Florida Atlantic University (FAU) vs Lynn University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Lynn University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Florida, offer distinct educational experiences. FAU, a public research university, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while Lynn University, a private liberal arts institution, emphasizes personalized attention and a strong sense of community. With FAU's acceptance rate hovering around 55% and Lynn University's at a more selective 45%, prospective students have varying chances of admission. Explore the comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Florida Atlantic University logo

Florida Atlantic University

Lynn University logo

Lynn University

Overview

Location Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton, Florida
Campus setting City: Small City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 80.0% 76.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 78.0% 83.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
SAT range 1020 - 1200 1030 - 1200
ACT range 20 - 26 20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score 77.0% 14.0%
Students submitting ACT score 23.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 25,148 7,194
Total number of admissions given out 19,617 5,972
Admitted students who chose to enroll 3,925 797
Yield rate 20.0% 13.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $24,605

Out of state: $37,050
$66,091
Average net price $8,771 $38,315
Tuition
In state: $2,522

Out of state: $14,374
$38,650
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,100

Meal plan: $3,902
$12,720
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

82.0%
Average amount $11,013
99.0%
Average amount $18,879
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,899
38.0%
Average amount $5,453
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $14,642
17.0%
Average amount $11,490

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 24,799
Men 41.9% Women 58.1%
2,640
Men 50.0% Women 50.0%
Graduate students 5,356
Men 38.0% Women 62.0%
745
Men 41.1% Women 58.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 3.8% 16.4%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Small
Dormitory capacity 5,131 1,196
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 21:1 18:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 55.4% 50.2%
Dropout rate 11.4% 33.8%
Transferred out 31.1% 15.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,871
  • Year 2: $90,061
  • Year 3: $92,028
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,217
  • Year 2: $92,632
  • Year 3: $86,797
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,866
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $79,750
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,854
  • Year 2: $64,865
  • Year 3: $74,441
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,298
  • Year 2: $63,600
  • Year 3: $73,548
Ocean Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,746
  • Year 2: $63,377
  • Year 3: $73,462
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,965
  • Year 2: $63,463
  • Year 3: $72,097
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,830
  • Year 2: $59,688
  • Year 3: $70,868
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,372
  • Year 2: $64,415
  • Year 3: $67,956
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,039
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $66,720
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,834
  • Year 2: $45,198
  • Year 3: $52,852
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,654
  • Year 2: $46,790
  • Year 3: $48,088
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,513
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: $39,077
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,269
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $32,463
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: N/A
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,459
  • Year 3: N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $52,168
  • Year 3: N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,681
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: N/A
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $18,309
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Lynn University?

    FAU is a large, public research university with a broad range of academic programs and a diverse student body. Lynn University is a smaller, private university known for its personalized learning environment and focus on global citizenship. FAU offers a more traditional university experience with a larger campus and more research opportunities, while Lynn provides a more intimate and globally-focused educational experience.

  • How do the academic programs at FAU and Lynn University compare?

    FAU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, science, and the arts. Lynn University focuses on career-focused programs with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and global perspectives. While both offer business and communication programs, FAU has a broader selection of STEM fields, while Lynn excels in areas like hospitality management and aviation.

  • What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

    FAU, being a larger university, generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. The student-to-faculty ratio is around 21:1. Lynn University prides itself on smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning environment, with a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 17:1. This allows for more individual attention from professors.

  • How do the tuition costs and financial aid options compare between FAU and Lynn University?

    FAU, as a public university, generally has lower tuition costs, especially for in-state residents. Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and loans. Lynn University, as a private institution, has a higher tuition cost. However, they also offer a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships and financial aid packages to help students afford their education. It's best to check each university's financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and to calculate your estimated cost of attendance.

  • What is campus life like at FAU versus Lynn University?

    FAU offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, including Division I athletics. Lynn University has a more close-knit community with a focus on student engagement and leadership development. Both universities offer on-campus housing, but the atmosphere and types of activities available differ based on the size and focus of each institution. Lynn emphasizes global awareness and offers many international travel and study opportunities.

  • What are the admission requirements for FAU and Lynn University?

    FAU's admission requirements are generally more competitive due to its larger applicant pool. They typically require a strong academic record, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and a well-written application essay. Lynn University takes a more holistic approach to admissions, considering factors beyond just grades and test scores, such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal qualities. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each university?

    Both FAU and Lynn University offer career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, and job placement. FAU's career services are extensive, reflecting the size of the university and the breadth of its academic programs. Lynn University emphasizes career preparation through internships, experiential learning, and networking opportunities, often leveraging its connections within the global business community.

  • What is the location of each university and how does it impact the student experience?

    FAU is located in Boca Raton, Florida, a larger city with access to beaches, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities. Lynn University is also located in Boca Raton, but its campus is more self-contained, fostering a stronger sense of community. Both locations offer a desirable South Florida lifestyle, but FAU's location provides more immediate access to a wider range of amenities and opportunities.

  • Which university is better for students interested in research?

    FAU is generally considered a better choice for students specifically interested in research, given its status as a research university and its larger number of research facilities and faculty conducting research across various disciplines. While Lynn University offers research opportunities, its primary focus is on undergraduate education and career preparation.

  • Which university is better for international students?

    Both universities welcome international students. However, Lynn University has a particularly strong emphasis on global citizenship and offers numerous programs and support services specifically designed for international students. FAU also provides resources for international students, but Lynn's global focus may be more appealing to those seeking a truly international educational experience.

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