
Edgewood College
Acceptance rate
75.7%
2025
Peer median 70.9%
Tuition per year
$35,860
$49,110 with room and board
Peer median $43,496
Undergraduates
1,236
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 12 : 1
Graduation rate
45.2%
4-year; 6-year rate 62.5%
Peer median 55.3%
“Peers” are all 219 private national universities, the same comparison used in this page's data notes.
About
Edgewood University is an independent, private non-profit four-year institution rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. Located in the state capital of Madison, Wisconsin, the university provides an intimate educational setting, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees across diverse fields. The university's academic portfolio emphasizes practical, career-oriented disciplines alongside foundational liberal arts education, with healthcare and nursing education serving as central components of its curriculum. In national specialty assessments, its graduate program in Nurse Anesthesia was ranked 99 in 2026 by U.S. News, while its undergraduate nursing program was ranked 394 in 2027. Catering to both traditional college students and working adult learners, Edgewood combines professional preparation with community-centered values for students seeking focused academic pathways in south-central Wisconsin.
Edgewood University offers a comparatively affordable private education, but completion timelines often stretch beyond the standard four-year window. In 2025, undergraduate tuition was $35,860, positioning it higher than 33% of all private national universities. While baseline tuition is relatively modest compared to many private alternatives, prospective students should monitor graduation pacing closely when calculating their total degree investment. In 2025, the four-year graduation rate was 45.2%, whereas the six-year graduation rate reached 62.5%. This notable difference indicates that a substantial share of undergraduates require additional semesters to finish their degrees. For families assessing overall educational value, factoring in potential additional semesters of living expenses and delayed entry into the workforce is essential when evaluating Edgewood against other regional institutions.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Madison
- Nearest international airport
- General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), about 80 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Andrew Manion (President)
- Phone
- 6086634861
- Address
- 1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI 53711-1997
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 70.9% · all 219 private national universities
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 65.6%, women 74.9%.
Best #165, lowest #331, latest #301 over the last ten years.
Data insights
Admission to Edgewood University is relatively accessible, though its position on national league tables has declined over time. In the U.S. News rankings, the university stood at 171 in 2017 and fell to 301 in 2026. For applicants, this aligns with an accommodating admissions profile. In 2025, the university admitted 75.7% of applicants, which was higher than 57% of all private national universities. The school's drawing power remains modest, as its enrollment yield rate was 16% in 2025, placing it higher than 48% of peer institutions. With less than a fifth of admitted candidates deciding to enroll, prospective applicants can view Edgewood as an attainable option where gaining acceptance is straightforward, though many admitted students ultimately choose other colleges.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Edgewood University maintains a test-blind admissions policy, meaning standardized test scores are not considered during the evaluation process even if applicants submit them. Because test scores are completely excluded from admissions decisions, the university relies on secondary school coursework, grade trends, and overall academic achievement to evaluate candidates. Historical testing data indicates that applicants overwhelmingly favored the ACT before this policy took hold; in 2020, 98% of students submitted ACT scores, compared to just 3% who submitted SAT scores. Prospective undergraduates should focus on presenting strong, consistent grades across core subject areas, including mathematics, natural sciences, English, and social studies. Maintaining solid classroom performance and pursuing rigorous courses available at their high schools will serve as the primary indicators of academic preparation, since everyday coursework and cumulative academic records carry the evaluation's central weight.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
2,274 applicants in 2025, 75.7% admitted
1,722 admitted 552 not admitted Yield 16.0%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other · Master's61 (20% international)
- Education, General · Master's48 (4% international)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's44 (0% international)
- Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's23 (0% international)
- Organizational Behavior Studies · Master's20 (0% international)
- Thanatology · Master's14 (0% international)
Data insights
