Acceptance Rate
97%
“A practical, career-driven education awaits at Keiser University in the sunny heart of Fort Lauderdale.”
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the vibrant coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Keiser University stands out as a private, not-for-profit institution with a mission to prepare students for immediate career success. Founded in 1977 by Arthur Keiser and his mother, Evelyn, the university began as a small school focused on business and healthcare training, evolving over decades into a comprehensive university with a sprawling network of campuses across Florida and beyond. Its main campus in Fort Lauderdale serves as the heartbeat of this growth, drawing nearly 30,000 undergraduate students who are often looking for hands-on, job-ready skills rather than a traditional liberal arts experience. You'll find a diverse mix of learners here—many are non-traditional students, including working adults or those returning to education, all seeking flexible schedules and targeted programs.
What sets Keiser apart is its unapologetic focus on career preparation over broad academic exploration. This is a place for pragmatic thinkers—students who want a clear path to a job in fields like nursing, business, or criminal justice. The school's personality is no-nonsense yet supportive, with an emphasis on small class sizes and personalized advising to keep you on track. Fort Lauderdale itself adds a lively backdrop, with its beaches, nightlife, and bustling economy, though the campus vibe leans more functional than scenic or historic. One tradeoff to consider is that the surrounding area has a relatively high cost of living, which can strain budgets for students balancing tuition and expenses.
For the right student, Keiser feels like a launchpad—ideal if you're driven, career-focused, and eager to dive into a specific field. However, if you crave a classic college experience with sprawling quads, big sports rivalries, or a deep dive into theoretical academics, this might not be the perfect fit. The university prioritizes practicality over tradition, which can leave some longing for a more rounded or social campus life.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
At Keiser University, the academic experience revolves around career-oriented programs designed to get you into the workforce quickly and confidently. The university shines in fields like nursing, allied health, business administration, and criminal justice, where hands-on training and real-world application take center stage. You can expect a curriculum that often integrates internships or clinical experiences, especially in healthcare programs, ensuring you're not just learning theory but practicing skills you'll use on day one of your job. Many classes are offered in accelerated formats or online, catering to students balancing work or family alongside their studies.
The teaching style here leans toward direct instruction and mentorship, with faculty often bringing industry experience into the classroom. While this practical approach is a strength, it comes with tradeoffs—some programs may feel narrow if you're looking to explore a wide range of subjects or engage in deep research. Introductory courses can sometimes prioritize efficiency over intellectual debate, and access to highly specialized or cutting-edge research opportunities might be limited compared to larger research universities. Still, if your goal is a clear career trajectory, you'll likely appreciate how Keiser streamlines the path from classroom to paycheck.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
18,071 undergrad • 2,817 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
21%
Black / African American
19%
Hispanic / Latino
28%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
30%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale reflects its student body—diverse, busy, and often focused on balancing academics with personal or professional responsibilities. You won’t find the stereotypical college scene here with massive tailgates or ancient traditions; instead, the vibe is more utilitarian, with many students commuting or attending part-time while working. Social life often revolves around smaller, program-specific events or student organization gatherings rather than large-scale campus-wide activities. Residential options exist, but a significant number of students live off-campus, which can make building a tight-knit community a bit challenging unless you actively seek it out.
The surrounding Fort Lauderdale area offers plenty to do, from relaxing on nearby beaches to exploring the city’s artsy Riverwalk or vibrant dining scene, though the tropical weather means dealing with humidity and occasional hurricanes. Cost of living in this sunny locale can be a hurdle, with housing and daily expenses often higher than in other parts of Florida. For many, a typical week at Keiser involves juggling classes (often in the evenings or online) with jobs or internships, leaving less time for a traditional social scene. If you thrive on independence and are motivated by career goals, you’ll fit right in, though those seeking a more immersive or spirited campus environment might feel a bit disconnected.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$35,716
$30K – $48K
$36,023
$48K – $75K
$38,525
$75K – $110K
$41,097
$110K+
$41,173
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
71%
4 Years Graduation Rate
35%
6 Years Graduation Rate
37%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$39,696
71% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale and return in the fall. 35% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 37% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
35%
4-5 years
2%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
62%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$22,048
Acceptance
97%
Undergrads
18,071
4-Year Grad Rate
35%
Endowment
$1M
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309