At $31,303/yr net price, Nova Southeastern University graduates earn $59,209/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,209/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,303 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $125,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,209/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,209/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,140/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,648/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,839/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,872/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,861/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $176,775 | $238,601 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $166,905 | $192,865 |
| 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 | $210,049 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $104,935 | $406,377 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,224 | $137,125 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Doctoral | $92,040 | $79,423 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $88,588 | $205,772 |
The Risk Factor
64.3% of students at Nova Southeastern University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Nova Southeastern University delivers solid returns for health science majors but struggles to justify its cost for most other programs. The dental and medical programs produce graduates earning well into six figures, though you'll carry substantial debt loads that can exceed $200,000.
Your best financial bets are nursing, information science, and allied health programs. These fields align well with South Florida's growing healthcare sector and aging population. The nursing program offers particularly strong value with median earnings of $114,892 and more manageable debt levels than other health programs.
Liberal arts and business majors face tougher math. With a $31,303 annual net price, you need strong earning potential to make the investment worthwhile. The 64% graduation rate means over one-third of students leave without a degree, creating significant financial risk.
NSU works best if you're committed to healthcare careers and can handle the debt load. The school's location provides access to major hospital systems and medical employers throughout Southeast Florida. However, if you're exploring majors outside health sciences or uncertain about your career path, you'll likely find better value at public universities.
The 37% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense given the school's professional focus. Your strongest strategy involves securing scholarships upfront or considering the more affordable programs like information science that still offer solid career prospects in the region's growing tech sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nova Southeastern University worth the cost?
Nova Southeastern University's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Health programs like dentistry and pharmacy show strong earnings potential, but the general 10-year earnings of $59,209 are modest for a $31,303 annual cost.
What programs at Nova Southeastern University have the best job prospects?
Dentistry leads with median earnings of $176,775, followed by allied health at $166,905 and information science at $122,038. Nursing and pharmacy programs also show solid returns above $110,000.
How much debt do Nova Southeastern University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,250, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with a 64% graduation rate, about one-third of students leave without completing their degree.
Does Nova Southeastern University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $31,303 suggests limited financial aid impact for most students. Given the moderate earnings outcomes outside health programs, careful cost analysis is important before enrolling.