About Nova Southeastern University
Students pay an average net price of $31,303 after financial aid, below the sticker price of $55,158. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,209 ten years out, making the investment worthwhile for many. The typical graduate carries $24,250 in debt with monthly payments around $257. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to economic diversity.
The student body skews heavily female at 72%, with strong representation across ethnic groups including 34% Hispanic and 15% Black students. NSU's Sharks compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, supported by nearly $4.6 million in athletic scholarships. The trimester calendar system allows students to accelerate their studies, particularly valuable for those pursuing graduate health programs. With a 92% employment rate, graduates find strong career prospects in South Florida's growing economy.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.3%
- Retention Rate
- 76.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,209
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $176,775 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $166,905 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Doctoral | $122,038 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $114,892 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $112,701 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $104,935 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,224 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $97,071 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Doctoral | $92,040 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $88,588 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around the trimester system, which keeps academic pace brisk. Students often head to nearby beaches on weekends or explore Fort Lauderdale's nightlife scene. The Sharks compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, drawing modest crowds to athletic events. With Miami just 30 miles south, students frequently venture to the bigger city for internships or entertainment. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes are common, especially in NSU's well-regarded health sciences programs. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes like at larger state schools.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,736 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1964
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 57°–75°F
- July Avg
- 75°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 68.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 28.2%
- Women
- 71.8%
- White
- 27.5%
- Black
- 15.2%
- Hispanic
- 33.6%
- Asian
- 11.8%
- In-State Students
- 58.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.9%
Location
- Address
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2004
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,209
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $71,403
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Nova Southeastern University?
Nova Southeastern University accepts 75.8% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040 and 1310 on the SAT. This health sciences powerhouse attracts students primarily interested in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs.
How much does Nova Southeastern University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $31,303 after aid, though the sticker price reaches $55,158 with room and board. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. Graduates typically leave with $24,250 in debt, which is manageable given the university's strong professional programs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Nova Southeastern University?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1 across the university's 7,171 students. NSU operates on a trimester system, allowing for accelerated degree completion. The university is known for its hands-on approach to health sciences education and extensive clinical partnerships throughout South Florida.
How much do Nova Southeastern University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $59,209 ten years after graduation, with 92.1% finding employment. The strong earning potential reflects NSU's reputation as a pre-professional pipeline, particularly for healthcare careers. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions before entering the workforce.
Where is Nova Southeastern University located and what is campus life like?
The main campus sits in suburban Davie, just outside Fort Lauderdale, housing 2,736 students in residence halls. About 58% of students come from Florida, drawn to the year-round warmth and proximity to beaches. The Sharks compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, with a strong swimming and diving program.
What makes Nova Southeastern University unique among Florida universities?
NSU stands out with its comprehensive health sciences focus, housing colleges of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and osteopathic medicine on one campus. The student body is 72% female, reflecting the university's strength in health professions that attract more women. Founded in 1964, it has rapidly grown into one of the largest private research universities in the Southeast.
