Understanding Washington Adventist University Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
Planning for college expenses is a crucial part of the application process. Washington Adventist University (WAU) offers a range of opportunities and resources to help students manage the cost of their education. Understanding the various components of tuition, fees, and financial aid options is essential for prospective students and their families.
Tuition and Fees
Washington Adventist University's annual tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students amount to approximately $26,604. Tuition alone is about $24,804, a figure that ranks in the lower 45th percentile nationally.
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Washington Adventist University was $23,400, which is $−1,175 less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575). This cost of tuition at Washington Adventist University is $−1,175 less than the overall (public and private) national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575).
It is important to note that these figures, often referred to as the sticker price, include both tuition and fees. Fees may cover library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.
Total Cost of Attendance
The total estimated cost for tuition, fees, room, and board at Washington Adventist University reaches about $39,104 per year. This is considerably lower than the average total annual cost at private non-profit four-year colleges nationwide, which stands at $54,501. The average yearly cost of room and board at Washington Adventist University was $7,620 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 2.3% between 2022 and 2023. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,200. The cost of books and supplies did not change during the same period.
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As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.
Financial Aid: Grants and Scholarships
We’re focusing on grants and scholarships first because they’re the most important forms of financial aid. Grants and scholarships are better than loans because students don’t ever have to pay them back.
In 2023, 84% of undergraduate students attending Washington Adventist University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 54% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.
The average award discount is the ratio between the average grant or scholarship value, and the cost, which is the sum of out-of-state tuition, room, board, book, supplies, and other expenses.
Institutional Aid
Because more Washington Adventist University students get institutional aid, it likely offers relatively competitive financial aid. The amount of money that students actually get is just as important (if not more important) than the percent of students who get grants. Right away, it seems like Washington Adventist University offers less institutional aid than other schools. Second, this can also mean that the school just costs less than the typical school of its type.
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Net Price
In 2023 Washington Adventist University had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $16,732. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Washington Adventist University grew by 2.08%. Average net price is calculated from full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded a grant or scholarship from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.
The Net Price is the total cost minus the total aid given. In other words, this is the price you have to pay to the school out of pocket. Once you have a Net Price estimate, you’ll want to figure out whether your family can afford to pay Washington Adventist University tuition and costs. Once again, the Net Price is the total cost of attending, minus the aid you can expect to get (grants and scholarships).
Most schools have an updated Net Price calculator available. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.
Student Loans
Aside from grants, the other major way to pay for college is with student loans. The more student loan money you borrow, the more debt you’ll end up with after graduation. Ideally, you want to minimize your student debt as much as possible. It’s generally a bad sign if a school has many students taking out a lot of loans.
At Washington Adventist University, 72% of all students take out federal loans. At Washington Adventist University, the average annual federal loan amount is $7015.
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Student Loan Debt
At Washington Adventist University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $30,500. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $323.
Student Loan Default Rate
In 2022 the default rate for borrower's at Washington Adventist University was 0%, which represents 0 out of the 258 total borrowers. A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1 to September 30, and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The US government has come up with a standardized way to calculate how much a typical family can afford to pay without help. As an example, a family that brings home $80,000 in income before taxes, with no assets and no other children in college, has an EFC of around $7,000. Colleges use this number as a guideline to decide how much aid to give you, but it's just a guideline.
If the Net Price is higher than the EFC, the school will cost more than you can typically afford.
Work-Study Opportunities
Washington Adventist University offers various work-study opportunities to help students manage educational expenses while gaining practical experience. Eligible students can participate in on-campus employment, which includes positions in administrative offices, campus services, and academic departments. The university also encourages students to pursue internships related to their fields of study, helping them develop professional skills and networks prior to graduation.
Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.
Value and Rankings
As a regional school, Washington Adventist University may not be a household name nationwide, but it's known to people in the local area as a solid school. Compared to some other regional schools, Washington Adventist University didn't appear on our best value lists. This might be because the net price is higher than for other schools of similar reputation. This isn't the end of the world - you can likely still afford Washington Adventist University by taking out loans, earning scholarships, or working part-time.
Overall, Washington Adventist University is a decent value, and going to college here will likely pay off over time.
In its 2022 edition of Best Colleges, WAU is ranked #131-#171 in Regional Universities North;* #17 for Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie); and #627 in Nursing (tie).
Additional Financial Aid Information
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
Types of Aid Available
Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or athletic or academic achievement.
Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.
Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.
Financial Aid Dates
The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date. When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering. The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.
Recent Initiatives
WAU also recently announced a partnership with Howard Community College and Prince George’s Community College to expand access to bachelor’s degree programs at Laurel College Center. Students who earn their associate degrees at Howard Community College or Prince George’s Community College will be able to transfer their credits and gain admission to WAU classes at the center.
Washington Adventist University at Laurel College Center will offer a Bachelor of Science in general studies with a concentration in communication or a concentration in health care administration.
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