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 shows a weak financial return that you need to weigh carefully. Median earnings ten years out sit below what many high school graduates earn, and that number reflects a real ceiling on what your degree here has historically paid back. When you set that against the annual net price, the math is tight even though the sticker cost is low for a private nonprofit.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. With barely over a quarter of students graduating and just over half returning after their first year, the odds that you leave with debt and no degree are high. That is the worst financial outcome possible: you pay the price without the credential that raises earnings. No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so you cannot assume any specific major here pays off better than another. Treat any program claim you hear elsewhere with skepticism until you see the numbers.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay more than families earning under $30,000, and families over $110,000 pay roughly $20,000 a year. Lower-income families get the best deal here, but "best" still means paying close to $13,000 annually toward a degree with modest earnings behind it.
This school fits you if you are committed to graduating no matter what, value the specific mission and community of a small Jacksonville HBCU, and can keep borrowing minimal. If you are choosing mainly on financial return, look elsewhere. The combination of low earnings, low completion, and a net price that climbs sharply for middle- and upper-income families makes it hard to justify on dollars alone. Borrow as little as you can and confirm your intended program's actual job outcomes before you enroll.
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.