Nova Southeastern University (NSU) vs Keiser University

Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale stand out as two prominent educational institutions in the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that cater to different student preferences and aspirations. Nova Southeastern University boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process, while Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale offers a more open admissions policy. In terms of student demographics, Nova Southeastern University attracts a larger student body, providing a more diverse and vibrant campus environment. When it comes to popular majors, Nova Southeastern University excels in health professions and biological sciences, while Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale shines in business, management, and marketing. To gain a deeper understanding of these universities and make an informed decision about your academic journey, explore the comprehensive comparison table provided on this page, delving into details such as graduation rates, tuition fees, and available scholarships.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale logo

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Nova Southeastern University logo

Nova Southeastern University

Overview

Location Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Campus setting City: Midsize Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Trimester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 72.0% 78.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 96.1% 92.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $55
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range N/A 1040 - 1310
ACT range N/A 20 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 42.0%
Students submitting ACT score 17.0%
Total number of applicants 4,120 11,749
Total number of admissions given out 3,958 10,868
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,129 1,672
Yield rate 53.8% 15.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $46,812 $57,175
Average net price $31,984 $26,530
Tuition $20,800 $33,510
Room & board $14,368
Room/dormitory: $10,944

Meal plan: $3,190
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

97.0%
Average amount $11,968
100.0%
Average amount $23,747
Students receiving federal student loan 79.0%
Average amount $11,612
45.0%
Average amount $5,272
Students taking out private loans 21.0%
Average amount $9,415
7.0%
Average amount $14,731

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 17,990
Men 27.2% Women 72.8%
6,637
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
Graduate students 1,871
Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
14,261
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 2.5% 3.8%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 590 2,049
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
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 67.1% 60.5%
Dropout rate 31.8% 5.4%
Transferred out 0.9% 33.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $122,573
  • Year 2: $176,775
  • Year 3: $195,076
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $166,493
  • Year 2: $166,905
  • Year 3: $169,931
Information Science/Studies (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $117,731
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $129,964
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,302
  • Year 2: $112,701
  • Year 3: $117,811
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,664
  • Year 2: $114,892
  • Year 3: $116,799
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,520
  • Year 2: $100,224
  • Year 3: $110,420
Dentistry (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,409
  • Year 2: $104,935
  • Year 3: $109,861
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,905
  • Year 2: $92,040
  • Year 3: $100,946
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,562
  • Year 2: $87,235
  • Year 3: $96,127
Optometry (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,752
  • Year 2: $88,588
  • Year 3: $94,659

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale?

    Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a large, private, not-for-profit research university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It's known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in health sciences. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale, on the other hand, is a private, for-profit university with a more career-focused approach, offering primarily undergraduate and some graduate programs designed to prepare students for specific industries. NSU generally has a more traditional academic environment, while Keiser focuses on practical skills and direct entry into the workforce.

  • Which university is larger, NSU or Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale?

    Nova Southeastern University is significantly larger than Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale. NSU has a much larger student body, a broader range of academic programs, and a more extensive campus.

  • How do the academic programs compare between NSU and Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale?

    NSU offers a comprehensive array of programs, including medicine, law, business, education, and arts and sciences, with a strong emphasis on research and advanced studies. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale focuses on career-oriented programs such as nursing, business, information technology, and culinary arts, with a curriculum designed to provide practical skills for immediate employment. If you're looking for a broad academic experience with research opportunities, NSU is a better fit. If you prefer a focused, career-specific education, Keiser might be more suitable.

  • What is the learning environment like at NSU versus Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale?

    NSU offers a more traditional university learning environment with larger class sizes in some programs, a diverse student body, and a focus on theoretical knowledge and research. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale typically has smaller class sizes, a more hands-on approach to learning, and a focus on practical application of skills. The environment at Keiser is often described as more personalized and career-driven.

  • How do the costs of attending NSU and Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale compare?

    Generally, Nova Southeastern University tends to have a higher overall cost of attendance compared to Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale. However, tuition costs can vary significantly depending on the specific program of study. It's essential to check the most recent tuition and fees information for both universities directly on their websites and consider financial aid options.

  • What kind of student life and campus activities are available at each university?

    NSU offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, sports teams, and campus events. Being a larger university, NSU provides more opportunities for social interaction and extracurricular involvement. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale, while offering student activities, tends to have a more focused approach on academics and career preparation, with fewer large-scale campus events.

  • Which university is better for students interested in research?

    Nova Southeastern University is the clear choice for students interested in research. NSU is a research university with significant resources dedicated to research across various disciplines, particularly in health sciences. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale primarily focuses on career training and does not have the same level of research opportunities.

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

    Both NSU and Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale offer career services to assist students with job placement. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale often emphasizes its career-focused approach and connections with local employers in specific industries. NSU also provides comprehensive career services, leveraging its alumni network and partnerships with various organizations. The effectiveness of career services can vary depending on the specific program and the student's individual efforts.

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

    Both Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale are regionally accredited, which is a standard and important form of accreditation. NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Keiser University is also accredited by SACSCOC. Regional accreditation signifies that the institutions meet certain quality standards and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Which university is a better fit for me?

    The best university for you depends on your individual goals and preferences. If you're seeking a comprehensive academic experience with research opportunities and a wide range of programs, NSU might be a better fit. If you're looking for a career-focused education with hands-on training and direct entry into the workforce, Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale could be more suitable. Consider your academic interests, career aspirations, learning style, and financial situation when making your decision. Visiting both campuses and speaking with current students and faculty can also be very helpful.

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