About Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University draws 23,458 students to its Boca Raton campus, where palm trees meet academic ambition. The public research university has built a solid reputation for business and engineering programs that attract students across South Florida's small-city setting. Notable alumni include NFL legends Jason Taylor and Warren Sapp, plus NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, who earned his MBA here. The Owls compete in NCAA Division I athletics, fielding 17 varsity sports that have gained regional recognition.
Students pay an average net price of $8,001 after financial aid, making this one of Florida's more affordable university options. In-state tuition runs just $4,879, while out-of-state students pay $17,324. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,746 ten years out, creating a strong return on investment against typical debt loads of $17,236. The employment rate hits 93.6%, suggesting solid career preparation.
The student body reflects South Florida's diversity, with 28.87% Hispanic and 17.33% Black students joining a campus where 57.14% are women. With 86.41% of students coming from in-state, FAU maintains strong Florida roots. The 84.16% retention rate indicates most students find their academic home here, though the 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common.
Students pay an average net price of $8,001 after financial aid, making this one of Florida's more affordable university options. In-state tuition runs just $4,879, while out-of-state students pay $17,324. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,746 ten years out, creating a strong return on investment against typical debt loads of $17,236. The employment rate hits 93.6%, suggesting solid career preparation.
The student body reflects South Florida's diversity, with 28.87% Hispanic and 17.33% Black students joining a campus where 57.14% are women. With 86.41% of students coming from in-state, FAU maintains strong Florida roots. The 84.16% retention rate indicates most students find their academic home here, though the 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common.
Academics & Faculty
Florida Atlantic University operates as a public research university with strong professional programs that attract students across South Florida. The business school draws significant enrollment with its proximity to major corporations in Boca Raton and Miami. Engineering students benefit from modern facilities and industry connections throughout the region. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend toward the larger side typical of public universities. The 64% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face balancing work and studies in an expensive area. Research opportunities exist across disciplines, though the university maintains its focus on practical, career-oriented education that serves the diverse needs of its 23,458 students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.3%
- Retention Rate
- 84.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,746
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $92,632 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,061 |
| Taxation. | Master | $74,576 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $73,737 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $72,796 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,865 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,415 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,463 |
| Ocean Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,377 |
Campus Life
FAU's Boca Raton campus sits 20 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, where palm trees and modern buildings create a distinctly South Florida atmosphere. With housing for only 5,200 students out of 23,458 enrolled, most Owls commute from nearby apartments or live at home. The weather stays warm year-round, so pack sunscreen instead of winter coats.
Students gather at the Student Union or head to nearby beaches on weekends. The campus buzzes during football season, especially since the Owls joined Conference USA and built excitement around their program. With 86% of students coming from in-state, many go home on weekends, giving the campus a quieter feel compared to residential schools. The diverse student body reflects South Florida's demographics, with 28.87% Hispanic and 17.33% Black students. Town Center at Boca Raton offers shopping and dining just minutes away. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students work while studying, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere that defines this young university.
Students gather at the Student Union or head to nearby beaches on weekends. The campus buzzes during football season, especially since the Owls joined Conference USA and built excitement around their program. With 86% of students coming from in-state, many go home on weekends, giving the campus a quieter feel compared to residential schools. The diverse student body reflects South Florida's demographics, with 28.87% Hispanic and 17.33% Black students. Town Center at Boca Raton offers shopping and dining just minutes away. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students work while studying, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere that defines this young university.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 5,200 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
103 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 60°–76°F
- July Avg
- 77°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Florida Atlantic draws primarily from South Florida, with 86% of students calling the Sunshine State home. The university serves a diverse student body that reflects the region's demographics, with significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, making FAU an accessible option for working-class families. Women outnumber men by 14 percentage points, partly reflecting the popularity of business and education programs. This mix creates a commuter-friendly campus where students from different backgrounds pursue practical degrees that lead to solid middle-class careers in Florida's growing economy.
- Men
- 42.9%
- Women
- 57.1%
- White
- 41.5%
- Black
- 17.3%
- Hispanic
- 28.9%
- Asian
- 3.9%
- In-State Students
- 86.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.2%
Location
FAU sits in Boca Raton, a wealthy coastal city just 43 miles north of Miami. The campus attracts students who want Florida's beach lifestyle without sacrificing academic opportunities. Boca Raton combines upscale shopping and dining with easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades. The city's median household income exceeds $65,000, creating an affluent environment that contrasts with typical college towns. Students can reach Fort Lauderdale in 30 minutes or Miami Beach in under an hour. The subtropical climate means year-round outdoor activities, from surfing to golf. With 86% of students coming from in-state, most already know Florida's appeal. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida Atlantic University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boca Raton, Florida 33431-0991
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,746
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,588
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $183/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,236
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Florida Atlantic University?
Florida Atlantic University accepts 81.32% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1110. The school attracts students who want access to Division I athletics and strong business programs without extremely competitive admissions standards.
How much does Florida Atlantic University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,001 annually, with in-state tuition at just $4,879. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,120 net price, making FAU one of Florida's most affordable public universities.
What is Florida Atlantic University known for academically?
FAU operates with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio across its research programs, particularly excelling in business and engineering. The university has gained recognition for attracting high-profile students like Shaquille O'Neal, who earned his MBA there.
What are the job outcomes for Florida Atlantic University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $56,746 ten years after graduation with a 93.6% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $17,236 in debt and monthly loan payments of $183, reflecting the school's affordability advantage.
Where is Florida Atlantic University's campus located?
The main campus sits in Boca Raton, a small city in South Florida, serving 23,458 students. Housing capacity reaches 5,200 students, though 86.41% of students come from in-state, many choosing to live off-campus in the surrounding area.
Does Florida Atlantic University have competitive athletics?
FAU competes in NCAA Division I with 17 varsity sports and 447 total athletes supported by $7.57 million in athletic scholarships. The Owls have produced NFL stars like Jason Taylor and Warren Sapp, building a reputation for competitive football and basketball programs.
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