Edward Waters University provides exceptional access to higher education for students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds, with net prices that make private education affordable for families who might otherwise be excluded.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates achieve better financial results than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's educational value within its mission and resources.
Edward Waters University is a small private nonprofit institution in Jacksonville, Florida, that serves as an important access point for students who might not otherwise attend college. The university enrolls a student body where more than 75% receive Pell Grants and about 50% are first-generation college students, reflecting its mission to serve underrepresented populations. While Edward Waters faces challenges with completion rates and long-term earnings outcomes, it provides an affordable private education option with net prices well below typical private institutions.
The university's affordability stands out significantly, with low-income students paying around $12,861 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of about $15,958 per year. These prices make Edward Waters accessible to families who might struggle to afford other private institutions. However, graduates earn a median of $34,782 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings outcomes.
As a historically Black university, Edward Waters serves an important role in higher education access, particularly in Florida. The institution combines the personal attention of a small private college with pricing that competes with public universities, though families should understand that financial returns may be more modest compared with other institutional options.
Edward Waters University operates with a limited program portfolio that reflects its small size and mission focus. Without detailed program-level data available, the institution appears to concentrate on foundational undergraduate programs typical of small liberal arts colleges. The modest earnings outcomes suggest that most programs lead to careers in education, social services, and other fields that provide important community value but generate lower financial returns.
The university's approach emphasizes broad access and foundational education rather than specialized high-earning programs. This mission-driven focus serves students who might not otherwise attend college, though it results in more modest financial outcomes compared with institutions that concentrate on business, technology, or other high-return fields. For students who complete their degrees, the positive value-added performance indicates that Edward Waters provides meaningful educational value within its resource constraints.
Families considering Edward Waters should understand that the institution prioritizes access and affordability over maximum earnings potential. The university serves an important role in providing educational opportunities for underserved populations, though students should have realistic expectations about long-term financial outcomes and consider how the institution's mission aligns with their personal and career goals.
Edward Waters University graduates earn a median of $34,782 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution well below national averages for long-term earnings. However, the university does show some positive value-added performance, with graduates earning about $13,550 more than similar students at comparable institutions might be expected to earn. This suggests that while absolute earnings are modest, the institution provides meaningful educational value relative to its student population and resources.
The earnings outcomes reflect both the university's mission and the challenges facing many small private institutions serving high-need populations. With only 33 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution produces fewer high-earning alumni compared with larger universities or those with different program mixes. The completion rate of about 28% at six years also affects the overall earnings picture, as students who don't complete their degrees typically see lower financial returns.
For students who do graduate, the financial trajectory shows steady but modest growth over time. While the absolute earnings levels are lower than at many institutions, the positive value-added performance indicates that Edward Waters is helping students achieve better outcomes than they might at similar institutions, even if those outcomes remain below national medians.
Edward Waters University stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $12,861 per year, middle-income families see annual costs around $15,958, and even high-income families pay just $20,001 annually. These net prices place Edward Waters well below typical private nonprofit institutions and competitive with many public universities, making private education accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out.
The university's financial aid approach appears designed to maximize access rather than revenue, with more than 75% of students receiving Pell Grants and substantial institutional aid helping to bridge the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay. The federal loan default rate of 0% suggests that while earnings may be modest, graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages about $8,300, a relatively modest level that reflects both the institution's low net prices and the financial circumstances of families it serves. The combination of low net prices and manageable debt levels creates a financial structure that prioritizes accessibility, though families should balance this affordability against the institution's more modest earnings outcomes when making enrollment decisions.
Edward Waters University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
