Florida Southern vs Palm Beach Atlantic University

Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Florida, offer distinct educational experiences. Florida Southern, nestled in Lakeland, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity, while Palm Beach Atlantic, located in West Palm Beach, offers a more open admissions policy. In terms of student body demographics, Florida Southern has a slightly larger undergraduate population, while Palm Beach Atlantic has a higher percentage of female students. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, including business, nursing, and education, catering to students with various academic interests. When it comes to graduation rates, Florida Southern has a higher percentage of students completing their degrees within four years, suggesting a strong commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting these key differences and more. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	Florida Southern College	Palm Beach Atlantic University
Overview
Location	Lakeland, Florida	West Palm Beach, Florida
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	79.0%	71.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Methodism	Interdenominational

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.9%	89.9%
Application fees		$50
SAT range	1160 - 1335	1030 - 1240
ACT range	25 - 30	20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%	77.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	10,759	1,923
Total number of admissions given out	6,550	1,728
Admitted students who chose to enroll	792	505
Yield rate	12.1%	29.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$55,100	$53,668
Average net price	$25,783	$27,881
Tuition	$38,180	$33,538
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,224 Meal plan: $4,800	Room/dormitory: $5,872 Meal plan: $5,256
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $28,545	99.0% Average amount $23,465
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,373	51.0% Average amount $5,286
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $16,516	6.0% Average amount $14,922

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,811 Men 35.8% Women 64.2%	2,837 Men 37.0% Women 63.0%
Graduate students	575 Men 33.4% Women 66.6%	850 Men 34.9% Women 65.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	52.3%
International students	3.5%	4.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,329	1,228
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Florida New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Michigan

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Communication and Journalism	Health Professions Business Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	67.7%	60.8%
Dropout rate	32.3%	36.5%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,572 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $102,635 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,917 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $63,784 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,540 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $62,799 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,940 Year 2: $42,030 Year 3: $43,176 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,221 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $42,416 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,714 Year 2: $37,928 Year 3: $40,542 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,572 Year 2: $27,494 Year 3: $35,552 Criminology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,324 Year 2: $27,488 Year 3: $34,008 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,262 Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: $28,615 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,604 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $95,539 Year 2: $113,354 Year 3: $121,395 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,430 Year 2: $60,689 Year 3: $57,694 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,359 Year 2: $54,996 Year 3: $55,997 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $45,575 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $44,914 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,523 Year 3: $40,886 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,875 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $40,718 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,924 Year 2: $40,392 Year 3: $40,381 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $33,527 Year 2: $36,151 Year 3: $36,801 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,547 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $36,792

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Florida Southern College (FSC) is a private, comprehensive college known for its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and strong focus on engaged learning. Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private, interdenominational Christian university emphasizing faith integration in its curriculum and a strong sense of community service. FSC offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, while PBA maintains a more focused selection of programs with a Christian worldview.
How do the academic programs compare at Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Florida Southern College offers a broader range of academic programs, including strong programs in business, nursing, education, and the sciences. They are particularly well-known for their citrus program. Palm Beach Atlantic University focuses on programs that align with its Christian mission, such as ministry, education, and nursing, while also offering programs in business, communication, and the arts. PBA integrates faith-based perspectives into its curriculum across all disciplines.
What is the campus environment like at each school?

Florida Southern College boasts a historic campus designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, creating a unique and architecturally significant environment. The campus culture is vibrant and engaging, with a strong emphasis on student involvement and campus activities. Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a more intimate campus setting in the heart of West Palm Beach. The campus culture is deeply rooted in Christian values, fostering a close-knit community with a focus on service and spiritual growth.
How do the locations of Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University differ?

Florida Southern College is located in Lakeland, Florida, a mid-sized city in Central Florida. Lakeland offers a more traditional college town atmosphere with access to outdoor activities and nearby attractions like theme parks. Palm Beach Atlantic University is situated in downtown West Palm Beach, providing students with access to urban amenities, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities in a bustling metropolitan area. The proximity to the beach is also a significant advantage for PBA students.
What is the cost of attendance at Florida Southern College versus Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Both Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University are private institutions, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as room and board, fees, and financial aid packages. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore available scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
What are the religious affiliations of Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Florida Southern College has a historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church, but it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. While faith is respected, it is not a central tenet of the academic experience. Palm Beach Atlantic University is an interdenominational Christian university, and its Christian identity is central to its mission and values. Faith integration is a key component of the curriculum and campus life at PBA.
What kind of student would thrive at Florida Southern College?

A student who is academically driven, enjoys a vibrant campus life, and appreciates a unique architectural setting would thrive at Florida Southern College. Students who are looking for a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for engaged learning will find FSC a good fit.
What kind of student would thrive at Palm Beach Atlantic University?

A student who is seeking a strong Christian community, values faith integration in their education, and desires to serve others would thrive at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Students who appreciate a smaller, more intimate campus environment and access to urban amenities will also find PBA appealing.
What are the athletic programs like at each school?

Florida Southern College is a member of NCAA Division II and offers a comprehensive athletic program with a history of success, particularly in sports like baseball and lacrosse. Palm Beach Atlantic University is also a member of NCAA Division II and offers a variety of athletic programs, with a growing emphasis on competitive excellence.
How do the graduation and retention rates compare?

Both Florida Southern College and Palm Beach Atlantic University have competitive graduation and retention rates. It's recommended to consult the official websites of each institution or resources like U.S. News & World Report for the most current data on these metrics, as they can fluctuate from year to year. These rates can provide insight into student satisfaction and academic success at each school.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Florida Southern

Huntingdon College