Washington Adventist University
Washington Adventist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Washington Adventist University at a Glance
Washington Adventist University is a private Seventh-day Adventist university in Takoma Park, Maryland.
1904
122 years old
695
605 undergrad
Identity
Is Washington Adventist University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Washington Adventist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $64,249 — 19% above average — while paying $18,526/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Washington Adventist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Washington Adventist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #8 of 16 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Yeshiva Toras Chaim | 84 | $5,356 | $62,526 |
| #2 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #3 | Judson University | 43 | $18,558 | $56,313 |
| #4 | Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | 43 | $15,488 | $57,556 |
| #5 | Laboure College of Healthcare | 42 | $36,863 | $62,200 |
| #6 | Maria College of Albany | 36 | $13,082 | $55,458 |
| #8 | Washington Adventist University | 29 | $18,526 | $64,249 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Washington Adventist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Washington Adventist University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Washington Adventist University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,526/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in MD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Takoma Park, MD
- Student Body
- 452 students
- Admission Rate
- 46%
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,526
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,249
- Median Student Debt
- $30,500