Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — close-knit campus
Washington Adventist University is a private institution in Takoma Park with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 920, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 522 undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
40% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,249 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,026.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Washington Adventist University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 920
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
45.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$22,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
3
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (69)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
- •82% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Shock
History & Fun Facts
- •History Halcyon Hall Washington Adventist University was established in 1904 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Washington Training College.
- •In 1907, it was renamed Washington Foreign Mission Seminary, in 1914, Washington Missionary College, in 1961, Columbia Union College, and in 2009 received its current name.
- •In 2007, WAU nearly accepted a $25 million bid for the radio station owned by WAU, WGTS 91.
- •WGTS listeners and supporters ran multiple campaigns against the sale for months before the board of trustees voted against selling the radio station in September 2007.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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