Edward Waters University
Edward Waters University has an acceptance rate of 85.0%, an average net price of $13,748, and an overall rank of #1715 (Grade C). About 23.4% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $46,610 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Edward Waters University is a private nonprofit university in Jacksonville, FL. Students most often pursue Criminal Justice and Corrections and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 53.8% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 74.2%, roughly 24.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Edward Waters University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Edward Waters University graduates 23.4% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 26.2% and keeps 53.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Edward Waters University'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
Est. annual aid gap: $15,125 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $16,366 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,571 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,332 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,873 |
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 67.2% of Edward Waters University students receive Pell Grants — well above 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 $14,330 to $12,376 depending on family income. Use Edward Waters University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $46,610
- 10-Year Median Earnings $37,946
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $25,801
- Debt-to-Earnings ~55.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 16.7%
- Employment Rate 87.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Edward Waters University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Edward Waters University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Edward Waters University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Edward Waters University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Edward Waters University graduates earn $46,610 median five years after graduation, 24% below the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
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 1,087
- Full-Time Students 93.8%
- Part-Time Students 6.2%
- Retention Rate 53.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 23.4%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 26.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Edward Waters University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Edward Waters University 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 85.0%, Edward Waters University 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 85.0% acceptance rate, Edward Waters University 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 Edward Waters University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 42.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 21.8%
- Biology, General 10.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 10.0%
- Psychology, General 10.0%
- Music 3.6%
See more majors
- Mathematics 0.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 0.0%
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. Criminal Justice and Corrections $47,870
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $44,490
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Criminal Justice and Corrections grads earn $47,870—8% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,490). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Edward Waters University. 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (9 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Music
- Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,087
- Full-Time Students 93.8%
- Part-Time Students 6.2%
- Male Students 53.0%
- Female Students 47.0%
- Caucasian 5.2%
- Asian 0.5%
- Hispanic 4.5%
- Black 84.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 67.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Edward Waters University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Edward Waters University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Edward Waters University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Edward Waters University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Edward Waters University has a diverse student body, with 5.2% identifying as White. 67.2% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Edward Waters University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Edward Waters University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Edward Waters University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 74.2% ROI. Ranked #1715 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $13,748 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $46,610 median earnings. With 23.4% graduating within 150% of normal time and 53.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Edward Waters University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1715 ranking, Edward Waters University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $13,748 annually, Edward Waters University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 53.8% 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 $9,624 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 74.2% ROI and $46,610 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $3,748+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Edward Waters University ranks #1715 of 1955 institutions, with 704 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
- 23.4% graduation rate sits 39.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 53.8% first-year retention is 23.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 74.2% return on investment is 24.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $46,610 run about 24% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $13,748 is roughly $6,133 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 53.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.7% employment rate within three years sits 19.5 points above national outcomes.
- 64.5% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Edward Waters University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C from EDsmart. It stands at #1715 among 1955 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C-, Support C, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 53.8% of first-year students return; 23.4% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 26.2%. Return on investment currently measures 74.2% for this program.
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 $13,748 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,873.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,125 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,801 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 67.2% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $46,610 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 24% lower.
Roughly 87.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 74.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
85.0% 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 Edward Waters University 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Edward Waters University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/edward-waters-university/
MLA (9th): “Edward Waters University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/edward-waters-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Edward Waters University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/edward-waters-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Edward Waters University's acceptance rate?
Edward Waters University's acceptance rate is 85.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Edward Waters University cost?
At Edward Waters University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,748 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $28,873 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $16,366. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Edward Waters University's ranking?
Edward Waters University ranks #1715 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Edward Waters University's graduation rate?
At Edward Waters University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 23.4% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 26.2%, and first-year retention is 53.8%.
What are Edward Waters University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Edward Waters University report median earnings of $46,610 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Edward Waters University's student population?
Edward Waters University enrolls about 1,087 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1658 Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209
- Website www.ew.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$4.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate19.6%