UT Tampa vs Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

When it comes to higher education, The University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern University stand out as two prominent institutions offering diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life. The University of Tampa, nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida, boasts a strong liberal arts foundation and a focus on experiential learning, while Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is renowned for its research-intensive programs and professional education. With distinct acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to different student profiles and aspirations. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals, personal preferences, and future career aspirations.
Nova Southeastern University logo

Nova Southeastern University

The University of Tampa logo

The University of Tampa

Overview

Location Fort Lauderdale, Florida Tampa, Florida
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Trimester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 78.0% 83.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 92.5% 53.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $40
SAT range 1040 - 1310 1070 - 1240
ACT range 20 - 30 23 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 42.0% 20.0%
Students submitting ACT score 17.0% 11.0%
Total number of applicants 11,749 32,904
Total number of admissions given out 10,868 17,620
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,672 3,102
Yield rate 15.4% 17.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $57,175 $44,404
Average net price $26,530 $34,720
Tuition $33,510 $29,162
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,944

Meal plan: $3,190
Room/dormitory: $6,144

Meal plan: $5,772
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $23,747
98.0%
Average amount $13,448
Students receiving federal student loan 45.0%
Average amount $5,272
84.0%
Average amount $3,594
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $14,731
27.0%
Average amount $9,478

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,637
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
9,838
Men 39.2% Women 60.8%
Graduate students 14,261
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
956
Men 39.7% Women 60.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 3.8% 6.4%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,049 4,800
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
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 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 60.5% 62.1%
Dropout rate 5.4% 36.5%
Transferred out 33.3% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,985
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $94,011
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,264
  • Year 2: $59,253
  • Year 3: $74,110
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,568
  • Year 2: $49,579
  • Year 3: $63,366
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,038
  • Year 2: $56,825
  • Year 3: $62,743
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,611
  • Year 2: $45,500
  • Year 3: $62,568
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,708
  • Year 2: $38,597
  • Year 3: $55,737
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,633
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $55,450
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,146
  • Year 2: $35,701
  • Year 3: $49,348
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,461
  • Year 2: $25,525
  • Year 3: $41,311
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,278
  • Year 2: $39,592
  • Year 3: $40,843

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between the University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern University?

    The University of Tampa (UT) is a mid-sized, private university located in the heart of downtown Tampa, Florida, known for its strong business programs and vibrant campus life. Nova Southeastern University (NSU), located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a larger, private research university with a strong emphasis on professional programs like healthcare, law, and education. UT offers a more traditional undergraduate experience in a bustling urban setting, while NSU provides a wider range of graduate and professional programs with a research-focused environment.

  • Which university is larger: The University of Tampa or Nova Southeastern University?

    Nova Southeastern University is significantly larger than the University of Tampa. NSU has a larger student body, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate students, while UT primarily focuses on undergraduate education with a smaller graduate presence.

  • Where are the University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern University located?

    The University of Tampa is located in downtown Tampa, Florida, offering students access to a vibrant urban environment with numerous internship and entertainment opportunities. Nova Southeastern University is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, providing a more suburban setting with convenient access to beaches and the greater Miami metropolitan area.

  • What academic programs are each university particularly known for?

    The University of Tampa is well-regarded for its business programs, particularly within the Sykes College of Business, as well as its communication and fine arts programs. Nova Southeastern University is renowned for its health professions programs (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), law, education, and marine biology. NSU also has a strong presence in computer science and information technology.

  • How do the campus environments compare between UT and NSU?

    The University of Tampa offers a more traditional, compact campus experience in an urban setting. Students enjoy a walkable campus with easy access to downtown Tampa's amenities. Nova Southeastern University has a larger, more spread-out campus in a suburban environment. While NSU is not directly in downtown Fort Lauderdale, it offers a more self-contained campus experience with a greater focus on research facilities.

  • What is the student life like at the University of Tampa versus Nova Southeastern University?

    The University of Tampa boasts a lively student life with a strong emphasis on campus activities, clubs, and organizations, particularly those related to business and the arts. Its downtown location provides ample opportunities for off-campus entertainment. Nova Southeastern University offers a more diverse student body with a focus on professional development and research. Student life at NSU includes a variety of clubs and organizations, with a strong emphasis on pre-professional and graduate student involvement.

  • Which university is more selective in its admissions process?

    Both universities have a moderately selective admissions process. However, the specific selectivity can vary from year to year. It's best to check the most recent admission statistics on each university's website to get the most accurate information.

  • What are the tuition costs like at the University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern University?

    Both the University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern University are private institutions, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, it's essential to check the most up-to-date tuition and fees information on each university's website, as these costs can change annually. Also, consider the availability of scholarships and financial aid at each institution.

  • Which university offers more opportunities for research?

    Nova Southeastern University, as a research university, generally offers more extensive research opportunities, particularly in the health sciences, marine biology, and computer science. While the University of Tampa also provides research opportunities, NSU's focus on research is more pronounced.

  • How do the career services compare between the University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern University?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and career development. The University of Tampa's career services are tailored to its strong business and communication programs, leveraging its downtown Tampa location for internship opportunities. Nova Southeastern University's career services are geared towards its professional programs, with connections to healthcare, law, and education industries.

  • Which school is better for international students?

    Both universities welcome international students and offer support services tailored to their needs. Nova Southeastern University, with its larger size and diverse student body, may have a slightly larger international student population and a wider range of international programs. However, the University of Tampa also provides a welcoming environment and resources for international students.

  • Does either university have a strong focus on athletics?

    The University of Tampa has a strong NCAA Division II athletic program, particularly known for its baseball and volleyball teams. Nova Southeastern University also participates in NCAA Division II athletics, offering a variety of sports programs. Both universities provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level.

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