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Washington Adventist University

WAU

Takoma Park, Maryland 20912

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Health sciencesTight-knitSuburban

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.

Established
1904
Motto
Gateway to Service
Type
Private university
Conference
National Association of
Division
Division II

Campus Visits

46 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

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45%Acceptance
920SAT Avg
522Students
7:1Student:Faculty
40%Grad Rate
$64,249Earnings 10yr
$15,026Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate45.4%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 920

Reading & Writing
400590
Math
400510

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$25,200
Room & Board$10,440
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$34,570
Average Net Price$15,026
Median Debt at Graduation$30,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$323

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$15,209
$30–48K$12,307
$48–75K$15,195
$75–110K$13,232
$110K+$19,295

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

46.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

2.2%/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)

1

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

0

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

1

Drug Arrests

1

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%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
522
Gender Split
59% / 41%
Women / Men
First Generation
35%
Pell Grant Recipients
46%

Race & Ethnicity

White 4%
Black 43%
Hispanic 24%
Asian 3%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 14%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate40.0%
Freshman Retention82.1%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$40,114
10 Years$64,249

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Shock

BaseballVolleyball program

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

116High

Estimated from MD state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Washingtonpop. 690K
6 mi(10 min)
Baltimorepop. 570K
30 mi(52 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
118 mi(205 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

BWI Baltimore-Washington22 mi
IAD Washington Dulles25 mi
MDT Harrisburg84 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA389 mi · ~11h 14m drive
New York, NY199 mi · ~5h 45m drive
Hartford, CT298 mi · ~8h 37m drive
Providence, RI353 mi · ~10h 12m drive
Albany, NY305 mi · ~8h 49m drive
Syracuse, NY284 mi · ~8h 12m drive
Rochester, NY290 mi · ~8h 23m drive
Buffalo, NY287 mi · ~8h 17m drive
Philadelphia, PA118 mi · ~3h 25m drive
Pittsburgh, PA188 mi · ~5h 26m drive
Harrisburg, PA89 mi · ~2h 34m drive
Newark, NJ193 mi · ~5h 35m drive
Washington, DC6 mi · ~10 min drive
Baltimore, MD30 mi · ~52 min drive
Atlanta, GA547 mi · ~15h 48m drive
Charlotte, NC335 mi · ~9h 41m drive
Raleigh, NC239 mi · ~6h 54m drive
Miami, FL932 mi · ~26h 55m drive
Orlando, FL764 mi · ~22h 4m drive
Tampa, FL824 mi · ~23h 48m drive
Nashville, TN570 mi · ~16h 28m drive
New Orleans, LA970 mi · ~28h 1m drive
Richmond, VA103 mi · ~2h 59m drive
Chicago, IL593 mi · ~17h 8m drive
Detroit, MI392 mi · ~11h 19m drive
Minneapolis, MN930 mi · ~26h 52m drive
St. Louis, MO710 mi · ~20h 31m drive
Kansas City, MO942 mi · ~27h 13m drive
Indianapolis, IN492 mi · ~14h 13m drive
Columbus, OH327 mi · ~9h 27m drive
Cleveland, OH302 mi · ~8h 43m drive
Milwaukee, WI633 mi · ~18h 17m drive
Dallas, TX1185 mi · ~34h 14m drive
Houston, TX1223 mi · ~35h 20m drive
Austin, TX1320 mi · ~38h 8m drive
San Antonio, TX1390 mi · ~40h 9m drive
Los Angeles, CA2296 mi · ~66h 20m drive
San Francisco, CA2436 mi · ~70h 22m drive
San Diego, CA2272 mi · ~65h 38m drive
Seattle, WA2321 mi · ~67h 3m drive
Portland, OR2347 mi · ~67h 48m drive
Denver, CO1490 mi · ~43h 3m drive
Phoenix, AZ1980 mi · ~57h 12m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1842 mi · ~53h 13m drive
Honolulu, HI4830 mi · ~139h 32m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Washington Adventist University Application Checklist

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