University of North Florida (UNF) vs Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Nestled in the vibrant city of Jacksonville, University of North Florida (UNF) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale stand out as two prominent institutions of higher learning in Florida. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. UNF boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students, while NSU's smaller student body fosters a more intimate learning environment. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Nova Southeastern University logo

Nova Southeastern University

University of North Florida logo

University of North Florida

Overview

Location Fort Lauderdale, Florida Jacksonville, Florida
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Trimester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 78.0% 79.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 92.5% 77.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
SAT range 1040 - 1310 1000 - 1210
ACT range 20 - 30 19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score 42.0% 74.0%
Students submitting ACT score 17.0% 26.0%
Total number of applicants 11,749 16,004
Total number of admissions given out 10,868 12,401
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,672 2,574
Yield rate 15.4% 20.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $57,175
In state: $22,849

Out of state: $37,253
Average net price $26,530 $7,746
Tuition $33,510
In state: $4,281

Out of state: $17,999
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,944

Meal plan: $3,190
Room/dormitory: $5,800

Meal plan: $4,368
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $23,747
83.0%
Average amount $9,011
Students receiving federal student loan 45.0%
Average amount $5,272
25.0%
Average amount $4,522
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $14,731
2.0%
Average amount $10,181

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,637
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
14,167
Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
Graduate students 14,261
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
2,427
Men 27.7% Women 72.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 6.8%
International students 3.8% 2.3%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,049 3,504
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Florida Georgia New York New Jersey Virginia

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Liberal Arts
  • Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 19:1
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% 67.1%
Dropout rate 5.4% 25.1%
Transferred out 33.3% 7.0%
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: $157,001
  • Year 2: $126,504
  • Year 3: $126,204
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,203
  • Year 2: $65,557
  • Year 3: $74,548
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,518
  • Year 2: $66,897
  • Year 3: $73,024
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,614
  • Year 2: $64,990
  • Year 3: $72,538
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $65,441
  • Year 3: $71,319
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,435
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $69,352
American Sign Language (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $64,122
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,057
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $63,493
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,256
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: $61,746
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,266
  • Year 2: $58,057
  • Year 3: $60,411

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What is the primary difference in location between the University of North Florida (UNF) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU)?

    UNF is located in Jacksonville, Florida, offering a more suburban campus environment with close proximity to beaches and outdoor recreational activities. NSU is situated in Davie, Florida, part of the greater Fort Lauderdale area, providing access to a more urban and diverse environment with a wider range of entertainment and cultural opportunities.

  • How do the academic programs compare at UNF and NSU?

    Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. UNF is particularly strong in areas like business, nursing, and education, with a focus on practical application and community engagement. NSU is known for its strong programs in health sciences, including medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, as well as its robust research opportunities and professional programs.

  • What is the typical student body size and campus feel at UNF and NSU?

    UNF generally has a larger undergraduate student population, creating a more traditional university experience with a focus on campus life and activities. NSU has a more diverse student body, including a significant number of graduate and professional students, which contributes to a more professional and research-oriented atmosphere.

  • How do the tuition and fees compare between UNF and NSU?

    UNF is generally more affordable than NSU, especially for in-state students. NSU, as a private university, typically has higher tuition and fees. However, NSU often offers more financial aid and scholarship opportunities to offset the cost.

  • What are the research opportunities like at UNF and NSU?

    NSU places a greater emphasis on research, particularly in the health sciences and marine biology. It has numerous research centers and institutes, providing extensive opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge research. UNF also offers research opportunities, though they are generally more focused on undergraduate research and community-based projects.

  • How does the campus life and student activities differ at UNF and NSU?

    UNF offers a more traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on campus clubs, Greek life, and athletic events. NSU has a more diverse student body and a wider range of activities, including professional organizations and events related to its various graduate programs. Both universities offer a variety of student organizations and recreational facilities.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at UNF and NSU?

    Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. NSU, due to its strong professional programs, often has a wider network of industry connections and internship opportunities, particularly in the healthcare and legal fields. UNF also has strong connections with local businesses and organizations, providing valuable internship and job prospects.

  • How do the athletic programs compare at UNF and NSU?

    UNF competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a variety of sports programs. NSU competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a focus on a smaller number of sports. Both universities provide opportunities for students to participate in intramural sports and recreational activities.

  • What are the housing options like at UNF and NSU?

    Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. UNF has a variety of residence halls and apartment-style living, catering to different preferences. NSU also provides on-campus housing, including residence halls and apartments, with options for graduate and professional students as well.

  • Which university is better for me, UNF or NSU?

    The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more affordable, traditional college experience with a focus on undergraduate programs and a suburban setting, UNF might be a better fit. If you are interested in a wider range of professional programs, research opportunities, and a more diverse and urban environment, NSU could be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, career goals, and desired campus environment when making your decision.

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