Acceptance Rate
82%
Avg. SAT
1220
75th percentile
“A faith-driven haven in sunny West Palm Beach, blending academics with a close-knit, service-oriented community.”
West Palm Beach, FL
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968 by Baptist leaders, sits in the heart of West Palm Beach, Florida, offering a distinctly Christian perspective on higher education. Its mission has always been to integrate faith with learning, creating an environment where spiritual growth walks hand in hand with academic pursuits. This private university appeals to students who value a tight-knit community—think just over 3,000 undergraduates—and who seek a place where personal beliefs shape daily life, from classroom discussions to campus events. You'll find a campus that feels like a family, with professors and peers often praying together or engaging in service projects as part of the university’s core ethos.
The surrounding area, West Palm Beach, adds a vibrant backdrop with its palm-lined streets, nearby beaches, and bustling cultural scene, including art galleries and waterfront dining just minutes from campus. It’s a setting that invites exploration, whether you’re soaking up the sun at Lake Worth Beach or strolling through the historic Clematis Street district. However, the urban location comes with a higher cost of living, and the focus on faith-based education might not suit everyone—students uninterested in a deeply religious framework could feel out of place amid the frequent spiritual emphasis.
PBA attracts students who are motivated by purpose, often those eager to serve others through mission trips or community outreach, which are woven into the university’s fabric. If you’re looking for a place where your values align with your education, and you’re comfortable with a smaller, more personal campus, PBA could be a perfect fit. On the flip side, if you crave a large, diverse student body or a more secular atmosphere, you might find the university’s focused identity a bit limiting.
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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
At Palm Beach Atlantic University, academics are infused with a Christian worldview, shaping everything from business ethics courses to biology lectures. You’ll encounter programs that emphasize servant leadership, with notable strengths in nursing, pharmacy, and ministry-related fields—areas where PBA has built a reputation for preparing graduates to make a difference. The School of Nursing, for instance, often partners with local healthcare providers for hands-on clinical experience, while the Gregory School of Pharmacy offers a rigorous path for aspiring pharmacists in a supportive setting. Class sizes tend to be small, fostering close connections with faculty who are as invested in your personal growth as your intellectual development.
Research opportunities exist, though they’re more limited compared to larger institutions, often tied to service-oriented projects or faith-based studies rather than cutting-edge scientific discovery. You can expect a curriculum that challenges you to think critically while grounding your learning in biblical principles, which might feel refreshing or restrictive depending on your perspective. One tradeoff is that some specialized majors or resources might not be as expansive as at bigger schools, so if you’re set on a niche field outside PBA’s core strengths, you may need to look elsewhere.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
3,312 undergrad • 835 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
49%
Black / African American
10%
Hispanic / Latino
18%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
West Palm Beach, FL
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Palm Beach Atlantic University revolves around community, faith, and service, creating a warm, intentional atmosphere where students often form lifelong bonds. You’ll likely spend your weeks attending chapel services—required for full-time students—joining small group Bible studies, or participating in mission trips that are a hallmark of PBA’s culture. Socially, the vibe is more low-key than at larger universities; think movie nights, beach outings, or campus worship events rather than a heavy party scene. Annual traditions like the Christmas Tree Lighting or Sailfish Cup, a spirited student competition, bring everyone together in celebration.
Living on campus, especially in the early years, immerses you in this close community, though housing can be tight, and some students opt for off-campus apartments due to space constraints. The Florida weather is a huge plus—sunny days year-round invite outdoor activities—but the humidity and occasional hurricane threats are part of the package. While West Palm Beach offers plenty to do, from art festivals to oceanfront relaxation, the cost of living can stretch budgets, especially for out-of-town students navigating expenses beyond tuition.
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
$26,240
$30K – $48K
$23,374
$48K – $75K
$26,586
$75K – $110K
$29,186
$110K+
$31,296
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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
68%
4 Years Graduation Rate
50%
6 Years Graduation Rate
59%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$49,232
68% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Palm Beach Atlantic University and return in the fall. 50% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 59% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
50%
4-5 years
9%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
40%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$34,900
Acceptance
82%
Undergrads
3,312
4-Year Grad Rate
50%
Endowment
$125M
West Palm Beach, FL 33401