Edward Waters University vs. USC Beaufort

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL with University of South Carolina Beaufort in Bluffton, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Beaufort is larger than Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (2,208 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); University of South Carolina Beaufort is in Bluffton, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; University of South Carolina Beaufort 15:1.

Edward Waters University vs. USC Beaufort Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters University or USC Beaufort? 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 USC Beaufort ($12,029 vs. $15,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Edward Waters University are 32.6% lower than at University of South Carolina Beaufort ($8,571 vs. $12,725).
• Edward Waters University is 52.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Beaufort (about $5,636 more per year; $16,366.00 vs. $10,730.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.1% higher at USC Beaufort than at Edward Waters University (about $5,410 more per year; $21,776.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Edward Waters University than at University of South Carolina Beaufort (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Edward Waters University students is 67.8% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Beaufort students ($14,588 vs. $8,692).

Edward Waters University vs. USC Beaufort Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters University or USC Beaufort? 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 USC Beaufort and Edward Waters University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Beaufort (1030) is 120 points higher than at Edward Waters University (910).
• Incoming USC Beaufort students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Edward Waters University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990; University of South Carolina Beaufort 940/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18; University of South Carolina Beaufort 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; USC Beaufort - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman USC Beaufort students have a 1.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Edward Waters University (2.64).
• Edward Waters University has a higher acceptance rate (84.9%) than USC Beaufort (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3% at Edward Waters University vs. 26.1% at USC Beaufort.

Edward Waters University vs. USC Beaufort Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters University and USC Beaufort? 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).

• University of South Carolina Beaufort's six-year graduation rate (21%) is higher than Edward Waters University's (18%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Beaufort earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More USC Beaufort graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.