Washington Adventist University
Acceptance rate
46.2%
2025
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$26,604
$38,025 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
513
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
20.8%
4-year; 6-year rate 49.4%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a private Christian university located in Takoma Park, Maryland. Founded in 1904, it has a strong affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which significantly influences its academic programs and campus culture. The university is known for its commitment to providing a holistic education that integrates faith and learning. WAU emphasizes service and community engagement, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility. The university's mission is reflected in its motto, “The Truth Will Set You Free,” which underscores the importance of academic integrity and personal development.
The campus environment at WAU is characterized by a supportive community and a diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. With a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, WAU offers degrees in areas such as health sciences, business administration, education, and theology. The university also boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas. In addition, WAU is committed to student wellness, providing resources for physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. The university also places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and volunteer opportunities, promoting a well-rounded student experience. Graduates of WAU are well-prepared for the workforce, with many finding employment in their fields of study shortly after completing their degrees.
Analysis of Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates
The data from Washington Adventist University reveals several significant trends over the years, particularly regarding tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $21,020 in 2014 to $25,200 in 2023, marking a rise of approximately 19%. This trend reflects a broader pattern observed across many universities, where rising operational costs and a push for better facilities and services often lead to increased tuition fees. The steady increase in room and board also indicates an investment in campus infrastructure.
Student enrollment, on the other hand, tells a contrasting story. The total number of undergraduate students has decreased from 1,218 in 2013 to just 582 in 2023, representing a staggering decline of over 52%. This sharp drop in enrollment raises questions about the university's attractiveness to prospective students amidst increasing competition and changing educational preferences, possibly exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduation rates present another area of concern. The percentage of undergraduate students graduating on time (within 100% of the expected duration) has shown some fluctuation, with a notable increase to 19.82% in 2023 from 12.81% in 2013. However, while this indicates some improvement, it still highlights that a significant proportion of students are not completing their degrees in the expected timeframe, which can be a critical metric for prospective students evaluating institutional effectiveness.
Overall, while tuition continues to rise, the decline in enrollment and the mixed results in graduation rates suggest that Washington Adventist University may need to reassess its strategies to attract and retain students to ensure long-term sustainability and success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Washington, DC, about 6 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), about 20 mi
- Also known as
- WAU
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Seventh Day Adventist
- President
- Dr. Weymouth Spence (President)
- Phone
- 3018914000
- City
- Takoma Park, Maryland
- Address
- 7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 56.4%, women 60.1%.
Data insights
Analysis of Washington Adventist University's Admission Trends
The admission trends at Washington Adventist University over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in both enrollment and acceptance rates. From 2013 to 2023, the admission landscape has evolved, showcasing both challenges and opportunities for prospective students.
Notably, in 2021, the university experienced a dramatic increase in acceptance rates, with over 91% for male applicants and nearly 95% for female applicants. This spike likely reflects broader trends in higher education as institutions adapt to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a more competitive admissions environment. Such a high acceptance rate could suggest an emphasis on increasing enrollment numbers during a challenging time for many universities.
Conversely, in more recent years, the number of applicants denied admission has remained high, peaking at over 1,800 in 2021. This indicates that while the university may have accepted many students, there remains a significant pool of applicants who do not meet the institution's standards or compete effectively in the admissions process.
Additionally, the steady number of deferred admissions points to a trend of students opting for a gap year or deferring due to uncertainty regarding the college experience. This trend may also signal a shift in how students and families view higher education in a post-pandemic world.
Overall, Washington Adventist University's admission data illustrates the dynamic shifts in higher education, prompting both prospective students and the institution itself to adapt to changing circumstances in the admissions landscape.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 14% submitted SAT, 0% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Washington Adventist University
The admission data from Washington Adventist University over the years reveals significant trends in standardized test submissions and performance metrics. The proportion of students submitting SAT scores has varied, with a notable peak in the mid-2010s, where 83% of applicants provided their SAT scores in 2015. However, this percentage has decreased to 49% in recent years, indicating a shift in student preferences or perhaps a growing acceptance of other admission criteria beyond standardized testing.
Looking at the performance scores, there is a discernible fluctuation in the 25th to 75th percentile scores for both SAT and ACT over the years. The SAT Reading and Math scores demonstrate a general upward trajectory, peaking with a reading score range of 420 to 520 in recent years. This suggests that the university has been attracting higher academically performing students. Conversely, the ACT scores show less consistency, which may reflect variability in applicant strength or changes in the university's recruitment strategies.
