Colleges in Fort Lauderdale: All 5 Schools
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Editor & Writer
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Florida features many excellent public and private colleges. Some of the best colleges in Florida include the University of Florida and the University of Miami. If you're interested in the latter, you should also consider other south Florida schools, including colleges in Fort Lauderdale.
You can find several colleges in Fort Lauderdale, like Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University. These schools offer marketable majors that align with many in-demand careers. You can also take advantage of these schools' online degree programs, even if you live out of state.
3 Popular Colleges in the Fort Lauderdale Area
FAU, NSU, and PBA feature a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs at different price points. Start your search for the best school by comparing each college's majors with your education and career goals.
1. Florida Atlantic University
Situated in Boca Raton, FAU features 10 colleges that include arts and letters, business, and education. If you're interested in teaching, but can't afford to stop working, you can take advantage of the Good FIT program. This dynamic curriculum lets you transition to teaching without having to pause your career.
A public school, FAU charges in-state learners $4,879 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay $17,324. The university's merit scholarships award up to $5,000 per year to learners with excellent standardized test scores.
2. Nova Southeastern University
Your NSU experience starts with choosing from dozens of undergraduate majors, including neuroscience, marine biology, and computer science. Each school features different graduation requirements, with liberal arts majors developing a comprehensive portfolio. This portfolio can help elevate your job or graduate school applications.
A private university, NSU charges all degree-seekers the same tuition and fees. The typical learner pays an annual net price of $29,589. Qualified first-year and transfer students may receive up to $20,000 per year in institutional scholarships.
3. Palm Beach Atlantic University
A Christian institution, PBA features undergraduate degrees in accounting, communication, and history. Fully online bachelor's programs include Christian studies, RN-to-BSN, and organizational leadership. You can also take advantage of PBA's graduate dual-degree programs.
PBA charges a $30,276 annual net price. You can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses through institutional scholarships, such as the Bright Futures Scholarship. Eligible degree-seekers receive a $211 discount on each credit they attempt as long as they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
List of All Colleges in Fort Lauderdale
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit colleges in Fort Lauderdale. You can use the table below to compare data on student population and the average net cost.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2022. Note that colleges with a total undergraduate enrollment of fewer than 500 were not considered for this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everglades University | 2,624 | $28,778 | 70% |
| Florida Atlantic University | 29,592 | $9,711 | 81% |
| Lynn University | 3,520 | $38,728 | 80% |
| Nova Southeastern University | 20,948 | $29,589 | 76% |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | 3,828 | $30,276 | 95% |
How Much Is College in Fort Lauderdale?
Note that the average annual net price for public, four-year colleges in the following table is derived from the only public college in the Fort Lauderdale area, Florida Atlantic University.
| Institution Type | Average Annual Net Price |
|---|---|
| Public (4-Year) | $9,711 |
| Private (4-Year) | $31,843 |
Calculating colleges' costs of attendance (COA) involves adding up tuition and fees, housing, textbooks, and other education-related expenses. You can save money as a Florida resident by applying to only public colleges in Fort Lauderdale. The city's private colleges cost more but charge residents and non-resident students the same price.
You can lower your COA by starting your education at a local community college and then transferring to one of the colleges in Fort Lauderdale. Other options include living with roommates or working while in school.
What About Colleges in Miami?
We didn't forget about Miami and its many excellent universities, including UM and FIU. Miami is less than 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale but is home to its own system of colleges. Because of this, we have an entire page dedicated to colleges in Miami, where you can look at schools exclusively in the Magic City area. You will find in-depth information on each college's majors, academic requirements, and graduate outcomes.
Consider Miami schools if you live in Fort Lauderdale or a closer south Florida city. Keep in mind that commuting to campus may raise your COA and limit your ability to work while in school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Fort Lauderdale
What is the cheapest college in Fort Lauderdale?
With an annual net price of $9,711, FAU ranks as the cheapest public college in Fort Lauderdale. Everglades University ranks as the most affordable private college, with an average net price of $28,778.
Many public and private colleges in Fort Lauderdale feature generous institutional financial aid. You may also qualify for federal grants and loans by submitting the FAFSA each year you attend.
How many colleges are in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale contains five four-year nonprofit schools. Their programs appeal to students from many different educational backgrounds, such as those who just earned their high school diploma or professionals who need to continue their education to advance in their careers.
Contact admissions departments to learn more. Academic advisors can answer your questions and help you choose the right school.
What is the biggest college in Fort Lauderdale?
Educating just under 30,000 students, FAU ranks as the biggest public college in Fort Lauderdale. Among the city's private colleges, NSU comes in first, with nearly 21,000 students enrolled.
Student body size can impact your educational experience significantly. Attending a larger college can lead to more opportunities to network with your classmates and peers. However, if you prefer more individualized attention from professors and staff, you may enjoy a smaller college.
