Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66.1%, annual tuition of $4,879, average net price of $8,752, and a national rank of #538 (Grade B+), with a 62.6% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 23,757 undergraduates, and median earnings of $59,690 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Florida Atlantic University is a public university in Boca Raton, FL. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, and 84.5% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 154.5%, roughly 104.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Florida Atlantic University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Florida Atlantic University graduates 62.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 62.7% and keeps 84.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Florida Atlantic University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $4,879 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,320 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,860 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,878 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,522 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.9% of Florida Atlantic University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $3,022 annually, while high-income families pay $16,854. Use Florida Atlantic University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,440/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,854/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $59,690
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,746
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $17,236
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.6%
- Employment Rate 81.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Florida Atlantic University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Florida Atlantic University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Florida Atlantic University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Florida Atlantic University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 154.5% return on investment, Florida Atlantic University delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $59,690 median—-1% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 530-610
- SAT Math 510-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 23,757
- Full-Time Students 75.3%
- Part-Time Students 24.7%
- Retention Rate 84.5%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 62.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 62.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 24:1
How to Get Into Florida Atlantic University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Florida Atlantic University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 66.1%, Florida Atlantic University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 66.1% acceptance rate, Florida Atlantic University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040 and 1200 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Florida Atlantic University undergraduates. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, Biology, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 8.3%
- Biology, General 7.3%
- Psychology, General 5.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.1%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.5%
See more majors
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.9%
- Marketing 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $96,084
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $92,511
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $89,276
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $89,022
- 5. Ocean Engineering $88,902
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $87,918
- 7. Civil Engineering $81,802
- 8. Management Information Systems and Services $74,519
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $68,963
- 10. Economics $68,395
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $111,689
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $109,688
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $108,982
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $100,311
- 5. Taxation (Master's Degree) $100,290
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $99,479
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $93,889
- 8. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $83,099
- 9. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $78,866
- 10. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $78,167
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $96,084—40% more than Economics ($68,395). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $111,689 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Florida Atlantic University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degree, 500 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 440 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 348 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 237 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 203 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (48 programs)▼
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Work
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Sociology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Education, General
- International Business
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Economics
- History
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Architecture
- Ocean Engineering
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Anthropology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Environmental Design
- Music
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Geography and Cartography
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Surveying Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Online Master's Degrees (47 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Biology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Administration
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Anthropology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Music
- Psychology, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Applied Mathematics
- Public Health
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Marine Sciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biotechnology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Social Work
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Education, General
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Systems Science and Theory
Online Doctoral Degrees (17 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Ocean Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Physics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- Public Administration
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (25 programs)▼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Ocean Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Geography and Cartography
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Insurance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Health
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Biology, General
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (20 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Marketing
- Insurance
- Biology, General
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- International Business
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 23,757
- Full-Time Students 75.3%
- Part-Time Students 24.7%
- Male Students 42.8%
- Female Students 57.2%
- Caucasian 42.5%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 28.9%
- Black 16.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Florida Atlantic University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Florida Atlantic University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida Atlantic University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida Atlantic University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Florida Atlantic University has a diverse student body, with 42.5% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida Atlantic University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida Atlantic University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Florida Atlantic University achieves an impressive 154.5% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #538 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $59,690 median earnings while paying just $8,752 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 62.6% graduation rate and 84.5% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why Florida Atlantic University Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies Florida Atlantic University as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: Florida Atlantic University's 154.5% ROI stems from balancing $59,690 median post-graduation earnings against $8,752 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 154.5% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a B+ grade and #538 ranking, Florida Atlantic University represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 62.6% graduation rate sits 0.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.5% first-year retention is 7.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 154.5% return on investment is 104.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $59,690 run about 1% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $8,752 is roughly $11,327 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 24:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 81.5% employment rate within three years sits 13.3 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 33.9% trails the national share by 0.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University operates as a public university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It appears at #538 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (A-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 84.5% retention, 62.6% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 62.7% earning an award within eight years. The reported ROI is 154.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $8,752 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,522.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,770 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,236 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $59,690 four years after graduation. This is roughly 1% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 81.5% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 154.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
66.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Florida Atlantic University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida Atlantic University's acceptance rate?
Florida Atlantic University's acceptance rate is 66.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Florida Atlantic University cost?
At Florida Atlantic University, listed tuition and fees are $4,879 per year, and the average net price after aid is $8,752. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Florida Atlantic University's ranking?
Florida Atlantic University ranks #538 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Florida Atlantic University's graduation rate?
At Florida Atlantic University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 62.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 62.7%, and first-year retention is 84.5%.
What are Florida Atlantic University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Florida Atlantic University report median earnings of $59,690 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Florida Atlantic University's student population?
Florida Atlantic University enrolls about 23,757 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
- Website www.fau.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$354.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.1%