Moreover, as the landscape of college admissions evolves, with increasing discussions around test-optional policies, Washington Adventist University’s data may reflect broader trends impacting higher education. The decreasing number of test submissions could suggest a growing acceptance of holistic admissions approaches that consider a wider array of student attributes beyond test scores. Overall, the data indicates that while standardized test scores remain a component of the admissions process, their influence may be waning in favor of a more comprehensive evaluation of student potential.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 5 in 10
2,765 applicants in 2025, 46.2% admitted
1,277 admitted 1,488 not admitted Yield 9.3%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Counseling Psychology · Master's13 (8% international)
- Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management · Master's12 (33% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's6 (50% international)
- Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's1 (0% international)
- Nursing Education · Master's1 (0% international)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's1 (100% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends at Washington Adventist University
The graduation data from Washington Adventist University reveals several noteworthy trends across various fields of study for the year 2023. Notably, the fields of health care and education dominate the graduation statistics, emphasizing the university's commitment to these essential areas. For instance, registered nursing and health care administration programs have seen a significant number of graduates, highlighting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the current job market. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating a robust growth in healthcare occupations, driven by an aging population and increased focus on health and wellness.
Additionally, the university has shown a commendable effort in supporting international students, particularly in the master's programs in counseling psychology and business administration. The presence of international graduates indicates a diverse student body, which is crucial in fostering a global perspective within academic communities.
Interestingly, fields such as computer science and engineering have lower graduation numbers, which may reflect broader industry challenges or the increasing competitiveness of these programs. This could suggest a need for universities to enhance their offerings or support systems in these areas to attract and retain students.
Overall, the data reflects Washington Adventist University's strategic focus on health-related fields and education while also highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving demands of higher education in the context of a globalized workforce. As the university continues to grow, it will be essential to monitor these trends to ensure alignment with job market needs and student aspirations.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - | |||
| Counseling Psychology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| Accounting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theology/Theological Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - | |||
| Music Performance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | - | |||
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | - | |||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
Students
612 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 64.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 281
- First-year undergraduates 113
- Graduate students 99
- Transfers and others 119
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (513)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Washington Adventist University in 2023
The student demographics at Washington Adventist University in 2023 reveal a diverse and intriguing picture. Among the new undergraduate students, there are 59 individuals, with a notable majority being female at 64.4%. This female predominance is consistent across other categories as well; in the undergraduate continuing students group, women make up 65.3% of the 386 students. Such trends reflect a broader pattern in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.
The diversity among students is also apparent. Although we lack detailed breakdowns for all groups, the representation of different ethnicities highlights the university's commitment to inclusivity. For instance, the breakdown for new undergraduate students indicates a small number of White students, with the rest likely representing various ethnic backgrounds. This aligns with national conversations about diversity in education, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all racial and ethnic groups.
Interestingly, the graduate student population of 89 students also shows a predominance of women, at 71.9%. This shift towards female representation in graduate studies may reflect changes in societal norms and the increasing value placed on higher education among women.
Overall, Washington Adventist University is witnessing a dynamic and diverse student body in 2023, illustrating the evolving landscape of higher education. As discussions around gender and ethnic representation continue to gain traction, institutions like WAU play a critical role in fostering inclusive educational environments.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Washington Adventist University
The age composition of students at Washington Adventist University reveals significant insights into the demographic trends present within the institution. The majority of students are concentrated in the younger age categories, with 18-21 representing a vibrant segment of the student body. Specifically, 67% of undergraduates are girls aged 18-19 and 81% are girls aged 20-21, highlighting a strong female presence in these younger age groups.
As students age, particularly in the 22-24 bracket, there is a notable increase in both male and female participation. Here, 65 male undergraduates and 60 female undergraduates are present, suggesting that this age range is critical for student engagement and retention. Interestingly, the numbers of graduate students remain relatively low across all age groups, which may reflect broader trends in higher education where younger students are more likely to pursue undergraduate degrees immediately after high school.
The trend of diminishing numbers in older age categories is also evident, with only a handful of students aged 30 and above. This may suggest that returning to education later in life is less common at this institution, potentially indicating barriers faced by older individuals wishing to pursue higher education.
Overall, these demographics suggest that Washington Adventist University attracts a younger, predominantly female student body, which mirrors national trends in higher education where women increasingly outnumber men in undergraduate programs. As the university considers strategies for growth and inclusivity, it may benefit from programs aimed at engaging non-traditional students, particularly those aged 30 and above.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
70 in 2025 · 1.9% in 2016
28 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Washington Adventist University
The data on international student enrollment at Washington Adventist University reveals distinct trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduates and graduates has experienced fluctuations, reflecting broader trends in the higher education landscape.
In the undergraduate sector, the peak of international enrollment occurred in 2011, with 18.37% of undergraduates being international students. This significant increase may indicate the university’s growing appeal in the global educational marketplace, possibly due to enhanced recruitment strategies or favorable academic offerings. However, this percentage drastically fell in subsequent years, reaching a low of 2.27% in 2014, which could be attributed to various factors such as changes in visa policies or increased competition from other institutions.
