At $34,439/yr net price, Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates earn $39,696/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,696/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,439 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $137,756 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,696/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,696/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,985/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,554/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $35,800/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,630/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,447/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,878 | $130,582 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $76,356 | $48,500 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $70,456 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $27,427 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $65,725 | $102,500 |
| Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,887 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,866 | $26,380 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $56,302 | |
| Nursing. | Associate | $55,658 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $55,338 |
The Risk Factor
44.2% of students at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $39,696 median earnings barely justify the $34,439 annual net price, creating a tight financial squeeze for most graduates.
Nursing programs offer the clearest path to financial success, with registered nursing graduates earning $70,456-$76,356 annually against relatively manageable debt loads of $27,427-$48,500. Allied health diagnostic programs produce the highest earners at $104,878, but the $130,582 debt burden creates a dangerous financial gamble that could take decades to recover from.
The 44% graduation rate poses significant financial risk. More than half of students who start at Keiser-Ft Lauderdale never finish their degrees, meaning they carry debt without the earning potential to justify it. This completion rate is particularly concerning given the school's high cost structure.
You should consider Keiser-Ft Lauderdale only if you're committed to nursing or fire protection programs, where job placement rates in South Florida are strong and starting salaries can cover loan payments. The regional healthcare market provides decent opportunities for nursing graduates, but other majors struggle to generate returns that justify the investment.
Avoid programs outside healthcare unless you have substantial family financial support. The debt-to-earnings ratio for most other majors creates long-term financial stress. If you need significant financial aid, investigate whether Keiser offers merit scholarships for high-performing students, as 57% of students receive some aid. However, the low graduation rate suggests many students still struggle financially even with assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $34,439 annually and median graduate earnings of only $39,696 after 10 years, most students will struggle to justify the cost. The low 44% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Which programs at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale have the best return on investment?
Allied Health programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Nursing and Fire Protection programs also show decent returns, but most other majors don't generate enough income to offset the high tuition costs.
How much student debt do Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $26,125, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, given the low median earnings of $39,696, graduates may still face difficulty making payments on standard repayment plans.
Should I choose Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale over a state school for better career prospects?
No. The 96% acceptance rate indicates minimal selectivity, and the low graduation rate suggests weak academic support. Most students would get better value from Florida's public universities, which cost significantly less with similar or better employment outcomes.