Washington Adventist University

Learn what degree programs Washington Adventist University offers. Research its academics, and read about its admission and financial aid info to make an informed education decision.

About Washington Adventist University

Washington Adventist University is a private, not-for-profit school affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Located in Takoma, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., Washington Adventist University was created as a liberal arts college in 1904. In its 2013 ranking of best colleges, U.S. News and World Report put this school on its tier two list of regional colleges in the North. The nursing program boasts a 100% pass rate for students taking the NCLEX-RN exam.

Academics

Washington Adventist University has three schools: the School of Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the School of Health Professions, Science, and Wellness. The three schools offer more than 35 majors and academic programs. Degree programs are offered in the fields of biology; business; chemistry; computer science; education; English; health, wellness, and physical education; history and political science; communication and journalism; math; music; nursing; psychology; religion, and respiratory care. The student to faculty ratio is 14:1.

The campus features two single-sex residence halls, tennis courts, a baseball field, a gymnasium, a weight room, a photography darkroom, a chapel, a museum, and computer labs. The Center for Learning Resources offers students access to academic help, cooperative education opportunities, counseling and disability services, honors programs and societies, mentorships, and tutoring services. Students can take advantage of weekly worship services and prayer groups, sports teams, and student clubs. Incoming students with fewer than 24 credits are required to participate in the school's first year experience program in their first semester; the program is tailored to help them adjust to college, both academically and socially. In addition to books, print periodicals, and online full-text periodicals, the school's Weis Library holds a collection of Seventh-day Adventist books and periodicals, and an education curriculum collection.

Admissions

Applications for undergraduate admission must include an online or paper application, transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a letter of recommendation that speaks to the student's character (not to be written by a friend or family member), and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The yearly application deadline is August 1. Washington Adventist University's acceptance rate is 44.1%. Washington Adventist University may accept Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit.

The total enrollment of Washington Adventist University in Fall 2011 was 1,493 students, of which 1,327 were undergraduates, and 166 were graduate students. The student population comes from 40 states and 47 different countries. While the school has a Christ-oriented mission and is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventists, students of all faiths and cultures are welcome to apply.

Graduate applications must include transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent. The school may invite some applicants for an interview. Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program must also submit proof of their registered nurse (RN) licenses. Applicants to the school's professional studies programs must include written overviews of previous work experience and letters of recommendation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Estimated tuition and fees for an undergraduate attending during the 2011-2012 school year were $20,180. The estimated cost of books and supplies was $1,200, and the estimated cost of room and board for students living on-campus was $7,600.

Washington Adventist University offers merit scholarships for academics, athletics, music, evangelism, and ministry. Need-based scholarships are awarded as well. Some of these financial awards are renewable every year. All students attending Washington Adventist University receive some sort of financial aid.

WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS
School Type	4 year, private, not-for-profit**
Degrees and Programs Offered	Associate's, bachelor's, master's, certificates**
Religious Affiliation	Seventh-day Adventist**
Academic Calendar	Semester*
School Setting	Large suburb**
Student Body	1,493 in 2011**
Student Housing	Two residence halls*
ACADEMICS
Schools and Programs	Three schools; more than 35 degree and certificate programs*
Student-Faculty Ratio	14 to 1**
Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients)	In 2011: Associate's: 'General studies (2) Bachelor's: Registered nursing (71) Master's: Business administration and management, general (34)**
Undergraduate Graduation Rates	13% in four years, 27% in six years (2011)**
ADMISSIONS
Admission Rate	44.1%***
Entering Class Size	180 (estimated; 2011)****
First-Year Retention Rates	69% full-time, 100% part-time (2011)**
Application Due Date	August 1***
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition and Fees	$20,180 in 2011-2012 (undergraduate)**
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Students Receiving it)	In 2010-2011 (full-time, first-year undergraduate students) Pell grants (59%), other federal grants (42%), state or local government grants or scholarships (14%), institutional grants or scholarships (93%), federal student loans (80%), other student loans (19%)**
Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid	100% (2010-2011)**

Sources: *Washington Adventist University, **College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, ***U.S. News and World Report, ****IPEDS Data Center, National Center for Education Statistics