Washington Adventist University is Top Ranked Adventist University in 2025 Washington Monthly Rankings

TAKOMA PARK, Md. —According to the 2025 Washington Monthly university rankings, , Washington Adventist University (WAU) is the top-ranked Adventist University thanks to lower net cost and higher earnings for graduates, as well as top 100 marks nationally for Student Outcomes (83) and Service (81).  The Washington Monthly rankings aim to highlight schools that focus on student success at a more economical cost, with higher median earnings for graduates.  WAU’s ranking confirms the value represented by the mission-driven education that it provides to students.

Out of the 1422 four year colleges and universities ranked by Washington Monthly, WAU is number 342.  Andrews University is the next Adventist university on the list at number 1043, followed by La Sierra University (1171), Union Adventist University (1195), Walla Walla University (1250), Southern Adventist University (1275), Pacific Union University (1289), Oakwood University (1340), and Southwestern Adventist University (1389). (Loma Linda University was not ranked).

Many of the schools higher on the Washington Monthly rankings are public universities with government subsidies, or private colleges and universities with large endowments.  WAU’s ranking is high relative to comparative private institutions.

WAU, La Sierra University, and Southern Adventist University were further categorized as “Masters Level Universities.”  Out of the 587 schools in this category, WAU ranks at number 86.  La Serra is number 475, and Southern Adventist is number 524.  These ranks are best understood by breaking down the Student Outcomes and Service rankings, along with the Net Cost and Median Income data:

The Washington Monthly rankings place emphasis on schools that demonstrate student success through Student Outcomes, and also the extent to which schools prepare students for a life of Service to their communities.  Among the 587 Masters Level Universities, WAU ranks number 19 for Student Outcomes, and number 21 for Service.  For comparison, La Sierra ranks 423 for Student Outcomes and 303 for Service, while Southern Adventist ranks 538 for Student Outcomes and 252 for Service.

According to Washington Monthly’s data, the net price to attend WAU ($14,071.00) is significantly lower than the net price at Southern Adventist ($20,729.00) or La Sierra ($21,720), whereas the Median Income for WAU graduates after nine years ($54,535.00) is higher than at La Sierra ($51,101.00) or Southern Adventist ($43,985.00), demonstrating the concrete value of the education that WAU provides students. 

The Washington Monthly ranking was only the most recent external recognition received by WAU. In April, 2025, WAU was one of only 476 four year colleges and universities to be recognized as an “Opportunity College or University” in the Carnegie classifications of universities. This is the new, highest accolade given by Carnegie to recognize schools where there is high student access to education with above average median incomes.  WAU was the only four year Adventist school to receive this designation (Pacific Union University and AdventHealth University received the designation for specialized programs).

WAU also holds a distinction as the number one Adventist university in the United States for lowest student loan default rate, according to College Raptor. This ranking reflects the university’s strong commitment to student outcomes and financial stability, ensuring graduates are equipped for success in both career and life.

The fact that WAU has received these external validations stands in contrast to its capital resources, whereas schools with far greater endowments and grander campuses rank far lower.  “We know the value of the education we offer to students,” says WAU President, Dr. Weymouth Spence.  “Imagine what we could do with additional resources.  That’s why we are working to revitalize our campus for the 21st century to provide diverse revenue streams to support our students.  We are looking for partners to help us sustain our mission of serving students for another 120 years.”

Washington Adventist University was founded in 1904, and is the only Adventist University in the Nation’s Capital.  It served as the training school for Adventist international missionaries, and sent the first student missionary in 1959.  Its Nursing program was the first accredited nursing program in the State of Maryland, and its Psychology program was the first at any Adventist institution.  Its adult evening program was one of the first of its kind, and has developed into the School of Graduate and Professional studies.  Along with strong traditional programs in STEM areas such as Biology, Health Wellness, and Radiology, and a respected Business department, WAU is known for a world-class Music Department and a competitive Athletics program.  It is also home to the first and only Honors College in the Seventh-Day Adventist higher education system.  Known as the Gateway to Service, the university has for 120 years prepared students for the workplace and for faith-informed lives of purpose.  For more information about the university visit our website: www.wau.edu, or contact us: 301-891-4000