Students at Washington Adventist University benefit from earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning over $11,000 more than peers at similar institutions.
The university combines this earnings advantage with exceptional affordability and strong access for underrepresented students.
Washington Adventist University is a small private nonprofit institution in Takoma Park, Maryland, that combines Christian values with accessible higher education. The university serves a notably diverse student population, with 46% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 35% being first-generation college students, reflecting its commitment to educational access for underrepresented groups.
Graduates earn a median of $64,249 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid long-term outcomes despite the university's classification in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility quadrant. What makes Washington Adventist distinctive is its ability to provide meaningful earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn about $11,635 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting student success despite resource constraints.
The university's small size creates an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention and support. Net prices remain remarkably consistent across income levels, with low-income students paying around $15,209 annually and middle-income families paying similar amounts. This pricing structure, combined with the university's focus on serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students, positions Washington Adventist as an accessible pathway to meaningful career outcomes in Maryland's competitive job market.
While specific program-level data is not available for Washington Adventist University, the institution's consistent ability to generate earnings beyond expectations suggests effective career preparation across its academic offerings. The university's Christian liberal arts foundation likely emphasizes practical skills development alongside spiritual and intellectual growth, preparing students for diverse career paths in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
The university's small size allows for personalized attention and mentorship that can benefit students across all majors. Faculty-student relationships and career guidance appear to play important roles in helping graduates achieve earnings that exceed expectations for similar institutions. This suggests that regardless of specific program choice, students benefit from the university's focus on practical career preparation and professional development.
Given the university's location in the Washington D.C. area and its diverse student body, programs likely emphasize skills relevant to healthcare, education, business, and public service sectors. The consistent earnings performance across the institution indicates that Washington Adventist effectively prepares students for stable, well-paying careers regardless of their chosen field of study.
Washington Adventist University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that exceed expectations given the institution's profile and student demographics. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $64,249, placing the university at the 33rd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. More significantly, graduates earn approximately $11,635 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes despite operating with limited resources.
The university's earnings performance reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education within a Christian liberal arts framework. While specific program-level data is limited, the consistent earnings beyond expectations suggest that Washington Adventist effectively prepares students for stable, well-paying careers across various fields. The university's small size allows for personalized career guidance and strong faculty-student relationships that contribute to positive post-graduation outcomes.
Graduates enter Maryland's diverse economy, which includes opportunities in healthcare, education, government, and business sectors throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The university's location in Takoma Park provides access to internships and career opportunities in one of the nation's most economically dynamic regions, helping explain how graduates achieve earnings that consistently outperform expectations for similar institutions.
Washington Adventist University demonstrates exceptional affordability consistency across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $15,209 annually, while middle-income families face nearly identical costs at $15,195, and even high-income families pay only $19,295—a remarkably flat pricing structure that reflects the university's commitment to educational access. This pricing places the university at the 60th percentile nationally for affordability, representing above-average value.
The university's financial aid strategy effectively reduces barriers for students who need the most support. With 46% of students receiving Pell Grants and over one-third being first-generation college students, Washington Adventist successfully serves populations that often face significant financial challenges in pursuing higher education. The consistent net prices across income bands suggest robust institutional aid that helps level the playing field for students from different economic backgrounds.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the university's outcomes, with typical federal student loan debt of $30,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $16,925. These amounts, while substantial, align with the university's long-term earnings outcomes and reflect the reality of private education costs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
Washington Adventist University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
