Edward Waters University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 75% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Edward Waters University is a private nonprofit institution located in Jacksonville, Florida with approximately 1,087 undergraduate students enrolled. Edward Waters University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,649 per year. The graduation rate is 28%, and the typical graduate earns $28,700 within 10 years of enrollment.
Edward Waters University is a private Christian historically Black university in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1866 by members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a school to educate freedmen and their children. It was the first independent institution of higher education and the first historically black college in the State of Florida. It continues to be affiliated with the AME Church and is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: as Florida's oldest HBCU and a school with deep historical significance, it offers an affordable path (average net price of $13,580/year and low median debt of $11,000), and its tight-knit community may appeal to students seeking a faith-grounded, mission-driven environment. However, the 28% graduation rate and 53% freshman retention rate are serious red flags that suggest many students struggle to finish, and median earnings of $28,700 a decade out raise real questions about return on investment. Worth considering if the HBCU experience, Jacksonville location, and AME mission genuinely align with your values — but come in with a clear academic plan and strong support system.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 6% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,087 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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