Edward Waters University vs. USW

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL with University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Edward Waters University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (1,177 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); University of the Southwest is in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; University of the Southwest 21:1.

Edward Waters University vs. USW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters University or USW? 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 USW ($12,029 vs. $17,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 5.5% lower than at Edward Waters University ($8,100 vs. $8,571).
• University of the Southwest is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Edward Waters University (about $304 more per year; $16,670.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at USW than at Edward Waters University (about $304 more per year; $16,670.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Edward Waters University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Edward Waters University students is 39.8% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($14,588 vs. $10,436).

Edward Waters University vs. USW Admissions comparison

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

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; USW - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Edward Waters University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (2.64) than students at USW (2.63).

Edward Waters University vs. USW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Edward Waters University is the same as at University of the Southwest (18% vs. 18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.