“Florida first HBCU, empowering students through faith, excellence, and community since 1866.”
Edward Waters University is a private, historically Black university (HBCU) located in Jacksonville, Florida, affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Founded in 1866 by AME Church members to educate formerly enslaved people and their children, Edward Waters holds the distinction of being the first independent institution of higher education and the first historically Black college in the state of Florida. Its more than 150 years of history reflect deep roots in the civil rights tradition and a mission centered on educational access, social mobility, and community uplift. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business, cybersecurity, public health, biology, criminal justice, communications, social work, nursing pathways, computer science, and more. Signature graduate programs include the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Public Administration, both delivered fully online. The addition of STEM-adjacent programs such as Forensic Science and Computer and Information Science reflects EWU growing commitment to preparing students for high-demand professional fields alongside its traditional strengths in the liberal arts and humanities. With a total enrollment of approximately 1,175 students, Edward Waters University maintains a close-knit campus community where student success is a shared institutional priority. All first-time-in-college freshmen are required to live on campus, supporting engagement and retention. Located in Jacksonville, Florida largest city, EWU students benefit from proximity to major employers, cultural institutions, and a vibrant civic community. The university is a UNCF member and 95% of students receive some form of financial assistance, making it highly accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Regional Colleges South
US News 2026
Top Performers on Social Mobility
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceRolling Admissions
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year; apply early for priority consideration
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$16,366
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Offers undergraduate and MBA programs preparing students for careers in business, management, and accounting.
Houses foundational programs in communications, biology, mathematics, psychology, criminal justice, music, and forensic science.
Trains future educators and social workers for impactful service-oriented careers.
Expanding division offering STEM and health programs in public health, computer science, sports management, and cybersecurity.
Provides online graduate programs for working professionals in cybersecurity and public administration.
4 years
One of the most popular programs at EWU, preparing graduates for leadership in business, management, and entrepreneurship within a values-driven HBCU environment.
1 years
A fully online, 12-month program addressing the nation growing demand for cybersecurity professionals; STEM-adjacent program potentially qualifying for extended OPT.
4 years
Prepares students for careers in community health, health education, and public health administration, with strong ties to Jacksonville health sector.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $16,366
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
