Edward Waters University vs Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU)

Edward Waters University and Mississippi Valley State University, both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), offer unique educational experiences to their students. Edward Waters, located in Jacksonville, Florida, has an acceptance rate of 48%, while Mississippi Valley State, situated in Itta Bena, Mississippi, has an acceptance rate of 58%. Edward Waters is known for its strong programs in business, education, and nursing, while Mississippi Valley State excels in agriculture, engineering, and social sciences. Edward Waters has a student body that is predominantly female (63%), while Mississippi Valley State's student body is evenly split between males and females. Both universities offer a supportive and nurturing environment for their students, with graduation rates of 30% and 25% respectively. To help you make an informed decision about which university is the right fit for you, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these and other key differences between Edward Waters University and Mississippi Valley State University.

	Edward Waters University	Mississippi Valley State University
Overview
Location	Jacksonville, Florida	Itta Bena, Mississippi
Campus setting	City: Large	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	56.0%	59.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Methodism

Admission
Acceptance rate	80.1%	78.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	14 - 18
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score		74.0%
Total number of applicants	6,254	3,155
Total number of admissions given out	5,010	2,480
Admitted students who chose to enroll	344	199
Yield rate	6.9%	8.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$28,146	$22,070
Average net price	$13,228	$10,320
Tuition	$14,658	$7,048
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $3,788 Meal plan: $4,222	Room/dormitory: $4,386 Meal plan: $3,612
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $13,261	98.0% Average amount $9,995
Students receiving federal student loan	69.0% Average amount $5,675	72.0% Average amount $5,764
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	9.0% Average amount $7,608

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,840 Men 49.6% Women 50.4%	1,714 Men 42.2% Women 57.8%
Graduate students	31 Men 45.2% Women 54.8%	350 Men 32.6% Women 67.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	0.1%	N/A
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	597	944
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Law Enforcement and Firefighting Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Education Psychology	Education Business Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Public Administration and Social Service Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	27.6%	27.1%
Dropout rate	70.1%	71.5%
Transferred out	2.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,378 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $38,586 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $30,211 Year 2: $33,007 Year 3: $32,318 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $31,600 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,850 Year 3: $27,434 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,019 Year 3: $26,830 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $22,192 Year 3: $25,417 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $19,592 Year 3: $24,101 Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $17,334 Year 3: $19,675 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: N/A Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Edward Waters University (EWU) and Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU)?

Edward Waters University, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is a private, historically Black university with a strong focus on liberal arts and preparing students for leadership roles. Mississippi Valley State University, situated in Itta Bena, Mississippi, is a public, historically Black university known for its emphasis on education, agriculture, and technology. EWU tends to have a smaller student body and a more intimate campus environment compared to MVSU.
Where are Edward Waters University and Mississippi Valley State University located?

Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, Florida, a major metropolitan area offering diverse cultural and professional opportunities. Mississippi Valley State University is located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, a more rural setting in the Mississippi Delta region.
What types of academic programs do EWU and MVSU offer?

Both EWU and MVSU offer a range of undergraduate programs. EWU is known for its liberal arts programs, business administration, and criminal justice. MVSU has strong programs in education, agriculture, biology, and computer science. MVSU also offers some graduate programs, while EWU's graduate offerings are more limited.
What is the student body size and campus environment like at each university?

Edward Waters University has a smaller student body, typically around 1,000 students, fostering a close-knit community. Mississippi Valley State University has a larger student body, generally between 2,000 and 3,000 students, offering a more diverse campus experience. EWU's campus is located in an urban setting, while MVSU's campus is in a rural environment.
What are the tuition and fees like at Edward Waters University compared to Mississippi Valley State University?

Generally, as a private institution, Edward Waters University tends to have a higher tuition rate than Mississippi Valley State University, which is a public university. However, the total cost of attendance can vary depending on financial aid packages and individual circumstances. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at EWU and MVSU?

Both Edward Waters University and Mississippi Valley State University offer various financial aid options, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships. They also have institutional scholarships based on academic merit, talent, and other criteria. It's recommended to explore the financial aid sections of their respective websites and contact their financial aid offices for personalized guidance.
What are the athletic programs like at Edward Waters University and Mississippi Valley State University?

Both EWU and MVSU are members of the NCAA Division I and participate in intercollegiate athletics. EWU competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), while MVSU competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Both universities offer a variety of sports, including football, basketball, track and field, and volleyball. MVSU is particularly known for its strong football program.
What student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both EWU and MVSU offer a range of student life activities, including student government, clubs and organizations, Greek life, and cultural events. EWU, being in a larger city, provides access to more off-campus entertainment and cultural opportunities. MVSU, while in a rural setting, fosters a strong sense of community through campus-based activities and events.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at EWU and MVSU?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and career development. They also have alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and support after graduation. The strength and reach of the alumni networks may vary depending on the specific program and industry.
Which university is a better fit for me: Edward Waters University or Mississippi Valley State University?

The best university for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as location, academic programs, campus environment, cost, and extracurricular activities. If you prefer a smaller, private university in a metropolitan area with a focus on liberal arts, EWU might be a good fit. If you prefer a larger, public university in a rural setting with strong programs in education, agriculture, and technology, MVSU might be a better choice. Visiting both campuses and speaking with current students and faculty can help you make an informed decision.

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