About Southeastern University
Southeastern University builds pastors, teachers, and business leaders through an Assemblies of God lens. The 4,646 students on this Lakeland campus dive deep into ministry programs that feed churches across the Southeast. Business and education majors also thrive here, preparing for careers that blend professional skills with Christian values. The 60.86% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants get in, but the real test comes after enrollment.
Students pay an average of $30,209 after aid, which stings given what graduates actually earn. Ten years out, the median salary hits $46,744, but that barely justifies the financial commitment. The $21,500 median debt load creates monthly payments of $228, manageable but not trivial. Only 55.05% of borrowers stay current on their loans, suggesting many struggle financially after graduation.
The Fire compete in 19 NAIA sports with 534 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Women outnumber men 60% to 40%, typical for education-focused schools. The 72.22% retention rate means about one in four freshmen transfer elsewhere, often seeking more academic rigor or financial relief. Campus housing serves 1,806 students, fostering the close Christian community that defines campus life.
Students pay an average of $30,209 after aid, which stings given what graduates actually earn. Ten years out, the median salary hits $46,744, but that barely justifies the financial commitment. The $21,500 median debt load creates monthly payments of $228, manageable but not trivial. Only 55.05% of borrowers stay current on their loans, suggesting many struggle financially after graduation.
The Fire compete in 19 NAIA sports with 534 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Women outnumber men 60% to 40%, typical for education-focused schools. The 72.22% retention rate means about one in four freshmen transfer elsewhere, often seeking more academic rigor or financial relief. Campus housing serves 1,806 students, fostering the close Christian community that defines campus life.
Academics & Faculty
Southeastern University focuses on integrating Christian faith with professional training across ministry, business, and education programs. The university operates with a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes than many private colleges. Students can choose from programs designed to prepare them for careers in pastoral ministry, nonprofit leadership, and K-12 teaching. The 43% graduation rate reflects challenges many students face completing their degrees within six years. Southeastern emphasizes practical ministry experience alongside academic coursework. The school's Assemblies of God affiliation shapes curriculum and campus culture. Business and education majors often pursue dual degrees that combine their field with ministry preparation for faith-based career paths.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 26:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.3%
- Retention Rate
- 72.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,744
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,696 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $40,485 |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $39,009 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Master | $36,490 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Campus Life
The Fire dominate campus life at this Assemblies of God university, where 39% of students compete in 19 NAIA sports. About 39% of the 4,646 students live in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit community centered around Christian faith and athletics. Tampa sits just 45 minutes east, offering internships and weekend entertainment beyond Lakeland's lakes and parks.
Florida's year-round warmth means flip-flops and shorts are standard campus attire. Students gather for chapel services and athletic events throughout the week. With 60% female enrollment, the campus skews toward education and ministry programs that draw many women. Weekend activities revolve around Fire games, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby beaches or theme parks. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally in this close community. Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting many families prioritize the Christian education experience despite the $44,352 total cost. Campus traditions blend Pentecostal worship with typical college life.
Florida's year-round warmth means flip-flops and shorts are standard campus attire. Students gather for chapel services and athletic events throughout the week. With 60% female enrollment, the campus skews toward education and ministry programs that draw many women. Weekend activities revolve around Fire games, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby beaches or theme parks. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally in this close community. Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting many families prioritize the Christian education experience despite the $44,352 total cost. Campus traditions blend Pentecostal worship with typical college life.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,806 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1935
Campus Safety (2023)
46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 4 | 9 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 50°–73°F
- July Avg
- 72°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The student body at Southeastern University reflects its Christian mission and regional appeal. Women make up 60% of enrollment, drawn to the university's strong education and ministry programs that traditionally attract female students. Nearly half the students come from Florida, showing the school's solid reputation within the state's evangelical community. The diverse mix includes 24% Hispanic and 11% Black students, reflecting central Florida's demographics. Only 22% receive Pell Grants, indicating families who prioritize faith-based education despite the financial commitment. The 4,646 students create a tight-knit community united by shared religious values.
- Men
- 39.6%
- Women
- 60.4%
- White
- 55.9%
- Black
- 11.2%
- Hispanic
- 23.8%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 49.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.1%
Location
Southeastern University sits in Lakeland, Florida, roughly 35 miles east of Tampa. The city of 112,000 residents lies in central Florida's Polk County, known for its chain of lakes and citrus groves. Lakeland offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods and historic downtown areas, with the Detroit Tigers holding spring training here each year. The campus draws students from across Florida, with 49.49% coming from in-state. The mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities on the university's 87-acre campus. Students can access both Tampa's urban amenities and Orlando's attractions within an hour's drive. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Southeastern University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lakeland, Florida 33801-6034
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,744
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,308
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southeastern University?
Southeastern University accepts 60.86% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. This Assemblies of God institution draws students seeking a Christian education with strong ministry and business programs.
How much does Southeastern University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $30,209, though only 22.14% of students receive financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $28,140 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition of $31,732.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southeastern University?
The student-faculty ratio is 26:1 across the university's 4,646 enrolled students. This Christian university emphasizes ministry, business, and education programs within its faith-based academic environment.
What are the graduation rates at Southeastern University?
Only 43.30% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 42.99%. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,744 ten years after enrollment, though the relatively low graduation rates suggest academic challenges for many students.
Where is Southeastern University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Lakeland, Florida, housing 1,806 students in on-campus facilities. With 19 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA and 534 total athletes, the Fire athletic program receives over $4.3 million in scholarship funding annually.
Does Southeastern University have a religious affiliation?
Southeastern University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination and was founded in 1935. The student body is 60.44% female and reflects Florida's diversity with 55.94% white, 23.83% Hispanic, and 11.19% Black students seeking a Christian higher education experience.
