Edgewood College

With a negative ROI score of -58, prospective students should carefully consider the long-term financial implications of attending Edgewood College, as median earnings do not strongly justify the debt incurred.

The graduation rate at Edgewood College is 64.0%.

Edgewood College has an admission rate of 75.7%, indicating it is not highly selective.

The median earnings for Edgewood College graduates 10 years after entry are $59,728.

The median debt at graduation for students at Edgewood College is $24,424.

Edgewood College has an acceptance rate of approximately 75.7%, classifying it as a moderately selective institution. This means that out of every 100 applicants, about 76 are offered admission. While not highly competitive, it's important for prospective students to present a solid academic profile. This typically includes a strong high school GPA, a well-rounded curriculum, and potentially standardized test scores (though many colleges are test-optional). To improve your chances of admission, focus on maintaining good grades throughout high school, participating in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment, and writing a compelling personal essay that highlights your unique qualities and reasons for choosing Edgewood. Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors can also bolster your application. While the acceptance rate suggests accessibility, a thoughtful and complete application is still crucial for a successful outcome.

Evaluating Edgewood College's financial worth requires a close look at its cost versus potential return. With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of $35,860 and a median debt of $24,424, the financial commitment is significant. The median 10-year earnings for graduates stand at $59,728. This creates a notable gap, especially when considering the ROI score of -58, which suggests a negative return on investment over time. To illustrate, if a graduate earns $59,728 annually, it would take roughly 10 years of their salary, after accounting for living expenses and loan interest, to simply cover the initial tuition cost, let alone the debt. While some programs might yield higher salaries, the aggregate data indicates that Edgewood College is not a financially advantageous choice for many students. It's crucial for prospective students to research specific program outcomes and consider if the career opportunities and earning potential justify the cost and debt incurred.

While Edgewood College offers a range of programs, certain majors tend to align better with strong job market demand and higher earning potential in the Madison area. Programs within the School of Health Sciences, such as Nursing and Health Information Management, are often strong choices, given the significant healthcare sector in Madison (UW Health, SSM Health). Graduates in these fields typically find robust employment opportunities and competitive salaries. The School of Business offers degrees in areas like Marketing and Management, which can lead to roles in the region's insurance and financial services industries. For those interested in technology, Computer Science and Information Technology programs can position graduates for roles in the growing tech scene, including companies like Exact Sciences. Education majors are also likely to find consistent demand within Wisconsin's school districts. Prospective students should research specific curriculum, faculty expertise, and internship opportunities within each major to make the most informed decision.

Student life at Edgewood College is characterized by its intimate campus setting and a strong sense of community, fostered by its relatively small size of 1,107 students. Located on the shores of Lake Wingra in Madison, the campus offers a picturesque environment conducive to focused study and engagement. The college emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong Franciscan tradition, promoting values of service, community, and compassion. Students can get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and cultural groups to athletic teams (NCAA Division III) and volunteer initiatives. The campus hosts regular events, lectures, and cultural activities, enriching the student experience. Given its location in Madison, students also have access to the broader cultural, recreational, and social opportunities of a vibrant state capital, including festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities. The atmosphere is generally described as friendly, supportive, and engaged, with opportunities for both on-campus involvement and exploration of the surrounding city.

Edgewood College is committed to making education accessible and offers a range of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of attendance. A significant portion of students receive some form of financial assistance. Aid packages typically include a combination of federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans. Institutional scholarships are often merit-based, awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or specific talents, while others may be need-based. Federal aid includes Pell Grants for low-income students and federal student loans. The college also participates in Wisconsin's tuition grant programs. To determine eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Edgewood College's financial aid office works with students to create personalized aid packages, and prospective students are encouraged to contact them directly to discuss specific costs, available aid, and the application process. While specific average aid amounts fluctuate annually, the college aims to support students in financing their education.

The median earnings for Edgewood College graduates 10 years after enrollment is reported at $59,728. However, salary expectations can vary significantly based on the chosen major and the specific industry entered. Graduates from high-demand fields like Nursing or Health Information Management are likely to earn at or above this median, potentially reaching into the $70,000-$90,000 range within a decade, especially with experience and in specialized roles within Madison's robust healthcare sector. Business and Marketing graduates might expect starting salaries in the $40,000-$55,000 range, with potential to grow into the $60,000-$80,000 bracket depending on the company and role. Computer Science and IT graduates could see starting salaries in the $50,000-$65,000 range, with strong potential for growth into six figures in the tech industry. Conversely, majors with less direct vocational pathways might see earnings closer to or below the median. It's crucial for students to research specific salary data for their intended major and career path.

Edgewood College offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to support student success and community building. The college typically houses first-year students in traditional residence halls, fostering an environment where new students can easily connect and acclimate to college life. These halls usually provide standard amenities such as common lounges, study areas, and shared bathrooms. As students progress, they may have the opportunity to move into apartment-style living or suite-style accommodations, offering more independence and privacy. Specific residence halls like Predolin Hall, Queen of Peace Hall, and St. Joseph's Hall house undergraduate students, each offering slightly different configurations and community focuses. All on-campus housing provides essential services like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and resident advisor support. The college emphasizes creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment that complements the academic experience, encouraging students to build relationships and develop a sense of belonging within the Edgewood community.

Edgewood College, as a liberal arts institution, provides opportunities for undergraduate research, though perhaps not on the scale of large research universities. The college emphasizes faculty-mentored research, allowing students to engage in scholarly inquiry alongside professors. This often occurs within specific departments, particularly in STEM fields like biology, chemistry, and environmental science, where students might assist faculty with ongoing projects, conduct independent studies, or participate in summer research programs. The close faculty-to-student ratio is a significant advantage, enabling personalized guidance and deeper involvement in research activities. While Edgewood may not have extensive graduate research programs or large-scale research facilities, the focus is on providing undergraduates with valuable hands-on research experience that can prepare them for graduate school or research-oriented careers. Students interested in research should actively seek out faculty mentors and inquire about specific departmental opportunities.

Edgewood College is a private, liberal arts college in Madison, WI, with a student body of around 1,100. It competes with other private, religiously affiliated (often Catholic) liberal arts colleges in Wisconsin and the surrounding Midwest. Realistic peers include Marian University, Mount Mary University, and Carroll University. Compared to these institutions, Edgewood often benefits from its prime Madison location, offering access to a larger and more diverse job market, particularly in healthcare and technology, than schools situated in smaller towns. Its tuition is generally comparable to these private peers, but its median earnings and ROI score are notably lower, suggesting a less favorable financial return. While Edgewood offers a strong sense of community and personalized attention typical of smaller colleges, its graduation rate (64.0%) is somewhat lower than some competitors, potentially indicating challenges in student retention or completion. Its advantages lie in its urban setting and specific program strengths, while disadvantages include its financial value proposition and potentially less robust alumni network compared to larger universities.

Employers in the Madison, Wisconsin area generally hold a positive view of graduates from Edgewood College, particularly those from programs with strong local demand, such as nursing and education. The college's emphasis on a liberal arts foundation, coupled with practical experiences like internships, equips graduates with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills valued by employers. The Franciscan tradition also instills a sense of ethical responsibility and community engagement, which can be attractive qualities. Companies like UW Health, SSM Health, and local school districts frequently hire Edgewood alumni, indicating employer recognition of the quality of education provided in these fields. While Edgewood may not have the widespread national brand recognition of larger universities, its reputation within Wisconsin, and especially in the Madison metropolitan area, is solid. Employers appreciate the well-rounded education and the practical skills Edgewood graduates bring to the workforce, contributing to their employability within the region.