Bay Atlantic University

What Bay Atlantic University does

Bay Atlantic University is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit institution of higher education founded in 2014 and headquartered at 1510 H St NW in downtown Washington, D.C., two blocks from the White House. The university offers undergraduate degrees (BA in Business Administration, BA in Political Science and International Relations, BS in Information Technology, BS in Software Engineering), STEM-designated graduate degrees (MBA, MS in Cyber Security, MS in Big Data Analytics, MS in Data Science and Public Policy, MS in Artificial Intelligence, MS in Software Engineering, MS in Cloud Computing Engineering, and a Dual MBA/MS Big Data Analytics track), a Professional Hybrid Master's format for working adults, three stackable technology certificates, and ESL programs through its Mentora College sub-brand. The university serves a highly international student body representing 79 countries, supported by a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and substantial scholarship assistance (up to 60% of tuition, with 75% of freshmen receiving aid).

The institution's technology stack centers on the MyBAU student information system and BAU HUB learning management platform, augmented by a physical six-floor campus featuring computer labs (27 workstations), the CyberEdge Innovation Hub (CEIH) with an AI & Robotics Lab and Security Operations Center, the Center for Innovation and Global Entrepreneurship (CIGE), the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the Writing & Skills Center, the on-campus Global Policy Institute think tank, and electronic access to Bahçeşehir University's Barbaros Library (98+ databases, 35,820+ journals, 396,374+ e-books). Partnerships extend capability: Coursera delivers 6,900+ professional development courses at no cost to the BAU community; Virtual Internships provides 12-week global internship pathways; EducationUSA and NOVA Community College articulation agreements supply recruitment and transfer pipelines.

BAU's revenue model is tuition-driven and diversified across degree programs, certificates, ESL (Mentora), student housing (six downtown DC buildings), and ancillary fees (e.g., the $1,025 Virtual Internships program fee). Pricing incorporates aggressive scholarship discounting (up to 60% off) plus DMV Tuition Assistance for domestic students and the newly acquired VA Education Benefits approval. Go-to-market is hybrid: sales-led admissions officers, event-driven recruitment via DevFest DC and DC Startup & Tech Week sponsorships, and community-led international ambassador programs. The university holds 501(c)(3) status and VA approval as of June 2026. No public revenue, funding rounds, or parent company are disclosed.

Name

Bay Atlantic University

Legal name

Bay Atlantic University

Website

https://bau.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Bay Atlantic University is a private non-profit university in downtown Washington, D.C. offering STEM-designated undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in business, technology, and political science to a student body representing 79 countries, supported by the CEIH and CIGE innovation centers and partnerships with Coursera, Virtual Internships, and EducationUSA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International Branch Campus & Offshore Program Partnerships (EDAIABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Integrated Language + Academic Skills (EAP) Bridging Programs (EDAIAJAF)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Undergraduate degrees
• Graduate programs
• Professional certificates
• ESL programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: BAU generates primary revenue from tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university offers scholarships covering up to 60% of tuition, with 75% of freshmen receiving scholarships or tuition assistance. Graduate programs include additional course fees such as the virtual internship program at $1025 plus 3-credit tuition.
2. Non-Degree Certificate Programs: Revenue generated from certificate programs in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Cloud Engineering, and Software Engineering, designed as stackable credentials for career-focused professionals.
3. ESL Programs (Mentora College): English as a Second Language programs including Intensive English, Life Skills English, Citizenship Plus, and TOEFL/IELTS Prep courses operated through Mentora College.
4. Student Housing: Revenue from student housing facilities, with 6 buildings in downtown DC and the U-Pass program for transit access.
5. Professional Development Courses: Partnership with Coursera provides 6,900+ professional development courses and 30+ industry certificates from Google, Meta, IBM, and Intuit, offered to BAU community at no direct cost.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Bay Atlantic University delivers accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, professional certificate programs, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) courses in Washington, D.C. and online. It complements classroom instruction with student support services including writing and skills tutoring, applied-research centers, entrepreneurship hubs, and a virtual internship program to prepare students for professional careers.

Product overview

Bay Atlantic University is a comprehensive higher education institution offering a portfolio of academic products structured as degree programs (undergraduate and graduate), professional/non-degree certificates, and specialized training centers. The core academic offerings include undergraduate degrees (BA in Business Administration, BA in Political Science and International Relations, BS in Information Technology, BS in Software Engineering) and graduate degrees (MBA, MS in Cyber Security, MS in Big Data Analytics, MS in Data Science and Public Policy, MS in Artificial Intelligence, MS in Software Engineering, MS in Cloud Computing Engineering, plus a Dual Degree MBA/MS track and a Professional Hybrid format for working professionals). These are supplemented by non-degree certificate programs in AI Engineering, Cloud Engineering, and Software Engineering, as well as the Mentora College ESL sub-brand providing language instruction. The university operates four key service centers: the Cyber Edge Innovation Hub (CEIH) for cybersecurity and AI training, the Center for Innovation and Global Entrepreneurship (CIGE) for startup incubation and entrepreneurship, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for faculty development, and the Writing & Skills Center for academic support. Additional products include the MyBAU student portal, BAU Career Academy (Coursera partnership), the Dual Enrollment Program for high school students, and the Virtual Internships Program. The institution's location in downtown Washington, D.C., near the White House, supports its unique positioning for government, policy, and international relations education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mentora College: ESL and specialized professional development programs operated under BAU
• CyberEdge Innovation Hub (CEIH)
• Center for Innovation & Global Entrepreneurship (CIGE)
• Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
• Dolphin Cafe

Products and services

• Undergraduate Degree Programs Accredited bachelor's degree programs delivered on-campus in Washington, D.C. and online, designed for students seeking a U.S. undergraduate credential with career-focused instruction.
• Graduate Degree Programs Accredited master's degree programs offered on-campus and online for working professionals and recent graduates seeking advanced credentials.
• Professional Certificate Programs Non-degree professional certificates aimed at working professionals seeking specialized skills in business, technology, and related fields.
• ESL Programs English language instruction programs designed for international students and adult learners preparing for academic study or professional use of English.
• Virtual Internship Program Online applied-experience program connecting students with remote internship opportunities to complement classroom instruction.

