American Public University System (APSU) vs Keiser University

American Public University System (APUS) and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale (KU-Ft Lauderdale) stand out as two distinct institutions of higher learning, each catering to unique student populations and academic aspirations. APUS, a renowned online university, boasts an open admissions policy, welcoming students from all walks of life, while KU-Ft Lauderdale, a private university with a physical campus, maintains a selective admissions process. With APUS's acceptance rate hovering around 100% and KU-Ft Lauderdale's at 50%, prospective students can expect varying levels of admissions competitiveness. While APUS excels in online programs, KU-Ft Lauderdale offers a blend of online and on-campus learning experiences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your educational goals and preferences.
American Public University System logo

American Public University System

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale logo

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Overview

Location Charles Town, West Virginia Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Campus setting Town: Fringe City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (For Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Non Traditional Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0% 72.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission 96.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $55
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 4,120
Total number of admissions given out 3,958
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,129
Yield rate 53.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required N/A
High school GPA N/A Not required
Recommendation letters N/A Not required
High school transcript N/A Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $17,496 $46,812
Average net price $11,916 $31,984
Tuition $6,840 $20,800
Room & board $14,368
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

78.0%
Average amount $5,082
97.0%
Average amount $11,968
Students receiving federal student loan 36.0%
Average amount $8,334
79.0%
Average amount $11,612
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
21.0%
Average amount $9,415

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 38,969
Men 63.6% Women 36.4%
17,990
Men 27.2% Women 72.8%
Graduate students 9,329
Men 61.1% Women 38.9%
1,871
Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 1.3% 2.5%
Campus local/setting Town: Fringe City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity N/A 590
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 22:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 49.3% 67.1%
Dropout rate 33.6% 31.8%
Transferred out N/A 0.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,507
  • Year 2: $81,702
  • Year 3: $86,066
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,935
  • Year 2: $82,685
  • Year 3: $84,578
International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,770
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $81,412
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,015
  • Year 2: $73,992
  • Year 3: $80,757
Homeland Security (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,045
  • Year 2: $71,295
  • Year 3: $73,219
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,468
  • Year 2: $60,192
  • Year 3: $69,785
Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,979
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $69,285
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,224
  • Year 2: $66,728
  • Year 3: $68,822
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,442
  • Year 2: $63,749
  • Year 3: $67,674
International/Global Studies (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $63,997
  • Year 3: $64,432
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,785
  • Year 2: $104,878
  • Year 3: $106,919
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $84,848
  • Year 2: $76,356
  • Year 3: $79,414
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,512
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $71,050
Fire Protection (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,031
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $65,682
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,975
  • Year 2: $65,725
  • Year 3: $63,029
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,116
  • Year 2: $58,866
  • Year 3: $62,178
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $56,302
  • Year 3: $60,114
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $49,683
  • Year 3: $58,461
Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $55,658
  • Year 3: $57,689
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $55,338
  • Year 3: $52,156

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between American Public University System (APUS) and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    American Public University System (APUS) primarily focuses on online education, catering to a diverse student body, including many military personnel and working adults. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, on the other hand, offers a more traditional campus-based experience, alongside online programs, with a strong emphasis on career-focused education and practical skills development. APUS is known for its affordability and flexibility, while Keiser emphasizes hands-on learning and direct industry connections.

  • Which university is better for online learning: APUS or Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    APUS is generally considered a stronger choice for online learning due to its long-standing expertise and extensive range of online programs. Its online platform is well-established and designed to support remote students effectively. While Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale also offers online programs, its primary focus remains on its campus-based offerings.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between APUS and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    APUS typically has lower tuition costs compared to Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale. APUS is known for its affordable tuition rates, especially for military members and veterans. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, being a private institution with a more hands-on approach, generally has higher tuition fees. It's best to check the latest tuition rates on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.

  • What types of programs are offered at APUS versus Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    APUS offers a wide range of programs, particularly in areas like business, criminal justice, homeland security, and technology, with a strong emphasis on career-relevant skills. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale focuses on career-oriented programs such as nursing, business, information technology, and culinary arts, often incorporating practical training and industry certifications. Keiser tends to have more programs directly tied to specific vocational outcomes.

  • How do the student demographics differ between APUS and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    APUS has a highly diverse student body, with a significant proportion of military personnel, veterans, and working adults from across the country and around the world. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's student body is more regionally focused, drawing primarily from Florida and surrounding areas, with a mix of traditional students and working professionals. Keiser also tends to have a more diverse age range within its traditional student population.

  • What is the learning environment like at APUS compared to Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    APUS provides a flexible, self-paced online learning environment, allowing students to study at their own convenience. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale offers a more structured learning environment, with scheduled classes, hands-on labs, and opportunities for direct interaction with instructors and peers. Keiser emphasizes a more personalized and interactive learning experience, while APUS prioritizes accessibility and flexibility.

  • How do the career services and job placement assistance compare between the two universities?

    Both APUS and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale offer career services to their students. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale often emphasizes career placement assistance and has strong relationships with local employers, particularly in fields like healthcare and technology. APUS provides career resources and support tailored to its online student population, focusing on resume building, job searching, and career advancement strategies. Keiser's career services are often integrated directly into the curriculum of many programs.

  • What are the accreditation differences between APUS and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    Both APUS and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale are accredited institutions, but by different accrediting bodies. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Both accreditations are widely recognized, but it's important to consider the specific requirements of employers or further education programs when evaluating accreditation.

  • Which university is better for someone with a busy schedule and needing maximum flexibility?

    APUS is generally the better choice for individuals with busy schedules and a need for maximum flexibility. Its online format allows students to study at their own pace and on their own time, making it ideal for working professionals, military personnel, and those with other significant commitments. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, while offering some online options, requires more structured attendance and participation, which may be challenging for those with limited availability.

  • Does either university offer specific programs tailored to military personnel or veterans?

    Yes, APUS has a long-standing commitment to serving military personnel and veterans, offering specialized programs, tuition discounts, and support services tailored to their unique needs. While Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale also welcomes military students, APUS's focus and resources in this area are generally more extensive. Both institutions accept military benefits, but APUS is often seen as a leader in military education.

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