Acceptance Rate
73%
Avg. SAT
1300
75th percentile
“South Florida's hub for hands-on health sciences and oceanography amid suburban palms and nearby beaches.”
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Location
Nova Southeastern University traces its roots to 1964, when Eugene Zimmerman established it as Nova University of Advanced Technology, a graduate institution emphasizing practical innovation; a 1971 merger with Southeastern University expanded it into a full-service private university now spanning multiple campuses centered in Davie, Florida. Students who thrive here often seek direct paths into professional fields like medicine, pharmacy, or business, drawn to the career-focused vibe rather than a purely liberal arts experience. The university attracts ambitious types who appreciate South Florida's endless sunshine and proximity to Fort Lauderdale's beaches and nightlife, but the suburban Davie campus means relying on cars or shuttles for urban excitement.
NSU's personality leans pragmatic and professional, with a mix of undergrads, grad students, and working adults creating a mature, goal-oriented atmosphere. Families note the high tuition around $34,500 demands strong financial planning, especially with Fort Lauderdale's elevated cost of living. Those craving a compact, walkable New England quad might find the 300-acre spread and Florida humidity a tougher adjustment.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
NSU shines in health professions through its Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, one of the nation's larger DO programs, alongside strong pharmacy, physical therapy, and dental offerings that emphasize clinical training from year one. You'll sit in smaller seminars after large intro lectures, benefiting from faculty who double as practicing professionals, though popular tracks like nursing fill quickly and demand solid grades to advance. Research opportunities abound at the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences' oceanographic center, where undergrads dive into marine biology fieldwork just minutes from campus.
The intellectual culture rewards self-starters navigating a system heavy on professional certifications over pure theory, with interdisciplinary options like biomedical informatics bridging health and tech. Class discussions feel applied, not abstract, but the 7,000 undergrads mean competition for spots in elite health programs. Tradeoffs include fewer traditional humanities electives compared to research powerhouses.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
7,311 undergrad • 13,599 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
30%
Black / African American
17%
Hispanic / Latino
32%
Asian
10%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses with over 200 clubs, from pre-med societies to beach volleyball leagues, and Division II Sharks athletics draw crowds to on-campus games. A typical week mixes morning classes, afternoon lab shifts, and evening study groups, punctuated by weekend jaunts to Fort Lauderdale's canals and bars via free shuttles. Residential villages house about half of undergrads in apartment-style setups fostering independence, though many commute from nearby areas, diluting the all-in dorm party scene.
Traditions like the annual Sharkapalooza concert keep spirits high, but relentless Florida heat and hurricane season test resilience—air-conditioned everything helps. Social dynamics skew toward networking mixers over ragers, suiting outgoing professionals-in-training. The suburban feel trades ivy-covered quads for palm-lined paths bordering a cypress preserve, with high off-campus rents pushing some toward shared housing.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Sunshine State Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
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
$21,833
$30K – $48K
$24,275
$48K – $75K
$26,661
$75K – $110K
$28,282
$110K+
$29,030
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
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
57%
6 Years Graduation Rate
64%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$59,209
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Nova Southeastern University and return in the fall. 57% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 64% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
57%
4-6 years
7%
Non-grad
36%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$34,500
Acceptance
73%
Undergrads
7,311
4-Year Grad Rate
57%
Endowment
$209M
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796