Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is a private nonprofit university in Fort Lauderdale, FL ranked #1037 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 7,240 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 73.2%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.6% first-year retention, and 63.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $30,371, about $13,373 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -52.1%, roughly 137.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $58,153. That's about $14,465 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Nova Southeastern University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Nova Southeastern University graduates 63.3% of students within six years and keeps 75.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Nova Southeastern 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 | $38,700 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,128 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,840 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,520 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $56,692 |
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 35.8% of Nova Southeastern University students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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. Net prices range from $26,603 to $35,443 depending on family income. Use Nova Southeastern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $34,277/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $35,443/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $58,153
- 10-Year Median Earnings $58,153
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,985
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.0%
- Employment Rate 80.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Nova Southeastern 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.
Nova Southeastern University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Nova Southeastern University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Nova Southeastern University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Nova Southeastern University graduates earn $58,153 median, the -52.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 530-650
- SAT Math 500-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,240
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.6%
- Graduation Rate 63.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Nova Southeastern University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Nova Southeastern 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 73.2%, Nova Southeastern 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 73.2% acceptance rate, Nova Southeastern 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 1030 and 1300 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Nova Southeastern University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Biology, General, and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 30.4%
- Biology, General 15.1%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 5.9%
- Psychology, General 5.8%
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences 5.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.2%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.3%
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Bi 2.8%
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. Finance and Financial Management Services $87,868
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $87,721
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $82,324
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $74,202
- 5. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $70,426
- 6. Marketing $70,400
- 7. Biology, General $65,902
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,055
- 9. Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $59,450
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $52,726
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $246,841
- 2. Medicine (Doctoral Degree) $205,088
- 3. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degree) $183,981
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies (Doctoral Degree) $178,444
- 5. Dentistry (Doctoral Degree) $140,547
- 6. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $137,627
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $133,990
- 8. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $133,099
- 9. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $127,336
- 10. Optometry (Doctoral Degree) $117,355
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $87,868—67% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($52,726). Graduate: Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs lead with $246,841 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Nova Southeastern 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 380 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 315 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 245 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 242 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 234 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 (45 programs)â–¼
- Biology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Marketing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Computer Science
- Human Services, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sociology
- Legal Support Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Engineering, General
- Computer Engineering
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Dance
- Philosophy
- Education, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Real Estate
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Online Master's Degrees (45 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Accounting and Related Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Marketing
- Real Estate
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Public Administration
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- International Business
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Homeland Security
- Computer Science
- Taxation
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Dispute Resolution
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Marine Sciences
Online Doctoral Degrees (14 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Dispute Resolution
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Information Science/Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (32 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Dispute Resolution
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Gerontology
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Legal Support Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Marketing
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Health
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- International Business
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Homeland Security
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Online First Professional Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Medicine
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Law
- Dentistry
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Optometry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,240
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 28.4%
- Female Students 71.6%
- Caucasian 27.3%
- Asian 12.2%
- Hispanic 32.6%
- Black 15.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 35.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Nova Southeastern University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Nova Southeastern University's undergraduate population. Women make up 71.6% of the student body, while men represent 28.4%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Nova Southeastern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Nova Southeastern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Nova Southeastern University has a diverse student body, with 27.3% identifying as White. Women make up 71.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Nova Southeastern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Nova Southeastern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Nova Southeastern University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -52.1% ROI. Ranked #1037 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $30,371 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $58,153 median earnings. With 63.3% graduating within six years and 75.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Nova Southeastern University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1037 ranking, Nova Southeastern University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $30,371 annually, Nova Southeastern University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $21,260 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -52.1% ROI and $58,153 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $20,371+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Nova Southeastern University ranks #1037 of 1942 institutions, with 1162 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 63.3% six-year graduation rate sits 0.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.6% first-year retention is 1.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -52.1% return on investment is 137.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,153 run about 33% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $30,371 is roughly $10,354 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.9% employment rate within three years sits 12.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $30,371 is about $10,354 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It stands at #1037 among 1942 schools Completion earns B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C+.
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.
About 75.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 63.3% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -52.1%, 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 $30,371 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $56,692.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,321 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,985 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.8% 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
Median earnings come in near $58,153 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 33% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 80.9%.
Plan around an ROI of about -52.1% 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
73.2% 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 Nova Southeastern 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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Contact Information
- Address Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004
- Website www.nova.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$224.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate27.7%