Quantifiable outcome

• 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025New partnership creating opportunities for research, community impact, and student involvement in projects extending beyond borders. Aligned with BAU's mission to cultivate globally minded leaders through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• CourseracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2024BAU signed contract with online course provider Coursera to launch BAU Career Academy and BAU Professional Development Courses. Students and faculty gain access to industry certificates from Google, Meta, IBM, and Intuit, plus 6,900+ online courses from 275+ leading universities and companies. Offered at no cost to the BAU community.
• Virtual InternshipscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2023Partnership connecting BAU students with global virtual internship opportunities. The 12-week program provides access to career coaches, work with global companies, soft skills development, and professional development hub with 12+ courses. President Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran covers portion of fees for eligible students.
• Bahçeşehir University Barbaros LibrarycoreTechnology or IntegrationBAU's primary library research resources are provided electronically through access to Bahçeşehir University's Barbaros Library, containing over 98 major databases licensed from ProQuest, EBSCO, ACM, and IEEE, with access to 35,820+ full text journals and 396,374+ e-books.
• EducationUSAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for webinar series including 'The Power of Data Beyond STEM' helping students explore career and academic opportunities. EducationUSA provides international student recruitment support and credibility for BAU's global programs.
• Raeye Children AidminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership supporting educational and technology opportunities for underserved communities. BAU faculty led hands-on AI, Scratch coding, and cybersecurity sessions for young learners through Dr. Tsige Tessema's leadership.
• NOVA Community CollegecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOngoing transfer pathway partnership with multiple NOVA campuses (Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Woodbridge) enabling seamless transitions for students continuing their education at BAU.
• Global Policy Institute (GPI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPI is a highly regarded think tank headquartered at BAU, with research focusing on energy issues, education, economics, global affairs, and international security. BAU President Paolo von Schirach serves as GPI President.
• DevFest DCstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerBAU served as community sponsor for DevFest DC 2025, a leading forum where developers, architects, technology executives, and innovators explored the future of AI and emerging technologies. BAU students participated in hackathon competitions.
• DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW)strategicGTM or Marketing PartnerBAU served as community sponsor for DCSTW 2025, the DMV's largest startup and tech conference with 9,000+ participants across 200+ activations. BAU students comprised nearly 20% of volunteers and 15% of attendees.
• Cisco and World Wide TechnologystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAU students participated in Cisco & WWT Discovery Week, an immersive program bringing together students from 14 universities to engage with industry leaders and compete in real-world business challenges.
• Tim Tebow Foundation - Night to ShineminorOthersBAU students and faculty volunteered at Night to Shine event, supporting guests with special needs, creating heartfelt cards, and helping ensure positive experiences for participants.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Kaplan International: Global ESL and academic pathway provider serving international students preparing for U.S. higher education. Comparable to BAU's Mentora College ESL subsidiary in target audience (international students needing English preparation) and pathway-to-degree model.

Direct peers

• Marymount University: Small private Catholic university in Arlington, VA, near Washington D.C., offering undergraduate and graduate programs including cybersecurity and IT. Comparable to BAU in size, D.C.-area location, STEM program mix, and small class experience.
• National University: Private non-profit university with a strong online and hybrid learning model serving working professionals, military-connected students, and international learners. Comparable to BAU in mission of accessible higher education, STEM program offerings, and four-week course formats.
• Strayer University: For-profit career-focused university with a strong presence in the D.C. metro area serving working adults and international students with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Directly comparable to BAU in target audience, pricing model, and focus on professional outcomes.
• Southeastern University (Global): Private Christian university with a global online and hybrid division offering career-focused graduate programs. Comparable to BAU in non-traditional student focus, hybrid delivery model, and professional master's offerings.
• University of the Potomac: Private, career-oriented university in Washington D.C. offering undergraduate and graduate programs with significant international student enrollment. Comparable to BAU in size, location, international student focus, and STEM/business program mix.
• Trinity Washington University: Private non-profit university in Washington D.C. serving a diverse student body with undergraduate and graduate programs. Comparable to BAU in private non-profit status, D.C. location, and emphasis on serving diverse and first-generation student populations.

Broad incumbents

• Georgetown University: Elite private research university in Washington D.C. with world-renowned programs in international relations, political science, and business. Comparable to BAU in D.C. location and focus on policy-related programs, but at vastly larger scale and brand recognition.
• American University: Major private research university in Washington D.C. with broad program offerings including international relations, business, and STEM. Comparable to BAU in D.C. location and program mix, but operates at significantly larger scale with greater brand recognition.
• The George Washington University: Major private research university in downtown Washington D.C. with strong offerings in political science, international affairs, business, and engineering. Comparable to BAU in D.C. location and program themes, but at much larger scale and prestige.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BAUIntDC
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKj_p4jGvEp9VxaOwlYEJXA
• Facebookfacebook.com/BayAtlanticUniversity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bay-atlantic-university
• Instagraminstagram.com/bau_dc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bay Atlantic University