Nova Southeastern University logo

Nova Southeastern University

Accept Rate
72.67%
Grad Rate
63.4%
Enrollment
7,171
Avg SAT
1182
Tuition
$37,080
Median Salary
$59,209
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Nova Southeastern University feels like a modern, sun-drenched campus where ambition meets the laid-back energy of South Florida. Students describe an environment that is academically rigorous yet highly collaborative, with a strong focus on health and wellness. It’s a place where you’ll see peers heading to clinical rotations or the beach with equal enthusiasm.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

72.67%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 118275th Pctl
10501310
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2575th Pctl
2128
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight any volunteer work or experience in healthcare, as this aligns directly with NSU’s top programs and demonstrates a commitment to service. For applicants with scores around the 1182 SAT average, a strong GPA and compelling personal essay can help you stand out. If you have a specific career path in mind, mention it in your application to show how NSU’s programs will help you achieve your goals.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

🎯

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1182
40080012001600
School range: 10501310

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

Academics & Majors

NSU is a powerhouse in health professions, offering extensive clinical training and research opportunities through its medical and dental centers. The university provides hands-on learning experiences in biology and biomedical sciences, often partnering with local research institutes. While class sizes can vary, the faculty are known for being accessible mentors who are active in their fields.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
36.4%
Biology & Biomedical
24.1%
Business & Marketing
10.1%
Psychology
6.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.3%
Education
3.6%
Computer Science
2.7%
Communications
1.7%
Criminal Justice
1.7%
Social Sciences
1.5%
Family & Consumer Science
1.5%
Legal Studies
1.3%

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

By The Numbers

63.4%
Graduation Rate
76.4%
Retention Rate
7,171
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
$37,080
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$31,303
After financial aid
Total Cost
$55,647
Cost of attendance/year
36.9%
Receive Pell Grants
43.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Fort Lauderdale

Students enjoy the vibrant Fort Lauderdale lifestyle, with easy access to pristine beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, and a bustling downtown scene.校外生活 includes exploring the Anne Kolb Nature Center, shopping at the Galleria Mall, or enjoying the diverse culinary and nightlife options along Las Olas Boulevard. The city’s youthful energy and year-round sunshine make it an ideal backdrop for both study and recreation.

Local Rent Check

$1,692 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Fort Lauderdale
Explore Fort Lauderdale

Reality Check

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

$148,320
$0Est. 4 Years: $148,320

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,209):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The main campus is located in a safe, suburban area with 24/7 campus security and well-lit pathways. The surrounding Davie and Fort Lauderdale areas are generally safe, but students are advised to practice standard urban safety precautions, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong emphasis on health professions with direct access to clinical facilities and research centers.
  • Prime location in Fort Lauderdale offering a vibrant social life and networking opportunities.
  • Diverse student body with a significant portion receiving Pell Grants, indicating socioeconomic diversity.

Cons

  • Tuition is high for a private university, and the graduation rate is below the national average.
  • The suburban campus setting may feel isolated for students who crave a dense urban environment.
  • Retention rate suggests some students may struggle to persist through graduation.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Howard J. Ross
Renowned psychiatrist and founder of the Ross Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.
Dr. Robert M. Levy
Former CEO of a major healthcare organization and influential leader in medical education.
Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg
President of Nova Southeastern University from 2010 to 2020, known for expanding research and health programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nova Southeastern University is particularly renowned for its programs in health professions, including medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, through its prestigious Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and College of Dental Medicine. It also has strong offerings in biology, business, and psychology, with a focus on experiential learning and research.

Nova Southeastern has an acceptance rate of 72.67%, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1182, and the average ACT score is around 24. While not extremely competitive, applicants are advised to have a solid GPA and demonstrate alignment with the university's strengths in health and sciences.

Campus life at NSU is dynamic and diverse, with over 150 student organizations and a strong emphasis on community and wellness. Students enjoy a mix of academic and social activities, from research symposiums to beach trips, with the university’s location in Fort Lauderdale providing ample off-campus entertainment options.

The value of an NSU degree depends on the major, but its strong programs in high-demand fields like healthcare and business can lead to solid earning potential, with a 10-year median earnings of $59,209. The average net price of $31,303 is comparable to other private universities, and financial aid can help offset costs for many students.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Memorial Healthcare System Broward Health American Express JM Family Enterprises Baptist Health South Florida
Smart Start Score
64

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 7,381
  • In-State Tuition $37,080
  • Zip Code 33328

Gender Ratio

♂ 28.2% ♀ 71.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $31,303 and a 10-year median earnings figure of $59,209, the return on investment is moderate and aligns with national averages for private universities. The university’s strong programs in high-demand fields like health professions and business can lead to stable, well-paying careers that justify the cost. For many, the combination of financial aid opportunities and post-graduation earning potential makes it a worthwhile investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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📍 Campus Location

📅 Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1–15
Regular Decision Jan 1–15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines →

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

🧮 Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $37,080
Housing (12 mo) $20,304
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $64,584
With avg financial aid:
$31,303/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.