Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale
General Information
Overview
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale is a regionally accredited, private, non-profit institution situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It operates as one of the many campuses of Keiser University, delivering an education model that emphasizes career-focused, practical training alongside traditional academic foundations. Students may pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, or doctoral degrees, with a substantial portion offered in flexible and hybrid formats. The Fort Lauderdale campus provides the full complement of student services including academic advising, career and internship support, student life resources, and lab and library facilities.
Because Keiser’s philosophy is “students come first,” the campus environment is designed to support learners from diverse backgrounds and schedules, including working adults, part-time students, and those balancing multiple commitments. The campus is located conveniently between Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike, enabling access for commuting students. In its approach, Keiser blends hands-on practical learning — for example labs, clinicals, simulations — with classroom theory to better prepare graduates for the job market. Over nearly five decades, Keiser has positioned itself as a statewide system with strong ties to employer needs in business, health care, technology, criminal justice, and related fields.
Contact Information
Address: 1500 Northwest 49th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Phone Number: (800) 749-4456 or (954) 776-4456
Fax Number: (954) 771-4894
Email Address: admissions@keiseruniversity.edu
School Facts (Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1977 |
| Motto (Latin) | Integritas, Veritas, Sapientia |
| Motto (English) | Purity, Truth, Wisdom |
| Type | Private, non-profit career university |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 14:1 |
| Total Faculty | 1,885 (full + part) |
| Total Students (Fall 2018) | ~19,510 |
| Campuses Systemwide | 18 campuses in Florida plus international and online divisions |
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (National Universities) | Approx. #272 (tie) |
| U.S. News & World Report – Social Mobility | #1 in country in Social Mobility (2023) |
| Washington Monthly (National Universities) | ~ #263 of 395 |
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Academics
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Faculties / Departments
- Business & Accounting
- Health Sciences / Nursing
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Criminal Justice / Homeland Security
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Hospitality & Culinary Management
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Marketing & Management
- Psychology & Social Sciences
- General Studies
- Chiropractic / Allied Health
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Fire Science & Emergency Management
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Courses and Programs / Majors
• Accounting
• Business Administration / Management
• Criminal Justice
• Nursing (RN, BSN, advanced practice)
• Information Technology / Cybersecurity
• Education / Teacher Preparation
• Engineering Technology
• Hospitality Management
• Marketing
• Psychology
• Exercise & Sport Science
• Health Care Administration
• Culinary Arts
• Fire Science & Emergency Management
• Chiropractic / Manual Therapy
Online Learning
Keiser University supports a robust online education division headquartered in Fort Lauderdale. Online programs mirror many of the on-campus degree plans and provide asynchronous instruction, virtual labs, and student support tailored for remote learners. Students can take full degree paths online or combine online and in-person (hybrid) courses. This flexibility allows working professionals, parents, and those outside the region to pursue higher education without compromising their schedules. Courses are delivered by the same qualified faculty who teach on campus, ensuring that the quality of education remains consistent across learning formats.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE)
| Test | Average / Typical Range* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Optional / not required | Keiser is SAT/ACT optional |
| ACT | Optional / not required | |
| GRE | Depends on graduate program; not publicly aggregated |
* Because of Keiser’s test-optional or flexible admissions policy, official aggregated scores are not broadly published.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale reports a first-year retention rate of about 71%. The four-year graduation rate is roughly 54%, with six-year and eight-year rates both near 55–56%. These figures reflect the institution’s focus on accommodating nontraditional students who may enroll part-time or take breaks, which impacts extended graduation timelines.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Keiser University generally does not enforce stringent GPA minimums or SAT/ACT cutoffs, reflecting its mission to broaden access. Many students who enroll have a high school GPA of varying ranges, and standardized test submission is optional or not strictly required.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~96% |
| Selectivity | Less selective / open admissions |
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Application Requirements
Keiser University expects prospective students to submit a completed application form, official high school transcripts (or equivalent), and proof of high school graduation or GED. While many programs permit test-optional applications, specific graduate-level programs may require GRE or GMAT scores. Additionally, applicants might need to submit prerequisite coursework information, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and any relevant portfolio or program-specific materials. Because the institution values accessibility, the admissions criteria emphasize a holistic review of academic readiness, life experience, and professional potential rather than rigid thresholds.
Application Process
- Complete the online (or paper) application form
- Submit official transcripts or equivalent documentation
- Provide test scores if required by a specific program
- Submit supplemental materials (recommendations, personal statement, portfolio, etc.)
- Meet with an admissions advisor or counselor (virtual or in person)
- Receive acceptance decision and finalize enrollment and financial aid
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Application Deadline* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Rolling admission | Applications accepted continuously |
| Spring / Graduate terms | Rolling or program-specific deadlines | Individual programs may set additional deadlines |
* Because Keiser uses rolling admissions, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure course seats and financial aid.
