Edward Waters University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Edward Waters University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters University or Columbia 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 Columbia College ($12,029 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Edward Waters University are 8.7% lower than at Columbia College ($8,571 vs. $9,390).
• Columbia College is 35.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Edward Waters University (about $5,848 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.7% higher at Columbia College than at Edward Waters University (about $5,848 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Edward Waters University than at Columbia College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 12.8% larger than aid received by Edward Waters University students ($16,451 vs. $14,588).

Edward Waters University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters University or Columbia 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 Columbia College and Edward Waters University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 90 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 Columbia College (16).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.92 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Edward Waters University (2.64).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Edward Waters University (84.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3% at Edward Waters University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Edward Waters University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters University and Columbia 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Edward Waters University's (18%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 14%)

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.