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Edward Waters University: Jax FL Waters College Admin Bldg02
Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

Edward Waters University

Jacksonville, FL · Private nonprofit · 4-year · African Methodist Episcopal Church · Methodist and Wesleyan

Real cost

Average price after aid $13,649 a year

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Edward Waters University is a historically Black university in Jacksonville, Florida, whose mission is described in keeping with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Its Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and religious interest groups; the office's chapel times and staff are not clearly published, and no Bible or theology course is required of all students.

Academic Excellence

C+Academic Excellence: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
37 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.28%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.54%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$4,916

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

  • Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizations: A few (The campus ministry facilitates religious interest groups.)
  • Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian mission: Yes
  • Chapel services during the week: Once a week (Weekly chapel services are stated.)
  • Campus pastors or chaplains serving students: Part-time (A chaplain is listed in the handbook without a name. The Student Success page shows the Director position as vacant; the official pages conflict (see gaps).)
  • Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: None required (The humanities requirement is choose two from a list. Introduction to Biblical Studies is one option; no Bible or theology course is required of all students.)
  • Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: One choice among others (Introduction to Biblical Studies (REL 2200) is one choice among other humanities courses. Its Old and New Testament content was not checked against a course description.)
  • Bible, theology or ministry major offered: No (The undergraduate programs list does not include a Bible, theology or ministry major. Ministry and religion appear only at the graduate level, not checked here.)
  • Service or outreach office: Yes (A Community Service office is listed in the campus directory.)
  • Service hours or service-learning in the curriculum: Available (Service-learning opportunities are promoted by the First and Second Year Experience office; not stated as required of all students.)
N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 2 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Weekly chapel services are stated.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Campus Ministry and Church Relations seeks to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and care to the University at large by providing weekly chapel services, facilitating religious interest groups and religious programming.”
      The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (A chaplain is listed in the handbook without a name. The Student Success page shows the Director position as vacant; the official pages conflict (see gaps).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Campus Ministry and Church Relations - Chaplain – George N. Collins Student Center”
      A campus ministry chaplain is listed at the George N. Collins Student Center.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
N/ABible and theology: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Bible and theology

Not enough information · 1 of 6 found

  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (The humanities requirement is choose two from a list. Introduction to Biblical Studies is one option; no Bible or theology course is required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Studies Department | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/general-studies-department · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Humanities (6 Hours) - Choose two of the following”
      Humanities general education is satisfied by choosing two courses from a list, one of which is Introduction to Biblical Studies.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (Introduction to Biblical Studies (REL 2200) is one choice among other humanities courses. Its Old and New Testament content was not checked against a course description.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Studies Department | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/general-studies-department · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Humanities (6 Hours) - Choose two of the following”
      Humanities general education is satisfied by choosing two courses from a list, one of which is Introduction to Biblical Studies.
      “Introduction to Biblical Studies REL 2200 3”
      REL 2200, Introduction to Biblical Studies, is one humanities option.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredNo (The undergraduate programs list does not include a Bible, theology or ministry major. Ministry and religion appear only at the graduate level, not checked here.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Programs | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/academic-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Bachelor of Arts in Psychology”
      The undergraduate programs listed do not include a Bible, theology or ministry major.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 2 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (The campus ministry facilitates religious interest groups.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Campus Ministry and Church Relations seeks to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and care to the University at large by providing weekly chapel services, facilitating religious interest groups and religious programming.”
      The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Campus Ministry and Church Relations seeks to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and care to the University at large by providing weekly chapel services, facilitating religious interest groups and religious programming.”
      The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 2 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (A Community Service office is listed in the campus directory.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Community Service – CETL - Tyler Street”
      A Community Service office is listed in the campus directory.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Service-learning opportunities are promoted by the First and Second Year Experience office; not stated as required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “promoting participation in student activities, student organizations, and service learning”
      The First and Second Year Experience office promotes service-learning opportunities.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Strengths

  • The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Campus Ministry and Church Relations seeks to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and care to the University at large by providing weekly chapel services, facilitating religious interest groups and religious programming.”
      The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.
  • The university's mission is stated in keeping with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
    Sources (1)
    1. About EWU | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/about-ewu · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “an environment that emphasizes high moral and spiritual values in keeping with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.”
      The university's mission is stated in keeping with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
  • A Community Service office is listed in the campus directory, and service-learning opportunities are promoted to first- and second-year students.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “promoting participation in student activities, student organizations, and service learning”
      The First and Second Year Experience office promotes service-learning opportunities.
      “Community Service – CETL - Tyler Street”
      A Community Service office is listed in the campus directory.

Concerns

  • The Director of Campus Ministry and Church Relations position is listed as vacant on the Student Success page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Success & Engagement | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/sse · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Director of Campus Ministry and Church Relations – Vacant”
      The Director of Campus Ministry and Church Relations position is listed as vacant.
  • No Bible or theology course is required of all students. Introduction to Biblical Studies is one humanities option.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Studies Department | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/general-studies-department · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Humanities (6 Hours) - Choose two of the following”
      Humanities general education is satisfied by choosing two courses from a list, one of which is Introduction to Biblical Studies.
      “Introduction to Biblical Studies REL 2200 3”
      REL 2200, Introduction to Biblical Studies, is one humanities option.
  • Weekly chapel services are stated.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Campus Ministry and Church Relations seeks to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and care to the University at large by providing weekly chapel services, facilitating religious interest groups and religious programming.”
      The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry and Church Relations

  • Address: 1658 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: ew.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, ew.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Student Handbook and Planner, Edward Waters Universityew.edu/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2026/04/Student-Handbook-and-Planner-ACCESS-FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Campus Ministry and Church Relations seeks to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and care to the University at large by providing weekly chapel services, facilitating religious interest groups and religious programming.”
    The Campus Ministry and Church Relations office provides weekly chapel services and facilitates religious interest groups.
  2. Student Success & Engagement | Edward Waters Universityew.edu/sse · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Director of Campus Ministry and Church Relations – Vacant”
    The Director of Campus Ministry and Church Relations position is listed as vacant.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$12,380
$30,001–$48,000$12,113
$48,001–$75,000$9,743
$75,001–$110,000$21,661
Over $110,000$20,865

Full cost of attendance before aid: $26,617 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,113
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 53% · Women 47%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
50%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
13%
Total students1,175
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$13,649
Cost of attendance (per year)$26,617
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
28%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
17%
First-year retention54%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$34,782
Admission rate85%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Priority filing deadline
College website, 2026-27
June 30
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,382 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants75%

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business53%
Criminal justice and security22%
Biology10%
Psychology9%
Communication5%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates6%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older14%
On-campus room and board (per year)$8,571
SportsNCAA Division II · Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Students per faculty member14 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 5%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$3,731IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 54% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceJacksonville International Airport (JAX)About 10 miles away · about 25 minutes by car
Town population977,670Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreJacksonvilleIn or next to this city
Typical weather56°F in January · 84°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Jacksonville Nas, FL, about 8 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.850.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Edward Waters University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miCampus Ministry and Church Relations: 0.2 miEdward Waters University (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Edward Waters University a Christian college?
Yes. Edward Waters University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is African Methodist Episcopal Church.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 133526
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): African Methodist Episcopal
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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