Exploring Edward Waters University's Student Population

Edward Waters University (EWU) is a private Christian historically Black university in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1866, it was the first independent institution of higher education and the first historically black college in the State of Florida. As of 2023, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,054 students, with an acceptance rate of 84% and a graduation rate of 30%. EWU's recent growth has been remarkable, with a 30% increase in enrollment since 2019, making it the fastest-growing college or university in Jacksonville and the fastest-growing HBCU in Florida.

Edward Waters University has an enrollment of 1,054 undergraduate students

Edward Waters University (EWU) is a private Christian historically Black university in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1866 by members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) as a school to educate freed slaves and their children. It was the first independent institution of higher education and the first historically black college in the State of Florida.

The university has a current enrollment of 1,054 undergraduate students, an acceptance rate of 84%, and a graduation rate of 30%. EWU's recent growth has been remarkable, with a 30% increase in enrollment since 2019, welcoming its largest-ever class of new students (540) in 2023. This growth has made it the fastest-growing college or university in Jacksonville and the fastest-growing historically black college or university (HBCU) in Florida.

EWU offers bachelor's degrees in eight academic programs, including Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Music, Psychology, or Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Biology, Elementary Education, or Mathematics. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education and preparing students holistically to advance in a global society.

The university's athletic teams, known as the Tigers and the Lady Tigers, compete in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and volleyball. EWU is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

The university's acceptance rate is 84%

Edward Waters University (EWU) is a private Christian historically Black university in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1866 by members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) as a school to educate freed slaves and their children. It was the first independent institution of higher education and the first historically black college in the State of Florida.

The high acceptance rate also reflects the university's dedication to serving the educational needs of the community, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing other institutions. As a historically black college, Edward Waters University has a long-standing tradition of providing educational opportunities for African Americans, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are represented in higher learning.

The 84% acceptance rate further showcases the university's belief in the potential of its students. By offering admission to a large proportion of applicants, the university demonstrates its trust in the ability of its students to succeed and thrive in their chosen academic programmes. This inclusive approach empowers individuals who may have otherwise been denied access to pursue their academic goals and contribute to the rich tapestry of ideas on campus.

Additionally, the university's high acceptance rate contributes to its overall growth and development. With a record growth rate of 30% since 2019, Edward Waters University has experienced a significant increase in its student population. This growth has led to the university becoming the fastest-growing college or university in Jacksonville and the fastest-growing historically black college or university (HBCU) in the State of Florida.

Edward Waters University is Florida's first independent institution of higher learning

Edward Waters University (EWU) is Florida's first independent institution of higher learning. It was founded in 1866 by members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) as a school to educate freed slaves and their children. It was the first historically black college in the State of Florida and is located in Jacksonville, Florida.

The AME Church was the first independent black denomination in the United States, founded in 1816 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After the Civil War, it sent many missionaries to the South to establish AME churches. The first African Methodist Episcopal pastor in the state, William G. Steward, originally named the college Brown Theological Institute. Charles H. Pearce also helped establish an educational institution for the AME church in Jacksonville.

The school closed for most of the 1870s due to financial difficulties. It reopened in 1883 as "East Florida Conference High School", later changing its name to “East Florida Scientific and Divinity High School.” The curriculum was expanded over the next ten years, and in 1892, the school was renamed for Edward Waters, the third bishop of the AME Church.

The original Edward Waters University campus was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1901. The college obtained new land in 1904 and began constructing a new facility. Edward Waters was accredited as a junior college in 1955 under President William B. Stewart, and by 1960, it had restored its four-year curriculum. In 1979, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredited Edward Waters as a four-year institution, and it began awarding bachelor's degrees.

Today, Edward Waters University offers bachelor's degrees in several academic programs, including the arts, sciences, and business. It is a small institution with an enrollment of around 769-1054 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 84%. The university is committed to providing accessible and innovative education, partnering with organisations like Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) to provide faculty funding opportunities and utilising AI technology in various courses.

The university's graduation rate is 30%

Edward Waters University (EWU) is a private Christian historically Black university in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1866 by members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) as an educational institution for freed slaves and their children. It was Florida's first independent higher education institution and the state's first historically Black college.

The university has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a record increase in enrolment since 2019. In 2023, it welcomed its largest-ever class of new students, with 540 enrolments. This growth is reflected in the university's transition from 'college' to 'university' in 2021, signalling its expanding student body and academic offerings.

EWU offers a range of bachelor's degree programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Music, Psychology, and Criminal Justice, and the Bachelor of Science in Biology, Elementary Education, and Mathematics. The university's acceptance rate is 84%, making it accessible to many students.

The university's athletic teams, known as the Tigers and the Lady Tigers, compete in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and volleyball. EWU's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident through its support for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

In summary, while EWU's graduation rate of 30% may be a result of various factors, the university's rich history, growth in enrolment, and commitment to the advancement of Black students in higher education are notable achievements. The university continues to strive for excellence and positively impact the lives of its students.

Edward Waters University is a private Christian historically Black university

The university has a strong history of and commitment to the education of Black Americans. It offers eight bachelor's degree programs, including Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Music, Psychology, or Criminal Justice; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Elementary Education or Mathematics; and Bachelor of Business Administration.

Edward Waters University has seen significant growth in recent years, with an increase in enrollment of almost 30% since 2019. In 2023, it welcomed its largest-ever class of new students, with 540 freshmen. The university's total enrollment is now close to 1,200 students, with an acceptance rate of 84%.

The school has a rich heritage, having transitioned from a college to a university in 2021, and continues to be affiliated with the AME Church. It is known for its supportive community and family-like environment, providing a holistic education that prepares students to advance in a global society.

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