When Floridians are looking for the top colleges and universities in the state, they often find themselves faced with a crucial decision. While college education can be quite costly, parents naturally want the best possible education for their children. In Florida, however, families might be tempted to stay in-state because of the Bright Futures scholarship program.
The University of Florida consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the nation. However, have you ever wondered about the school that is considered the “worst”?
Why Did Edward Waters College Earn the Title of Florida’s “Worst”?
In the summer of 2023, Alot Finance labeled Edward Waters College in Jacksonville as the 8th “worst” college in the nation. This title was given due to several factors, including a graduation rate of under 20% and a high student loan default rate of over 21%.
U.S. News + World Report previously ranked Edward Waters as the 66th best southern regional college in the nation. In terms of SAT or ACT testing scores, there is no data available because the school does not require them. However, the data does show that Edward Waters has an acceptance rate of 80%.
Edward Waters College: A Rich History and Renowned Programs
Nobody likes to be labeled as the “worst” in any category, which is why it’s crucial to shift our attention to the valuable contributions and exceptional history of Edward Waters College.
Edward Waters College was established in 1866 with the aim of providing education to former enslaved individuals, as reported by WFSU. This institution has a rich history and is recognized for its exceptional football program, renowned choir, and remarkable marching band.
Close associates of the college provide reasons for its lower graduation rates – a significant number of students are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
According to Nathanial Glover, the former school president from 2010 to 2018, he emphasized the importance of student attendance, stating that any amount of attendance can be beneficial for students.
“We’re better off being here than not being here because some of these students would never see the light of day if they didn’t have Edward Waters College…If we can get them any level of college education, then that’s going to minimize the chances of them ending up on the unemployment roll, it’s going to minimize the chances of them ending up in some social program, and it’s going to, in the long run, almost eliminate the chance of them going to our criminal justice system.”
I am not associated with any colleges or universities.
