At $13,580/yr net price, Edward Waters University graduates earn $34,782/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $782/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,580 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,320 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,782/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$782/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 69.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,861/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,887/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,958/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,237/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,001/yr |
The Risk Factor
28.0% of students at Edward Waters University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Edward Waters University presents a concerning financial picture with low earnings outcomes that struggle to justify even its relatively modest costs. The median salary of $34,782 ten years after graduation falls well below national averages, creating a challenging return on investment scenario for most students.
The school's 28% graduation rate compounds the financial risk significantly. With nearly three-quarters of students leaving without degrees, many will face loan payments without the credential needed to access higher-paying careers. The 53% retention rate signals that many students recognize early that the school may not be delivering the value they need.
Your financial aid package will likely be substantial given that 76% of students receive aid, but this primarily reflects the student body's financial need rather than generous merit opportunities. The relatively low net price of $13,580 makes the school accessible, but the poor earnings outcomes mean you could struggle to repay even modest loan amounts.
Edward Waters may work financially if you can attend with minimal debt and have strong local connections in Jacksonville's job market. However, if you're taking on significant loans or hoping for earnings that will support substantial monthly payments, the data suggests you should explore alternatives with stronger graduate outcomes. The school's historically black university status provides cultural value, but the financial metrics alone paint a difficult picture for most career paths.
Consider Edward Waters only if you can afford the full cost without loans or if you have specific career plans that don't require high earnings to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edward Waters University worth the cost?
Edward Waters University has concerning ROI metrics with a 28% graduation rate and median earnings of $34,782 ten years after enrollment. The relatively low net price of $13,580 helps, but the poor graduation rate creates significant financial risk for students who don't complete their degree.
What is the job market like for Edward Waters University graduates?
Edward Waters graduates earn about $34,782 annually ten years after starting college, which is below the national average for college graduates. However, this figure only reflects students who actually graduated, and with a 28% graduation rate, most students don't complete their programs.
How much debt do Edward Waters University students typically have?
While the net price is $13,580 per year, students face major debt risk due to the 28% graduation rate. Students who drop out still carry loan debt but miss out on the earnings boost that comes with completing a degree.
Which programs at Edward Waters University offer the best return on investment?
Edward Waters University's low graduation rate makes it difficult to identify consistently strong programs in terms of ROI. Students should carefully research completion rates and job placement data for their specific major before enrolling.