Edward Waters University: 83.5% Acceptance Rate

83.5%Acceptance

$14,878Tuition

1,113Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,782Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24HBCUAfrican Methodist Episcopal

About Edward Waters University

Edward Waters University carries deep roots as a historically black institution founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1866. With 1,113 students on its Jacksonville campus, this private university maintains its mission of helping African American students in Florida's largest city. The school accepts 83.5% of applicants, making it accessible to students seeking a supportive HBCU environment. Edward Waters has built its reputation around small class sizes and strong community bonds within the AME tradition.

Students pay an average net price of $13,580 after financial aid, with 75.6% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $34,782 ten years after graduation, which creates challenges for loan repayment given that only 16.7% of borrowers successfully pay down their debt. The low earnings relative to college costs signal potential financial strain for graduates. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,861 net price, making the university particularly affordable for low-income families.

The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with 421 student-athletes across 12 sports, receiving $1.8 million in athletic scholarships. However, only 28% of students graduate within six years, and just 53.4% return for their sophomore year. The campus houses 596 students, creating an intimate environment where 84% of students are Black and 83% come from Florida.

Academics & Faculty

Edward Waters University focuses on liberal arts education within the HBCU tradition, emphasizing personal development alongside academic achievement. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors for the 1,113 students enrolled. However, the 29% four-year graduation rate and 53% retention rate suggest many students face challenges completing their degrees on time. The university has historically emphasized teacher education, business, and criminal justice programs. As an African Methodist Episcopal institution, it integrates faith-based values into its curriculum. Students receive significant financial support, with 76% getting aid and an average net price of $13,580, making it accessible despite academic support challenges.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 29.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.0%
Retention Rate: 53.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,782
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Edward Waters sits in Jacksonville, Florida's urban core where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen is a year-round essential. The campus houses 596 students in residence halls, meaning about half the 1,113 enrolled Tigers live on campus. The African Methodist Episcopal heritage shapes daily rhythms with chapel services and community service woven into campus life.

Students gather strength from being part of an 84% Black student body at this historically Black institution. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're struggling. Weekends revolve around Tiger athletics, with 421 student-athletes competing across 12 NCAA Division II sports. Jacksonville's beaches are a short drive away, and the city's music scene draws students downtown. The 53% retention rate reflects real challenges many first-generation college students face here. Those who persist find tight-knit community bonds and mentorship that extends beyond graduation. Campus traditions center on homecoming celebrations and the annual founders' day observance honoring AME Church roots.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 596 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	2	0	4
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	4
Dating Violence	2	0	0
Rape	1	1	0
Robbery	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 47°–65°F
July Avg: 76°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Edward Waters draws primarily from Florida, with 83% of students coming from in-state. The student body is 84% Black, reflecting the university's mission as a historically Black institution founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The slight male majority at 53% aligns with strong programs in business and athletics. This creates a tight-knit community where students share similar backgrounds and the university's focus on uplifting underserved populations through Christian-centered education.

Men: 52.7%
Women: 47.3%
White: 4.9%
Black: 84.0%
Hispanic: 2.0%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 83.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 75.6%

Location

Edward Waters University sits in Jacksonville, Florida's urban core. With over 900,000 residents, Jacksonville ranks as Florida's largest city by population and covers 840 square miles. The campus lies just minutes from downtown Jacksonville and about 140 miles north of Orlando. Students experience life in a major metropolitan area with access to the St. Johns River, Atlantic beaches 20 miles east, and a growing job market in finance, logistics, and healthcare. Jacksonville's diverse economy provides internship and career opportunities across multiple industries. The city blends Southern charm with coastal Florida culture. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Edward Waters University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Jacksonville, Florida 32209

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,782
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,939
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Edward Waters University?

Edward Waters University admits 83.54% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. As a historically black university founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the school focuses on providing educational opportunities to underserved communities.

How much does Edward Waters University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,580 per year at Edward Waters University. With 75.57% of students receiving financial aid and many qualifying for Pell Grants, the school works to keep education affordable for its predominantly low-income student body.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Edward Waters University?

Edward Waters University maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,113 total students enrolled. The small size allows for personalized attention in a close-knit campus community where faculty know students by name.

What are the graduation rates at Edward Waters University?

The university has a 29.07% four-year graduation rate and 28% six-year graduation rate. Many students face financial challenges that can extend their time to degree, but graduates earn a median salary of $34,782 ten years after enrollment.

Where do students live at Edward Waters University?

The campus housing capacity is 596 students, covering about half of the 1,113 total enrollment. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, students experience the active culture of a large city while being part of a tight-knit HBCU community.

Does Edward Waters University have strong athletics programs?

The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 421 total athletes. The university invests $1,790,517 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to both academic and athletic excellence in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.