Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Edward Waters University

A bachelor's degree from Edward Waters University's liberal arts program appears to carry higher debt than comparable Florida programs while matching state-typical earnings. Based on peer programs across Florida, graduates might expect around $35,000 in first-year earnings—on par with the state median but roughly $15,000 below what students at UCF or USF are making. Meanwhile, the estimated debt load of $30,600 exceeds both the state median ($25,600) and the national benchmark ($27,000) for these degrees. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates could be spending nearly a full year's salary just to pay off their loans.

For a school where three-quarters of students receive Pell grants, this debt burden matters significantly. Liberal arts degrees are intentionally broad, which can be valuable for certain career paths, but that flexibility doesn't always translate to immediate earning power. The gap between Edward Waters' estimated outcomes and Florida's top performers—some liberal arts grads in the state earn $46,000 to $50,000—suggests the credential alone may not be enough without strategic networking, internships, or graduate school plans.

The key question is whether Edward Waters provides enough institutional support to help students leverage this degree effectively. If your child is set on this path, they'll need a clear plan for translating a general studies degree into career opportunities, and they should explore every avenue to minimize borrowing beyond what these estimates suggest.