Essay Prompt
Some programs at Keiser may request a brief personal statement or essay. A common prompt invites applicants to discuss their career goals, how their background and experiences have prepared them for success in their chosen program, and how attending Keiser University aligns with their academic and professional ambitions. The focus is often on clarity, personal motivation, and alignment with career objectives.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Scholarships
Keiser offers institutional scholarships and financial aid to qualifying students. Aid packages may include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and program-specific scholarships. Many students receive support through federal or state aid, and institutional scholarships may reward academic performance, community involvement, or other criteria. Because Keiser seeks to make education affordable, a large share of its student body benefits from financial assistance and scholarships to offset tuition and fees.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Tuition / Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | ~$11,468 (same rate for in-state and out-of-state) | Some variation by program |
| Graduate / Professional | Varies by program | Program-specific differential rates may apply |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
In the undergraduate population, Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale historically shows a gender split of approximately 28% male and 72% female. Ethnic composition includes White (~19%), African American (~17%), Hispanic (~25%), Asian (~1%), Native American (~1%), and multiracial or unknown categories making up the remainder. Students span a wide age range, with many nontraditional learners: a notable share are 25 years old or older, reflecting adult learners returning to education or balancing career and school.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Keiser University serves many students from lower-income backgrounds, with a high percentage receiving federal or state financial aid and scholarships. The university provides accommodations and support services for students with documented disabilities, typically via a disability services office that arranges accommodations such as extended exam time, adaptive technologies, or alternate formats. While publicly published statistics on disability status are limited, the institution’s orientation toward access and career training suggests a commitment to inclusive support structures.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Count / Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~16,713 at Fort Lauderdale | Campus-level data |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~16,649 | Majority of total population |
| International Students | Not explicitly published | Smaller proportion compared to domestic students |
University Diversity
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale embraces diversity across multiple dimensions. The student population includes individuals of various age groups, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds, creating a learning environment where traditional and nontraditional students learn side by side. Many students are adult learners balancing work, family, and education, which fosters a mature and varied classroom dynamic. The institution’s policies of flexible scheduling, rolling admissions, and test-optional frameworks enable students who might not fit traditional profiles to access higher education. The concentration of female students, the varied racial and ethnic mix, and the presence of students from lower-income communities contribute to both challenge and opportunity—diverse perspectives enrich classroom discussion, bring real-world experience, and promote peer learning. Keiser’s focus on career readiness across fields like health care, business, technology, and criminal justice encourages students of different backgrounds to converge toward shared professional goals. The campus supports clubs, organizations, and student life initiatives aimed at inclusion, professional growth, and community connection, helping to bridge gaps and foster a culture of mutual respect and upward mobility.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Keiser University often enter professions aligned with applied, in-demand fields. Because many students engage in career training in healthcare, technology, business, and criminal justice sectors, average earnings post-graduation tend to reflect mid-level professional incomes in those areas. For example, nursing graduates, health care managers, IT professionals, or business analysts often secure starting salaries above median regional wages. The university’s emphasis on hands-on learning, clinical experience, and employer alignment helps students transition more smoothly into paid roles, possibly shortening the duration of underemployment. Actual income can vary widely depending on major, location, years of experience, and local job markets. For adult learners already in careers, further advancement or salary increases may result from earning credentials through Keiser.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale employs a mix of full-time and part-time faculty. The total number of faculty (full + part) is approximately 1,885. The full-time portion is about 1,178, while part-time faculty make up the remainder. This staffing mixture allows for a breadth of expertise and scheduling flexibility. The faculty to student ratio is approximately 14:1, supporting manageable class sizes conducive to engagement and personalized attention.
Faculty Profiles
Keiser’s faculty bring a combination of academic credentials and industry experience. Many instructors have professional backgrounds in fields such as nursing, business, information technology, criminal justice, or hospitality, enabling them to integrate real-world perspectives into instruction. Some faculty members participate in research, publish in their disciplines, and serve on industry advisory boards. Because Keiser emphasizes applied learning, faculty often supervise labs, simulations, internships, and fieldwork, bridging theory and practice. The institution also encourages continuous professional development and industry partnerships to keep curriculum current with evolving workplace demands.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Keiser University’s Fort Lauderdale campus is primarily a commuter campus rather than a traditional residential campus. On-campus housing options are limited or not standard, so many students live off-campus, in nearby apartments or shared housing in the Fort Lauderdale area. The cost of living in Broward County (where Fort Lauderdale is located) ranges depending on neighborhood, amenities, and transportation proximity. Student life centers around campus facilities such as lounges, student services centers, library spaces, labs, and occasional social or professional events. Because many students commute, activities are often scheduled in evenings or weekends to accommodate work schedules. Student clubs, guest lectures, and professional workshops complement academic life, offering opportunities for networking and peer engagement.
Transportation
Access to the campus is convenient due to its location between Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike, making it accessible by car, shuttle, and regional roads. Public transportation options such as Broward County Transit buses serve routes in the Fort Lauderdale area, offering connectivity for commuting students. Some students may rely on ride-share or personal vehicles. Once on campus, mobility between buildings is walkable, and parking is available for students. Because the campus is urban, amenities such as shopping, dining, and services are within reach, enabling students to access resources near campus without long travel times.