Undergraduate academics at Edgewood University are heavily concentrated in career-focused fields, led primarily by healthcare and commerce. In 2025, the top three undergraduate programs accounted for 54.4% of all bachelor's degrees awarded, demonstrating substantial concentration. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse was by far the largest undergraduate major, graduating 119 students that year. On national program tables, the graduate program in Nurse Anesthesia ranked 99 in 2026 in U.S. News, reflecting its standing in advanced clinical training. Nursing is also the school's top-performing field in early career compensation, with 2023 data showing median earnings of $82,196 one year after graduation for bachelor's recipients in nursing fields. For applicants seeking a direct route into healthcare careers, Edgewood provides focused training and strong post-graduation earnings, though students seeking lesser-enrolled majors will find a much smaller peer community.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist. | - | |||
| Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. | $57,276 | |||
| Art Therapy/Therapist. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $82,196-$107,455 | |||
| Nursing Administration. | $82,196-$107,455 | |||
| Clinical Nurse Leader. | $82,196-$107,455 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $53,442 | |||
| Accounting. | - | |||
| Organizational Behavior Studies. | $70,212 | |||
| Management Information Systems, General. | - | |||
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | $57,003 | |||
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $121,865 | |||
| Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. | $121,865 | |||
| Superintendency and Educational System Administration. | $121,865 | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $46,814 | |||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $46,814 | |||
| Art Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Mathematics Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Social Studies Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Education, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $54,761 | |||
| Biomedical Sciences, General. | $54,761 | |||
| Neuroscience. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $34,406 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanatology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $71,969 | |||
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | - | |||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |||
| Music Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | - | |||
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | |||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
2,459 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 73.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 753
- First-year undergraduates 272
- Graduate students 1,223
- Transfers and others 211
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,236)
Data insights
Edgewood University operates as a small private institution where graduate students make up roughly half of the campus population, and the student body shows limited racial and international diversity. Across all academic divisions in 2025, White students form the largest demographic group, and women constitute the majority in both undergraduate and graduate programs. International and Asian presence remains relatively small across the entire university. In the graduate division, international students number 28, accounting for 2.3% of the graduate cohort. Asian graduate students form another modest segment, with 77 students representing 6.3% of graduate enrollment. At the undergraduate level, representation is even more constrained, as Asian and international students each register in low single digits across both freshman and continuing classes. For prospective applicants, these demographics signal a campus environment drawn overwhelmingly from regional domestic backgrounds rather than a broadly varied global community.
The age distribution at Edgewood University illustrates a clear generational divide between undergraduate and graduate studies. In 2025, undergraduate classrooms were primarily filled with traditional college-age students, with those aged 20 to 21 representing 39.5% of the 1,204 undergraduates. Together with teenagers aged 18 and 19, traditional-age students dominate undergraduate life. In contrast, the graduate student population is markedly older, characterized by mid-career and returning adult learners. Students aged 40 to 49 formed the largest graduate demographic at 27.4%, followed by students in their late twenties. This separation means undergraduate campus culture is centered around early adulthood, whereas graduate programs cater largely to mature working professionals balancing coursework with existing careers.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 219 private national universities
14 in 2025 · 3.8% in 2016
28 in 2025 · 4.9% in 2016
Data insights
International student presence at Edgewood University has contracted over the past decade across both undergraduate and graduate divisions. In 2025, international students comprised just 1.1% of the undergraduate body, placing the university higher than 14% of all private national universities. Graduate international representation also decreased over the years, settling at 2.3% in 2025. Among degree earners, international representation remains minimal at the bachelor's level but maintains a visible presence in specific advanced degrees. In 2025, international students accounted for 6.1% of all master's degree recipients, with enrollment concentrated primarily in Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. For overseas applicants, these figures show that Edgewood is primarily a regionally focused institution with a modest international footprint, where prospective students will experience an immersive domestic environment rather than a large international support network.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$49,110
