Edgewood College logo

Edgewood College

Accept Rate
94.52%
Grad Rate
65%
Enrollment
1,104
Tuition
$34,850
Median Salary
$59,728
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Edgewood College offers a tight-knit, supportive community nestled on a beautiful 55-acre campus overlooking Lake Wingra. It feels like a peaceful retreat within the bustling city of Madison, where small class sizes foster genuine connections with professors and peers. The atmosphere is collaborative and service-oriented, emphasizing personal growth alongside academic achievement.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

94.52%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community engagement in your application essay, as this aligns closely with Edgewood's Dominican heritage and mission. Since the acceptance rate is high (94.52%), focus on securing strong letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your character and work ethic. If you have a specific interest in nursing or business, mention it explicitly, as these are signature programs that admissions counselors look for.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Edgewood is renowned for its strong programs in Health Professions, Business, and Education, emphasizing experiential learning and ethical leadership. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, teaching is highly personalized and accessible, moving beyond lectures to active mentorship. While primarily a teaching institution, undergraduates have ample opportunities for hands-on research, particularly in biology and environmental science through the Center for Sustainability and the Health Sciences programs.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
38%
Business & Marketing
14.4%
Biology & Biomedical
9.2%
Education
8.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.6%
Psychology
5.6%
Communications
4.3%
Social Sciences
3.6%
Criminal Justice
2.6%
Computer Science
2.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

65%
Graduation Rate
74.9%
Retention Rate
1,104
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$34,850
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,634
After financial aid
Total Cost
$48,450
Cost of attendance/year
23.4%
Receive Pell Grants
57.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Madison

Madison offers a vibrant college town atmosphere with a thriving farmers' market, extensive bike trails, and access to lakes for sailing and kayaking. Students enjoy a lively food scene, diverse music venues, and the cultural offerings of a state capital, all within a short bus or bike ride from campus. In winter, students embrace the cold with indoor activities and nearby skiing, while summer brings outdoor festivals and terrace drinks.

Local Rent Check

$1,182 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Madison
Explore Madison

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$139,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $139,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,728):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered very safe, with its own campus safety department providing 24/7 patrols and emergency services. The surrounding Madison area is known for being one of the safest mid-sized cities in the U.S., though standard urban precautions are always recommended.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Madison offers urban amenities without the overwhelming size of a large state university.
  • โœ“ Strong, career-focused programs in Health Professions and Business.
  • โœ“ Safe, scenic campus environment right next to a lake.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high for a small private college, requiring careful financial planning.
  • โœ— Limited Greek life and nightlife compared to larger universities.
  • โœ— The small enrollment size means fewer course options and less variety in student organizations.

Notable Alumni

Sister Mary Ann Naples
A founding member and long-time leader who helped establish the college's mission and growth in the mid-20th century.
John W. Miller
Former President of Edgewood College who oversaw significant campus expansion and academic development.
Karen Ande
Notable alumna and community leader, recognized for her contributions to local non-profits and education in Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Edgewood College is best known for its highly regarded Nursing and Health Sciences programs, as well as its School of Business. It is also recognized for its commitment to serving the community, rooted in its Dominican Catholic tradition, and for providing a personalized, intimate educational experience on a scenic campus.

No, Edgewood College is not considered a selective school. With an acceptance rate of 94.52%, the admissions process is generally accessible to applicants who meet the academic criteria. Admissions are holistic, but a strong GPA and a clear interest in the college's mission are more important than standardized test scores.

Campus life is close-knit and community-focused. Because of the small enrollment of roughly 1,100 undergraduates, students typically know their classmates and professors well. While there is no Greek life, students participate in active clubs, Division III athletics, and service projects, and they take advantage of Madison's outdoor and cultural offerings just minutes away.

For students seeking a supportive environment and strong programs in health and business, Edgewood can be worth the investment. The average net price of $25,634 is lower than the sticker price, and the $59,728 median earnings 10 years post-graduation indicates a solid financial payoff. However, students should be proactive in applying for scholarships to minimize debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

UW Health American Family Insurance Epic Systems Madison School District Exact Sciences
Smart Start Score
64

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,292
  • In-State Tuition $34,850
  • Zip Code 53711

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 31.9% โ™€ 68.1%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,634, Edgewood is more affordable than many private institutions, especially considering its location in a major city. The 10-year median earnings of $59,728 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like nursing and business. However, the sticker price of nearly $35,000 is significant, so maximizing financial aid and scholarships is crucial for value.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $34,850
Housing (12 mo) $14,184
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $56,234
With avg financial aid:
$25,634/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.