Edward Waters University vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; Benedict College 13:1.

Edward Waters University vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters University or Benedict College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Edward Waters University than Benedict College ($12,029 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 16.6% lower than at Edward Waters University ($7,146 vs. $8,571).
• Benedict College is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Edward Waters University (about $1,074 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.6% higher at Benedict College than at Edward Waters University (about $1,074 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Edward Waters University than at Benedict College (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Edward Waters University students is 9.4% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($14,588 vs. $13,335).

Edward Waters University vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters University or Benedict College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Benedict College and Edward Waters University.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Benedict College (920) is 10 points higher than at Edward Waters University (910).
• Incoming Edward Waters University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 16) as students at Benedict College (16).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990; Benedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18; Benedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Edward Waters University (84.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3% at Edward Waters University vs. 8% at Benedict College.

Edward Waters University vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters University and Benedict College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Benedict College's six-year graduation rate (26%) is higher than Edward Waters University's (18%).
• Graduates from Edward Waters University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($27,800 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Edward Waters University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (14% vs. 13%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.