Southeastern University
Southeastern University is a private nonprofit university in Lakeland, FL ranked #1826 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 4,813 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 53.0%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 69.9% first-year retention, and 42.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $31,942, about $14,944 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -71.6%, roughly 156.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $36,314. That's about $7,374 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is 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
Southeastern University graduates 42.5% of students within six years and keeps 69.9% 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 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 | $32,950 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,130 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $49,329 |
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 21.5% of Southeastern University students receive Pell Grants — 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. Net prices range from $29,498 to $34,482 depending on family income. Use Southeastern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $34,795/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,482/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $36,314
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,314
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.0%
- Employment Rate 79.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for 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.
Southeastern University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southeastern University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southeastern University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Southeastern University graduates earn $36,314 median, the -71.6% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,813
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 69.9%
- Graduation Rate 42.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Southeastern University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: 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 53.0%, 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 53.0% acceptance rate, Southeastern University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southeastern University undergraduates. Theological and Ministerial Studies, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Theological and Ministerial Studies 24.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.9%
- Psychology, General 8.8%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.1%
See more majors
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 3.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $70,612
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $49,680
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $47,966
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Theology and Religious Vocations, Other $43,784
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $43,301
- 6. Psychology, General $42,171
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $41,705
- 8. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $38,260
- 9. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $35,209
- 10. Human Services, General $33,921
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $80,049
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $57,703
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $56,072
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $51,256
- 5. Social Work (Master's Degree) $48,071
- 6. Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (Master's Degree) $46,163
- 7. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $41,691
- 8. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $39,595
- 9. Human Services, General (Master's Degree) $38,671
- 10. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $37,746
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $70,612—108% more than Human Services, General ($33,921). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $80,049 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for 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
- Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 206 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 62 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 62 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 38 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 (41 programs)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- English Language and Literature, General
- International Business
- History
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Biology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Journalism
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Education, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Master's Degrees (14 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Human Services, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,813
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 40.4%
- Female Students 59.7%
- Caucasian 53.0%
- Asian 1.7%
- Hispanic 23.1%
- Black 11.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southeastern University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Southeastern University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does 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 Southeastern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does 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 Southeastern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Southeastern University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -71.6% ROI. Ranked #1826 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $31,942 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $36,314 median earnings. With 42.5% graduating within six years and 69.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Southeastern University's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1826 ranking, Southeastern University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $31,942 annually, Southeastern University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 69.9% 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 $22,359 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -71.6% ROI and $36,314 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $21,942+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Southeastern University ranks #1826 of 1942 institutions, with 1646 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
- 42.5% six-year graduation rate sits 20.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.9% first-year retention is 6.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -71.6% return on investment is 156.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $36,314 run about 17% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $31,942 is roughly $11,924 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 79.8% employment rate within three years sits 11.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,942 is about $11,924 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.5% trails the national share by 12.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Southeastern University—a private nonprofit university in Lakeland, FL—at C- overall. It is currently ranked #1826 nationally Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (C+), 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.
Student momentum is strong: 69.9% retention and 42.5% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -71.6% for this program.
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 $31,942 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $49,329.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $17,387 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.5% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $36,314 at the median. That sits about 17% below the national median.
Roughly 79.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -71.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
53.0% 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 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 Lakeland, FL 33801-6034
- Website www.seu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$9.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.9%