Acceptance Rate
53%
“A vibrant private university in Lakeland, Florida, blending faith-based values with a close-knit, community-driven campus experience.”
Lakeland, FL
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern University stands out as a private, faith-based institution founded in 1935 by the Assemblies of God. Its origins as a Bible institute have shaped a lasting commitment to integrating Christian principles into every aspect of campus life, from academics to student activities. This spiritual foundation draws students who value a sense of purpose and community, often finding a home among peers who share similar beliefs. You'll sense this unique identity the moment you step onto the campus, where chapel services and faith-focused events are woven into the rhythm of the year.
Southeastern thrives in Lakeland, a mid-sized city between Tampa and Orlando, offering a quieter, more suburban feel compared to bustling urban centers. The location provides easy access to Florida’s natural beauty—think nearby lakes and warm weather year-round—but it’s not a hub for big-city entertainment or nightlife. For students who crave constant action or a highly secular environment, the university’s faith-driven culture and smaller-town setting might feel limiting. Yet, if you’re seeking a supportive, tight-knit community where personal growth aligns with spiritual values, Southeastern offers a distinctive space to flourish.
The student body, numbering just under 10,000 undergraduates, creates an intimate atmosphere where you’re likely to know many faces by name. The university attracts those who are motivated by service and leadership, often with an interest in ministry or community impact. It’s a place where your values can shape your college journey, but it also means adapting to a campus culture that prioritizes faith over individual exploration in some areas.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Southeastern University carves out a strong reputation in fields like ministry, education, and business, with programs designed to prepare students for careers rooted in service and leadership. The College of Christian Ministries and Religion is a cornerstone, drawing aspiring pastors, missionaries, and faith-based leaders with hands-on training and theological depth. You’ll find smaller class settings in many upper-level courses, allowing for meaningful discussions and mentorship from professors who often share the university’s spiritual mission. Beyond ministry, programs in education and counseling emphasize practical skills, equipping students to make an impact in schools and communities.
Research isn’t the primary focus here, unlike at larger universities, so if you’re eager for cutting-edge labs or extensive academic experimentation, you might find the scope narrower. Instead, the intellectual culture centers on applying knowledge through internships, practicums, and service projects, often tied to local or global outreach. Expect a balance of academic rigor and personal development, though some students note that the faith-based lens can shape coursework in ways that might not suit everyone. If you’re driven by a desire to learn with purpose, Southeastern’s classrooms will feel like a natural fit.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
10,172 undergrad • 1,338 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
53%
Black / African American
12%
Hispanic / Latino
24%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
9%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Lakeland, FL
Varsity Athletics
Life at Southeastern University pulses with a sense of togetherness, shaped by its faith-centered ethos and active student involvement. Weekly chapel services are a campus staple, bringing students together for worship and reflection, while events like mission trips and service days encourage a spirit of giving back. You can expect a social scene that leans more toward community-building activities—think student-led Bible studies, intramural sports, and campus concerts—rather than a heavy party culture. The warm Florida climate means outdoor hangouts are common, whether it’s by Lake Hollingsworth nearby or on the university’s green spaces.
Residential life plays a big role, with most students living on campus in dorms that foster close friendships, though housing can feel tight as enrollment grows, and some upperclassmen move off-campus for more space. The surrounding Lakeland area offers a slower pace, which can be a relief or a challenge depending on your personality; it’s not uncommon for students to road-trip to Tampa or Orlando for a change of scenery. While the supportive vibe is a strength, those seeking a more independent or diverse social experience might find the campus atmosphere somewhat insulated.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
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
$26,277
$30K – $48K
$25,292
$48K – $75K
$27,803
$75K – $110K
$30,299
$110K+
$29,580
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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
70%
4 Years Graduation Rate
42%
6 Years Graduation Rate
51%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$46,744
70% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Southeastern University and return in the fall. 42% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 51% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
42%
4-5 years
9%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
48%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$28,848
Acceptance
53%
Undergrads
10,172
4-Year Grad Rate
42%
Endowment
$14M
Lakeland, FL 33801-6034
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