Edward Waters University

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Edward Waters University

  • Overview & Academics

    Edward Waters University (EWU), located in Jacksonville, Florida, is a private, historically Black institution established in 1866. As Florida’s oldest private Black institution, EWU offers a supportive environment devoted to holistic student development. Academic offerings include a range of undergraduate and graduate programs structured in Arts & Sciences, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, and the Social Sciences.

    • Degrees Awarded: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
    • Popular Majors: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Biology, Psychology, Communications, Music, Forensic Science, Social Work
    • Academic Support: Honors Program, tutoring centers, experiential learning, internships
  • Admissions

    EWU practices a holistic admissions process, considering academic achievement and personal merit.

    • Application: Online or via the Common App
    • Requirements: High school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (optional for some students), transcripts, letters of recommendation (recommended for some programs)
    • Rolling Admissions with multiple entry points throughout the year
  • Cost

    EWU is committed to providing affordable access to quality education.

    • Tuition (2023-2024): Approximately $16,000 per year for full-time undergraduates
    • Room & Board: Approximately $9,000 per year
    • Financial Aid: Grants, scholarships, federal and state aid, institutional support available for eligible students
  • Student Population

    EWU enrolls approximately 1,100+ undergraduate and graduate students, maintaining a diverse student body primarily from Florida and the southeastern U.S., with growing representation from other states and countries.

    • Demographics: Predominantly African American; EWU is an HBCU
    • Gender Ratio: Roughly 60% women, 40% men
    • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 16:1
  • Rankings & Distinctions

    • Recognized as Florida’s first HBCU
    • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Consistently rated as a Best Regional College South among HBCUs
    • Named a top HBCU for social mobility and upward economic advancement
  • Campus & Culture

    The historic campus covers 23 acres in downtown Jacksonville, offering residence halls, modern classrooms, STEM labs, a new sports complex, and the historic Centennial Hall. EWU emphasizes rich Black cultural traditions and active community engagement.

    • Regular campus events, cultural celebrations, and speaker series
    • On-campus housing and dining options
    • Active gospel choir, band, and dance troupe
  • Athletics & Traditions

    EWU Tigers compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

    • Men’s and women’s sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Softball
    • Marching Band: The Triple Threat Marching Band is a campus icon, performing at home games and major events
    • Homecoming Week: Annual highlight with parades, step shows, and alumni gatherings
    • School Colors: Orange and Purple
  • Mission

    EWU’s mission is to develop diverse world leaders in a nurturing environment that is academically rigorous and spiritually grounded while preparing students for careers, graduate and professional school, and service to others.

  • Leadership & Current Developments

    • President: Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.
    • Recent campus expansion projects, including a state-of-the-art student center and academic buildings
    • Ongoing initiatives targeting retention, student success, and innovation in online education
  • Programs

    EWU features more than a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs.

    • Bachelor’s degrees: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Biology, Communications, Psychology, Forensic Science, Social Work, Mathematics, Computer Information Systems, Elementary Education, Music, and Organizational Management
    • Master’s degrees: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Education (M.Ed.) with specializations
    • Pre-professional tracks: Pre-law, Pre-med
  • Campus Life

    EWU promotes an engaging and supportive campus life, focusing on leadership, service, and personal growth.

    • On-campus housing for all class levels
    • Active campus ministries and spiritual life
    • Student employment and internship opportunities
    • Recreational sports, intramurals, and wellness programs
    • Lectures, career fairs, and themed social events
  • Student Organizations

    • Student Government Association (SGA)
    • National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Greek-letter organizations
    • Academic clubs: Biology, Business, Media/Journalism, Criminal Justice
    • Cultural organizations, performing arts ensembles, honor societies
    • Community service and leadership groups
  • Admission Stats (Fall 2023)

    • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 60%-70%
    • Average Incoming GPA: 2.8-3.2
    • Test scores: SAT/ACT not required but considered if submitted
    • Enrollment: Over 1,100 students
    • Student Retention Rate (First-Year): ~59%