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Florida Atlantic University

Accept Rate
73.44%
Grad Rate
63.2%
Enrollment
23,458
Avg SAT
1119
Tuition
$4,879
Median Salary
$56,746
Overall Grade
C+
B-
Academics
A+
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Florida Atlantic University pulses with the energy of a diverse, commuter-friendly campus set against the sunshine and waterways of South Florida. It feels like a place where ambitious students balance serious study with the vibrant, off-campus lifestyle of Boca Raton, creating a grounded yet dynamic atmosphere.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

73.44%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 111975th Pctl
10401210
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2026
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in community service or leadership roles in your application, as FAU values well-rounded applicants who contribute to campus life. Since your specific major is popular, demonstrate genuine interest in that field through relevant coursework or extracurriculars to strengthen your candidacy.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1119
40080012001600
School range: 1040โ€“1210

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

FAU's academic strengths are anchored in its College of Business and its robust Health Professions programs, offering students direct pathways to high-demand careers. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and research, particularly in marine science and engineering, with faculty who are dedicated mentors in a large public university setting.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
20.1%
Health Professions
11.5%
Multidisciplinary Studies
8.9%
Psychology
6.8%
Biology & Biomedical
6%
Criminal Justice
5.1%
Communications
4.9%
Social Sciences
4.6%
Engineering
4.4%
Computer Science
3.7%
Public Administration
3.4%
Education
3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63.2%
Graduation Rate
84.2%
Retention Rate
23,458
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$4,879
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$8,001
After financial aid
Total Cost
$21,054
Cost of attendance/year
35.1%
Receive Pell Grants
27.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Boca Raton

Student life in Boca Raton revolves around the nearby beaches, where students surf, paddleboard, and socialize after classes. The city offers a upscale environment with trendy restaurants, shopping at Mizner Park, and a lively arts scene, though the social life is more integrated into the city than confined to a traditional college town.

Local Rent Check

$1,851 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Boca Raton
Explore Boca Raton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$19,516
$0Est. 4 Years: $19,516

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,746):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

FAU's Boca Raton campus is considered safe with on-campus police and well-lit pathways, though students should remain aware of their surroundings as with any urban area. The surrounding Boca Raton community is an affluent, low-crime city, which contributes to a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition, especially for in-state students.
  • โœ“ High retention rate indicates strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Boca Raton offers access to internships and a desirable lifestyle.
  • โœ“ Diverse range of popular majors leading to strong career pipelines.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 63.2% is below the national average.
  • โœ— As a commuter-heavy school, traditional campus spirit and dorm life can be less intense.
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, reducing value for non-residents.

Notable Alumni

Carly Pope
Acclaimed actress known for her roles in television series like 'Popular' and 'Suits'.
Michael L. Brown
Former Mayor of Boca Raton and influential leader in South Florida public service.
Ryan B. H. (R.B.H.)
Accomplished leader in the field of public health and community wellness initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida Atlantic University is particularly known for its highly-ranked College of Business, its strong Health Professions programs, and its unique location near the coast which supports prominent marine science research. It is also recognized for its diverse student body and as a growing institution in the South Florida region.

No, Florida Atlantic University has a moderately high acceptance rate of 73.44%, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1030 and 1200, and the university considers a holistic application that includes GPA and extracurriculars.

Campus life at FAU is active and diverse, with over 400 student organizations and a strong focus on community engagement. The campus is located in an urban setting, so students often take advantage of the Boca Raton lifestyle, including nearby beaches and city amenities, alongside on-campus events and Division I athletics.

Yes, FAU offers a strong financial value, especially for in-state students with a low average net price of $8,001 and a median 10-year earnings of $56,746. The combination of affordable tuition, high demand for its top majors, and a strong retention rate suggests a positive return on investment for graduates.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Office Depot Cleveland Clinic Baptist Health South Florida Amazon The School District of Palm Beach County
Smart Start Score
63

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 29,440
  • In-State Tuition $4,879
  • Out-of-State $17,324
  • Zip Code 33431

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.9% โ™€ 57.1%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $8,001 and a low in-state tuition of $4,879, FAU offers exceptional value, especially for Florida residents. The 10-year median earnings of $56,746 and a strong retention rate suggest a solid return on investment, making it a financially sound choice for a degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with California State Polytechnic

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $4,879
Housing (12 mo) $22,212
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,291
With avg financial aid:
$8,001/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.