About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University weaves Christian faith into professional training programs that prepare students for careers in nursing, business, and education. The 2,427 students attend this interdenominational university in West Palm Beach, where small class sizes create tight-knit learning communities. The school accepts 95% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1120, drawing students who value both academic growth and spiritual development. Faculty work closely with students in a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Students pay an average net price of $32,751 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,232 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,500 with monthly payments around $239. The employment rate hits 96.1%, suggesting strong job placement despite the modest earnings compared to the substantial investment.
The student body skews heavily female at 65%, reflecting the popularity of nursing and education programs. About 40% of students live on campus, creating a residential college atmosphere. The Sailfish compete in NCAA Division II with 18 varsity sports and distribute nearly $4 million in athletic scholarships. However, retention tells a concerning story, with only 67% of students returning for their sophomore year.
Students pay an average net price of $32,751 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,232 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,500 with monthly payments around $239. The employment rate hits 96.1%, suggesting strong job placement despite the modest earnings compared to the substantial investment.
The student body skews heavily female at 65%, reflecting the popularity of nursing and education programs. About 40% of students live on campus, creating a residential college atmosphere. The Sailfish compete in NCAA Division II with 18 varsity sports and distribute nearly $4 million in athletic scholarships. However, retention tells a concerning story, with only 67% of students returning for their sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Palm Beach Atlantic builds its academic reputation around faith-integrated professional programs, particularly nursing and business. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where Christian values blend with career preparation. With a 58% six-year graduation rate, the university provides solid support for students navigating rigorous health science and business curricula. PBA's nursing program stands out in South Florida for combining clinical excellence with service-oriented values. The school operates as a full Christian university rather than a liberal arts college, focusing on practical degrees that prepare graduates for immediate employment. Students benefit from personalized attention in programs designed to develop both professional competence and spiritual growth.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.9%
- Retention Rate
- 67.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,232
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,354 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,689 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,996 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,682 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $40,392 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,523 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
Campus Life
Campus sits just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach, putting students within reach of beaches, internships, and nightlife. With housing capacity for 1,456 students and total enrollment of 2,427, about 60% of students live on campus. The Christian foundation shapes daily life through required chapel services and faith-integrated academics. Students pack sunscreen year-round in South Florida's tropical climate where winter means 70-degree days.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom discussions where professors know your name. Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a female-heavy social active. Weekend activities center around the nearby Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic beaches, just 10 minutes east. The Sailfish compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports, with 371 student-athletes drawing crowds to games. Students often volunteer at local churches and community organizations, reflecting the university's service-oriented mission. Palm Beach's upscale dining and cultural scene provides internship opportunities, though many students find the area expensive for college budgets.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom discussions where professors know your name. Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a female-heavy social active. Weekend activities center around the nearby Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic beaches, just 10 minutes east. The Sailfish compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports, with 371 student-athletes drawing crowds to games. Students often volunteer at local churches and community organizations, reflecting the university's service-oriented mission. Palm Beach's upscale dining and cultural scene provides internship opportunities, though many students find the area expensive for college budgets.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,456 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 57°–74°F
- July Avg
- 76°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Palm Beach Atlantic draws students who want faith-integrated education close to home. Nearly 60% come from Florida, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation among Christian families. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, drawn to popular programs like nursing and education that traditionally attract female students. The diverse makeup includes significant Hispanic representation at 17%, mirroring South Florida's demographics. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The 2,427 students create a tight-knit community where faith and academics intersect.
- Men
- 34.9%
- Women
- 65.1%
- White
- 52.7%
- Black
- 9.5%
- Hispanic
- 17.4%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 59.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.1%
Location
West Palm Beach sits 70 miles north of Miami along Florida's Atlantic coast. The city of 117,000 offers a blend of urban amenities and beach culture in South Florida's Gold Coast region. Palm Beach Atlantic's campus lies just minutes from pristine beaches and the Intracoastal Waterway. The area attracts retirees and young professionals drawn to year-round warm weather and outdoor recreation. West Palm Beach has evolved from a sleepy resort town into a thriving cultural center with museums, theaters, and a revitalized downtown district. The university's 2,427 students benefit from internship opportunities in healthcare, business, and hospitality throughout the greater Palm Beach County area. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Palm Beach Atlantic with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,232
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,813
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Palm Beach Atlantic University accepts 94.66% of applicants, making it very accessible to students seeking Christian higher education. The average SAT score is 1120, with most admitted students scoring between 1000 and 1240.
How much does Palm Beach Atlantic University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $32,751 after aid, down from the full tuition of $37,990. The university is known for making Christian education more affordable, with graduates carrying a median debt of $22,500.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Palm Beach Atlantic University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,427 total students. This small Christian institution emphasizes personalized attention in its professional programs like nursing and business.
What are the graduation rates at Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Palm Beach Atlantic graduates 57.67% of students in four years and 58.90% in six years. Alumni earn a median salary of $49,232 ten years after graduation, with a strong 96.1% employment rate.
Where do students live at Palm Beach Atlantic University?
The West Palm Beach campus houses 1,456 students in residence halls, serving a student body that is 65.14% female. The city setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining the close-knit feel of a Christian university.
Does Palm Beach Atlantic University offer athletic scholarships?
The Sailfish compete in NCAA Division II and award $3,875,015 in athletic scholarships across 18 varsity sports. With 371 total athletes, the university balances competitive athletics with its faith-based mission in the Sunshine State Conference.
