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Edward Waters University vs Palm Beach Atlantic University

Edward Waters University is a private university in Jacksonville, FL, and Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private university in West Palm Beach, FL. Palm Beach Atlantic University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 82% of applicants against 85% at Edward Waters University. Edward Waters University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,649 a year against $28,354 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. About 57% of students graduate at Palm Beach Atlantic University, compared with 28% at Edward Waters University. Ten years after enrolling, Palm Beach Atlantic University alumni earn a median of about $49,232, against $34,782 for Edward Waters University.

Edward Waters University

Jacksonville, FL · Private

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, FL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Jacksonville, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,087
2,603
Acceptance rate
85%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.25–3.75
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
820–990
950–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
14–18
18–26
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,649
$28,354
Full cost / yr
$26,617
$53,827
In-state tuition
$16,366
$40,650
Out-of-state tuition
$16,366
$40,650
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,380
$25,570
$30k - $48k
$12,113
$25,312
$48k - $75k
$9,743
$25,619
$75k - $110k
$21,661
$26,244
Over $110k
$20,865
$32,786
Outcomes
Graduation rate
28%
57%
Freshman retention
54%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$29,809
$42,366
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,782
$49,232
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
75%
23%
First-generation students
50%
22%
International students
0%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Edward Waters University or Palm Beach Atlantic University harder to get into?
Palm Beach Atlantic University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 85% at Edward Waters University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Edward Waters University or Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Edward Waters University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,649 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,354 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Edward Waters University and Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Before aid, Edward Waters University costs about $26,617 a year and Palm Beach Atlantic University about $53,827. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Edward Waters University or Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Edward Waters University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,380 there, against about $25,570 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Edward Waters University or Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Palm Beach Atlantic University is the larger of the two, with about 2,603 undergraduates against 1,087 at Edward Waters University.
Does Edward Waters University or Palm Beach Atlantic University have a better graduation rate?
Palm Beach Atlantic University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 28% at Edward Waters University.
Do graduates of Edward Waters University or Palm Beach Atlantic University earn more?
Palm Beach Atlantic University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,232 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,782 for Edward Waters University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Edward Waters University and Palm Beach Atlantic University require SAT or ACT scores?
Edward Waters University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Palm Beach Atlantic University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Edward Waters University and Palm Beach Atlantic University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 820–990 at Edward Waters University and 950–1220 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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