Florida Atlantic University (FAU) vs Keiser University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale (KU-Ft Lauderdale) are two distinct institutions of higher learning located in the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities, they differ in several key aspects. FAU, a public research university, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, providing a more comprehensive and traditional college experience. KU-Ft Lauderdale, a private, for-profit university, offers a more focused and career-oriented education, with a higher graduation rate and a greater emphasis on practical skills and hands-on learning. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover the specific differences between these two institutions, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, to determine which university best aligns with your academic goals and aspirations.
Florida Atlantic University logo

Florida Atlantic University

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale logo

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Overview

Location Boca Raton, Florida Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Campus setting City: Small City: Midsize
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% 72.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 78.0% 96.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $55
SAT range 1020 - 1200 N/A
ACT range 20 - 26 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 77.0%
Students submitting ACT score 23.0%
Total number of applicants 25,148 4,120
Total number of admissions given out 19,617 3,958
Admitted students who chose to enroll 3,925 2,129
Yield rate 20.0% 53.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $24,605

Out of state: $37,050
$46,812
Average net price $8,771 $31,984
Tuition
In state: $2,522

Out of state: $14,374
$20,800
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,100

Meal plan: $3,902
$14,368
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

82.0%
Average amount $11,013
97.0%
Average amount $11,968
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,899
79.0%
Average amount $11,612
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $14,642
21.0%
Average amount $9,415

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 24,799
Men 41.9% Women 58.1%
17,990
Men 27.2% Women 72.8%
Graduate students 5,356
Men 38.0% Women 62.0%
1,871
Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 3.8% 2.5%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 5,131 590
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
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 21:1 16:1
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% 67.1%
Dropout rate 11.4% 31.8%
Transferred out 31.1% 0.9%
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
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 Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a large, public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It emphasizes academic research and a traditional university experience. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, on the other hand, is a private, career-focused university with a smaller student body. It prioritizes practical skills and career preparation, often with accelerated programs.

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

    FAU is significantly larger than Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale. FAU has a much larger student population and a more extensive campus.

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

    FAU offers a broad spectrum of programs, including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, and education, with many opportunities for research. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale focuses on career-oriented programs such as nursing, business, information technology, and culinary arts, often with a strong emphasis on practical application.

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

    Generally, FAU, as a public university, has lower tuition costs for in-state students compared to Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, which is a private institution. Out-of-state tuition at FAU is higher but may still be lower than Keiser's tuition. It's best to check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date tuition information.

  • What is the campus environment like at FAU and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    FAU offers a traditional university campus environment with a wide range of student activities, clubs, and sports. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale has a more focused and career-oriented atmosphere, with smaller class sizes and a greater emphasis on student-faculty interaction.

  • Which university is better for research opportunities?

    FAU is generally better for research opportunities due to its status as a research university. It has more extensive research facilities and funding, providing more opportunities for students to participate in research projects.

  • Which university is better for career preparation?

    Both universities offer career preparation, but Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale places a stronger emphasis on it. Its programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in specific careers, and it often includes internships and externships as part of the curriculum.

  • What are the admission requirements like for FAU and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    FAU typically has more stringent admission requirements, including higher GPA and standardized test score expectations, due to its larger applicant pool. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale may have more flexible admission requirements, focusing more on a student's potential and career goals.

  • How do the class sizes compare at FAU and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    FAU generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, due to its larger student population. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale typically has smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors.

  • Does either university offer online programs?

    Yes, both FAU and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale offer online programs. The availability and range of online programs may vary, so it's best to check each university's website for specific offerings.

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

    FAU offers a wide array of student life activities, including clubs, organizations, sports teams, and social events, typical of a large university. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, while offering student activities, tends to have a more focused approach, often centered around career-related events and professional development.

  • Which university is more focused on graduate studies?

    FAU has a more extensive graduate studies program than Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, offering a wider range of master's and doctoral degrees.

  • How does the faculty expertise differ between FAU and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?

    FAU's faculty often includes renowned researchers and academics in their respective fields. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's faculty often includes professionals with extensive experience in their industries, bringing practical knowledge to the classroom.

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

    Both FAU and Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale are accredited institutions. FAU is regionally accredited, which is generally considered the gold standard. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale also holds accreditation, which is important for ensuring the quality and transferability of credits.

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