- Undergraduate tuition
- $35,860
- Room and board
- $13,250
- Graduate tuition
- $19,656
Peer median tuition + room and board $57,550 · all 219 private national universities
Tuition rose 35% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 41%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$49.3M
Expenses$43.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 219 private national universities
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference
Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 46 | 34 |
| Lacrosse | 28 | 21 |
| Basketball | 20 | 20 |
| Volleyball | 16 | 22 |
| Baseball | 33 | - |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 6 | 15 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 6 | 15 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Tennis | 7 | 9 |
| Golf | 11 | 4 |
| Cross Country | 4 | 5 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 33 | 24 |
| Lacrosse | 34 | 19 |
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Volleyball | 18 | 18 |
| Basketball | 19 | 12 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 10 | 17 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 10 | 17 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Cross Country | 8 | 8 |
| Tennis | 7 | 8 |
| Golf | 6 | 5 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 28 | 31 |
| Lacrosse | 28 | 17 |
| Basketball | 24 | 17 |
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Volleyball | 16 | 18 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 13 | 18 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 12 | 16 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Cross Country | 8 | 12 |
| Tennis | 6 | 11 |
| Golf | 8 | 4 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison · 1.6 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Beloit CollegeBeloit · 43.1 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee · 75.5 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Concordia University WisconsinMequon · 77.2 mi
U.S. News #299
-
University of Wisconsin--MilwaukeeMilwaukee · 77.9 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Lawrence UniversityAppleton · 97.7 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest · 98.4 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Aurora UniversityAurora · 105.4 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Wheaton College (IL)Wheaton · 106.2 mi
Liberal Arts #57
Data insights
Families evaluating Edgewood University have several neighboring alternatives across Wisconsin that vary in size, institutional focus, and selectivity. Just 1.6 kilometers away in the same city is University of Wisconsin-Madison, a prominent National University ranked 34 in 2027. For applicants interested in small residential liberal arts settings, Beloit College is located 43.1 kilometers away and held a rank of 100 among Liberal Arts Colleges in 2027. Further east, Marquette University, located 75.5 kilometers away, offers a private option and was ranked 90 among National Universities in 2027. Additionally, Concordia University-Wisconsin is situated 77.2 kilometers away, holding a rank of 299 among National Universities in 2027. These institutions provide distinct public, private, and liberal arts learning environments in close proximity to Madison.
Peer median 5.6 · all 219 private national universities
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Campus safety indicators at Edgewood University show a downward trend in overall incident rates, with official reports largely dominated by substance policy violations rather than violent crime. Between 2016 and 2025, the school's crime rate per 1,000 students declined from 8.6 to 4.8. Over the three-year span from 2023 to 2025, disciplinary referrals formed the vast majority of documented campus infractions. The leading category was liquor law disciplinary referrals, which totaled 83 incidents across that period, followed by 30 drug law disciplinary referrals. Violent offenses and arrests occurred at much lower frequencies during the same timeframe. For students and families considering campus security, these statistics point to an environment where safety concerns mainly center on institutional alcohol and substance enforcement rather than severe public safety threats.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Edgewood College include Alexis Herman (23rd U.S. Secretary of Labor), Becca Hamilton (Curler and two-time Olympian) and Dianne Hesselbein (Wisconsin Senate minority leader).
-
Alexis Herman 1947–2025
23rd U.S. Secretary of Labor
-
Becca Hamilton 1990–
Curler and two-time Olympian
-
Dianne Hesselbein 1971–
Wisconsin Senate minority leader
Recent News at Edgewood College
Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.
-
Edgewood University broke ground on October 15 on a $30 million Athletics and Wellness Campus in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, a 40-acre site with competition fields and an indoor golf and training facility.
Source: edgewood.edu -
Edgewood University welcomed its largest first-year class in over ten years, 285 students, including a record 60 from outside Wisconsin and more than 75 first-generation students.
Source: edgewood.edu -
Dr. Megan Walsh began July 1 as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Edgewood University, after serving as Dean and Campus Director at the University of Maine at Machias.
Source: edgewood.edu
No updates on this topic in this month.
References and Data Sources
- Edgewood College Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.