Edgewood College
Edgewood College is a private nonprofit university in Madison, WI ranked #790 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,104 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 94.5%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 74.9% first-year retention, and 67.4% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $25,634, about $8,636 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -47.5%, roughly 132.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $53,843. That's about $10,155 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Edgewood College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Edgewood College graduates 67.4% of students within six years and keeps 74.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Edgewood College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $34,850 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,590 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,912 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,450 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.4% of Edgewood College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,926 to $29,049 depending on family income. Use Edgewood College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,982/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $29,049/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $53,843
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,843
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.0%
- Employment Rate 92.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Edgewood College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Edgewood College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Edgewood College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Edgewood College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Edgewood College graduates earn $53,843 median, the -47.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,104
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 74.9%
- Graduation Rate 67.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Edgewood College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Edgewood College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 94.5%, Edgewood College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 94.5% acceptance rate, Edgewood College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Edgewood College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Communication and Media Studies, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 28.1%
- Communication and Media Studies 8.0%
- Business/Commerce, General 8.0%
- Psychology, General 7.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.0%
- Biology, General 6.0%
See more majors
- Education, Other 5.1%
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,487
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $73,014
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $59,580
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $58,481
- 5. Biology, General $57,780
- 6. Communication and Media Studies $55,401
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $49,314
- 8. Psychology, General $48,436
- 9. Education, Other $44,503
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $107,868
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $92,062
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $91,119
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $58,955
- 5. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $57,863
- 6. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $57,386
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $53,277
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $79,487—79% more than Education, Other ($44,503). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $107,868 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Edgewood College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 99 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business/Commerce, General
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Education, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Sociology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Natural Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Physics
- Music
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Social Sciences, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Sustainability Studies
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Sustainability Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (6 programs)▼
- Education, Other
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,104
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 31.9%
- Female Students 68.1%
- Caucasian 76.7%
- Asian 2.4%
- Hispanic 10.1%
- Black 4.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Edgewood College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Edgewood College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Edgewood College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Edgewood College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 76.7% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 68.1% of undergraduates. About 23.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Edgewood College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Edgewood College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Edgewood College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -47.5% ROI. Ranked #790 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,634 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $53,843 median earnings. With 67.4% graduating within six years and 74.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Edgewood College's Positioning
With a B grade and #790 ranking, Edgewood College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,634 annually, Edgewood College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,944 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -47.5% ROI and $53,843 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,634+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Edgewood College ranks #790 of 1966 institutions, with 1010 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.4% six-year graduation rate sits 4.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.9% first-year retention is 1.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -47.5% return on investment is 132.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $53,843 run about 23% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,634 is roughly $5,724 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.0% employment rate within three years sits 23.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,634 is about $5,724 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.4% trails the national share by 10.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Edgewood College—a private nonprofit university in Madison, WI—at B overall. It is currently ranked #790 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
74.9% of learners come back after year one while 67.4% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -47.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,634 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,450.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,816 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $53,843 at the median. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.0%.
The ROI comes in near -47.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
94.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Edgewood College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Madison, WI 53711-1997
- Website www.edgewood.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$66.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.8%