Accounting at Washington Adventist University

This associate's degree carries roughly $26,000 in estimated debt—notably higher than both the $15,000 median for Maryland accounting programs and the $19,354 national median. That extra borrowing matters when first-year earnings hover around $37,000, creating a debt burden equal to 71% of initial income. For context, these figures come from comparable programs nationwide rather than Washington Adventist's specific outcomes, which the Department of Education can't publish due to small graduate numbers.

The earnings estimate aligns with national norms for associate-level accounting programs, which is reassuring on one level. However, Maryland's community colleges and state institutions typically produce similar accounting outcomes with significantly less debt. The higher cost here appears driven by Washington Adventist's private university model—you're essentially paying a premium without evidence of a corresponding earnings advantage. Nearly half the student body qualifies for Pell grants, suggesting many families face this debt-to-earnings tension.

For a parent evaluating this program, the key question is whether the smaller, faith-based environment justifies borrowing $10,000+ more than typical Maryland alternatives. If your child thrives in that setting and has limited options, the debt is manageable with disciplined repayment. But if they can access similar accounting training at a community college or public institution—where actual outcomes might be verified—that's likely the smarter financial path for an entry-level credential.