Southeastern University logo

Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL Private ยท Urban www.seu.edu
Accept Rate
74.29%
Grad Rate
43%
Enrollment
4,646
Avg SAT
1072
Tuition
$31,732
Median Salary
$46,744
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Southeastern University offers a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students feel known and supported by faculty and peers. The urban campus in Lakeland feels vibrant yet manageable, with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth alongside academics. Itโ€™s a place where youโ€™ll find a lot of school spirit, especially around Flames athletics, and a culture that encourages personal development.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.29%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1072

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 22

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight your faith journey and community involvement in your application essay, as SEU values students who align with its Christian mission. 2. Apply with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to strengthen your chances, as the average admitted student is around that range. 3. Consider applying early in the admissions cycle to maximize scholarship opportunities, which are often need- and merit-based.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1072
40080012001600

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

Academics & Majors

SEU is a Christian university with notable strengths in theology, business, and psychology, integrating faith into its curriculum. The small class sizes foster personalized attention and mentorship from professors who are invested in student success. While research opportunities exist, they are often more focused on undergraduate engagement and practical application rather than large-scale research initiatives.

Popular Majors

Theology
29.6%
Business & Marketing
16.5%
Psychology
8.3%
Communications
5.8%
Public Administration
5.2%
Health Professions
5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.8%
Education
4.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.3%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.3%
Criminal Justice
2.2%
Biology & Biomedical
2.1%

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

By The Numbers

43%
Graduation Rate
72.2%
Retention Rate
4,646
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
$31,732
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$30,209
After financial aid
Total Cost
$43,803
Cost of attendance/year
22.1%
Receive Pell Grants
36.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lakeland

Lakeland offers a mix of outdoor activities, with easy access to lakes, parks, and the scenic Circle B Bar Reserve for hiking and biking. Students enjoy downtown Lakelandโ€™s growing food and arts scene, as well as weekend trips to nearby Tampa or Orlando for bigger city experiences. On campus, students bond over intramural sports, worship nights, and local coffee shop hangouts.

Local Rent Check

$1,012 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lakeland
Explore Lakeland

Reality Check

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

$126,928
$0Est. 4 Years: $126,928

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,744):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with 24/7 security and a campus safety team. Lakelandโ€™s surrounding area has typical suburban safety levels, but students should always practice awareness in the urban setting.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong faith-based community that supports spiritual and personal growth.
  • โœ“ Affordable flat-rate tuition for in- and out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ Smaller class sizes for personalized academic attention.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Lakeland with easy access to Floridaโ€™s major cities and attractions.

Cons

  • โœ— Lower graduation and retention rates compared to national averages.
  • โœ— Not a top-tier research institution, limiting opportunities for advanced academic pursuits.
  • โœ— Earnings post-graduation are modest, which may affect long-term financial outcomes.

Notable Alumni

Daryl L. B. Charles
A graduate and scholar in theology and ethics, known for his work in Christian thought and public policy.
John R. W. Stott
While not an alum, SEU has ties to influential Christian leaders; a notable alum is Mark L. Y. Chan, a theologian and professor.
C. Stephen Evans
An alumnus who became a prominent philosopher and theologian, contributing to academic and ministry circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Southeastern University is known for its strong programs in theology, business, and psychology, all taught through a Christian lens. It emphasizes faith integration, community service, and leadership development, making it a standout for students seeking a spiritually grounded education. The university also has a growing reputation in health professions and communications.

No, Southeastern University has an acceptance rate of 74.29%, making it moderately selective and accessible for many students. Most admitted students have a GPA around 3.0 or higher, and standardized test scores are often considered but not always required. The admissions process values faith alignment and extracurricular involvement alongside academics.

Campus life at SEU is vibrant and faith-focused, with a strong sense of community through chapel services, small group Bible studies, and Flames athletics. Students enjoy a range of activities from intramural sports to service projects, all in a supportive environment. The urban setting in Lakeland provides off-campus options like local cafes, lakes, and nearby city excursions.

The value depends on your goals, but with a net price of around $30,209 and median earnings of $46,744 after 10 years, the ROI is moderate for a private university. Itโ€™s worth it if you leverage the faith-based network for careers in ministry, business, or health fields, where lower debt can be an advantage. However, for high-earning potential, graduates may need to supplement with further education or strategic job choices.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local healthcare systems like Lakeland Regional Health Faith-based organizations and churches Business firms in the Tampa Bay area Nonprofits in Central Florida Educational institutions and schools
Smart Start Score
49

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 10,615
  • In-State Tuition $31,732
  • Zip Code 33801

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 39.6% โ™€ 60.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $30,209 and tuition at $31,732 for all students, SEU is moderately priced for a private university, but the 43% graduation rate raises concerns about ROI. The 10-year median earnings of $46,744 are below the national average for bachelor's holders, suggesting the degree may not guarantee high financial returns unless paired with strategic career moves. However, for students in high-demand fields like health professions or business, the investment could pay off with lower debt and solid networking opportunities.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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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 $31,732
Housing (12 mo) $12,144
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $51,076
With avg financial aid:
$30,209/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.