Conversely, the graduate program has seen a more consistent upward trend in the percentage of international students, particularly notable between 2019 and 2023, where the proportion escalated from 32.16% to an impressive 35.96%. This increase indicates a growing recognition of the university's graduate programs among international applicants, potentially driven by the quality of education and the university's supportive environment for foreign students.
Overall, while the undergraduate enrollment figures demonstrate volatility, the graduate sector shows a promising trend towards attracting more international students. This shift may highlight the university's strategic focus on enhancing its graduate offerings and could serve as a beneficial aspect for future institutional growth and diversity in the student body. The fluctuating numbers underscore the importance of responsive recruitment and retention strategies in an ever-evolving global education landscape.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$38,025
- Undergraduate tuition
- $26,604
- Room and board
- $11,421
- Graduate tuition
- $11,525
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 17% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 32%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$26.5M
Expenses$26.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 34 | 14 |
| Basketball | 33 | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 8 |
| Cross Country | 6 | - |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 36 | 15 |
| Basketball | 22 | 12 |
| Cross Country | 7 | 7 |
| Softball | - | 9 |
| Volleyball | - | 8 |
| NAIA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 21 | 13 |
| Basketball | 14 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
| Cross Country | 6 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park · 3.0 mi
U.S. News #49
-
Howard UniversityWashington · 4.5 mi
U.S. News #73
-
American UniversityWashington · 5.9 mi
U.S. News #95
-
George Washington UniversityWashington · 6.5 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Georgetown UniversityWashington · 6.6 mi
U.S. News #23
-
St. John's College (MD)Annapolis · 27.4 mi
Liberal Arts #81
-
United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis · 27.9 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore · 31.2 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Washington CollegeChestertown · 52.5 mi
Liberal Arts #97
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Washington Adventist University:
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University of Maryland-College Park - Ranked 46th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.
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Georgetown University - A prestigious institution, ranked 22nd, Georgetown is recognized for its rigorous academics, especially in international relations and law.
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Johns Hopkins University - This renowned university is ranked 9th and is famous for its research and programs in public health, medicine, and engineering.
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George Washington University - Ranked 67th, GWU is located in the heart of the nation's capital and offers a range of programs with a strong emphasis on public policy and international affairs.
-
American University - With a rank of 105, this comprehensive university is known for its focus on liberal arts education and its vibrant campus life.
-
Howard University - Ranked 115th, Howard is a historically black university that offers a rich cultural experience and a commitment to social justice and community service.
These institutions provide diverse educational opportunities and are well-respected in various fields of study.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Washington Adventist University
The crime data from Washington Adventist University over the years presents an interesting trend in campus safety. Starting from 2013, the average crime rate per 1,000 students was notably high at 6.56, peaking at 10.80 in 2014. However, following this peak, a significant decrease in crime rates can be observed, culminating in a low point of 0.18 in 2017. This suggests effective measures may have been implemented around this time to ensure student safety.
From 2018 onwards, the crime rates experienced fluctuations, with a slight increase noted in 2019 at 8.84, before stabilizing again in the following years. The consistent occurrence of offenses like drug arrests, alcohol-related incidents, and domestic violence highlights ongoing challenges that the university faces in maintaining a secure environment.
Notably, the data indicates that violent crimes, such as murder and rape, have not been reported, which is a positive reflection of campus safety. However, the presence of property crimes like theft and robbery cannot be overlooked as they contribute to the overall perception of safety on campus.
The downward trend in crime rates since 2014 can be attributed to various factors, including improved campus security measures and heightened awareness among students regarding safety protocols. Continued efforts are essential to ensure these improvements are sustained, allowing Washington Adventist University to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
For further information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: crime rate calculation method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Washington Adventist University include Roscoe Bartlett (US Representative from 1993 to 2013), Thomas L. Saaty (Mathematician, inventor of Analytic Hierarchy Process) and Ted N. C. Tele Miguel Wilson (Former president of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference).
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Roscoe Bartlett 1926–
US Representative from 1993 to 2013
-
Thomas L. Saaty 1926–2017
Mathematician, inventor of Analytic Hierarchy Process
-
Ted N. C. Tele Miguel Wilson 1950–
Former president of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference
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Rachel Roy 1974–
Fashion designer
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Nicholas Sarwark 1979–
Former chair of the Libertarian National Committee
-
Leonard L. Bailey 1942–2019
Surgeon who transplanted a baboon heart into an infant
-
Charles F. McMillan 1955–2024
10th director of Los Alamos National Laboratory
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.