro stations. The Shock athletic teams compete in eight NAIA sports with 112 total athletes. Campus ministry and service opportunities reflect the university's health-focused mission, with many students preparing for careers in nursing and health sciences through hands-on learning experiences.
Takoma Park's tree-lined streets and progressive community culture create a unique backdrop for campus life. Students need winter coats for snowy DC winters and layers for humid summers that stretch into September. The Seventh-day Adventist tradition shapes campus rhythm, with Sabbath observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Many students spend weekends exploring DC's museums and monuments via nearby Metro stations. The Shock athletic teams compete in eight NAIA sports with 112 total athletes. Campus ministry and service opportunities reflect the university's health-focused mission, with many students preparing for careers in nursing and health sciences through hands-on learning experiences.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 400 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1904
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–42°F
- July Avg
- 67°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.8"
Student Demographics
Washington Adventist draws students who value faith-centered education combined with practical career preparation. With 57% of students from Maryland, the university has built a strong regional reputation while still attracting students nationwide to its health science programs. The student body is 59% women, reflecting the school's emphasis on nursing and healthcare fields where women traditionally enroll in higher numbers. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves students from modest economic backgrounds who see education as a pathway to stable healthcare careers. The diverse student community includes significant Black and Hispanic populations seeking Christian higher education.
- Men
- 40.8%
- Women
- 59.2%
- White
- 4.4%
- Black
- 43.1%
- Hispanic
- 24.1%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 57.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.1%
Location
Washington Adventist University sits in Takoma Park, Maryland, just seven miles from Washington, D.C. The campus occupies a unique position on the border between Maryland and D.C., giving students easy access to the nation's capital. Takoma Park is known as the "Berkeley of the East" for its progressive politics and environmental consciousness. The area blends suburban tranquility with urban accessibility, featuring tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. With 522 students enrolled, the university maintains an intimate atmosphere while benefiting from proximity to major medical centers and government agencies in the D.C. metro area. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Washington Adventist University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,249
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,606
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $323/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Washington Adventist University?
Washington Adventist University accepts 51% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Seventh-day Adventist institution draws students primarily interested in health sciences and nursing programs.
How much does Washington Adventist University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,026 annually after financial aid. Nearly half of students (46%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving lower-income families seeking Christian higher education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington Adventist University?
The student-faculty ratio is 7:1, providing intimate classroom settings with just 522 total students. This small scale allows for personalized attention in health sciences programs that form the university's academic foundation.
What are the graduation outcomes at Washington Adventist University?
Only 40% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages. However, graduates earn a median salary of $64,249 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career prospects in healthcare fields.
Where is Washington Adventist University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Takoma Park, Maryland, a large suburb near Washington D.C. With housing for 400 students and 82% retention rate, the close-knit community reflects Adventist values of health and service.
Does Washington Adventist University have a diverse student body?
The student body is 43% Black and 24% Hispanic, making it a minority-majority institution. Only 4% of students are white, creating an unusually diverse environment among Christian universities nationwide.
