University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
General Information
Overview
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a private institution dedicated exclusively to graduate education in the health sciences. With a mission focused on producing world-class health care practitioners through personalized, clinically rich learning, USAHS offers immersive classroom, clinical, and distance education. The university has its roots in rehabilitation and therapy, and it has grown to become a major provider of professional degrees such as Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Master of Science in Speech‑Language Pathology, among others.
Its campuses are located in key regions—San Marcos (California), St. Augustine and Miami (Florida), and Dallas and Austin (Texas)—positioning the institution to serve a diverse, national population. USAHS emphasizes interdisciplinary and problem-based learning, integrating hands-on clinical simulations, anatomy labs, and real-world practice into its educational model. Its B Corp certification underscores a commitment to social impact, and its recent investment in a new purpose-built campus in St. Augustine reflects a long-term vision for growth, innovation, and leadership in health professions education.
Contact Information
Address: 1 News Place, St. Augustine, Florida
Phone: 904‑826‑0084
Email: info@usa.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1979 |
| Motto / Mission | Development of professional health care practitioners through innovative, individualized, and quality education |
| Type | Private, graduate-level health sciences university |
| Campuses | San Marcos (CA), St. Augustine (FL), Miami (FL), Austin (TX), Dallas (TX) |
| Accreditation | Institutional accreditation by WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC); programmatic accreditation: CAPTE, ACOTE, CAA, CCNE |
| B Corp Certified | Yes |
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Rankings
| Level | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| National (U.S.) | Not broadly ranked among traditional universities due to its specialized, graduate-only model |
| Global | Not applicable in major comprehensive university rankings due to its niche focus |
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech‑Language Pathology
- Nursing
- Health Administration
- Education in Health Sciences
Courses and Programs / Majors
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) — Residential, Flex, Hybrid Immersion
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) — Residential, Hybrid Immersion
- Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) — Residential, Hybrid Immersion, Flex
- Master of Science in Speech‑Language Pathology (MS‑SLP)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Post‑Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Health Sciences
- Continuing Education and Certification Programs for licensed practitioners
Online Learning
USAHS offers a flexible approach combining online coursework with on-site immersion in many programs. Some programs, such as the Flex DPT or Hybrid MOT, blend distance learning with required in-person lab weekends or trimesters, allowing students to remain geographically mobile while accessing hands-on training. This model supports working professionals and those who cannot relocate full-time.
Average Test Scores
Because USAHS is a graduate institution, admission revolves around prior academic record and prerequisite coursework rather than typical undergraduate standardized tests like SAT or ACT. GRE requirements vary by program and campus, and the school evaluates candidates on holistic criteria including GPA, letters of recommendation, and clinical or professional experience.
Retention and Graduation Rates
USAHS places strong emphasis on student support, clinical competence, and professional readiness, but publicly available retention and graduation rate statistics are limited. As a highly specialized graduate institution, students tend to remain through program completion, driven by cohort-based schedules, immersive formats, and rigorous mentoring. The combination of residency and hybrid formats, as well as clinical preceptorships, fosters high commitment and continuity.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Since USAHS only offers graduate programs, undergraduate GPA is a key criterion rather than SAT or ACT scores. For many of its master’s and doctoral programs, competitive applicants often present a minimum cumulative GPA around 3.0 from prior degree work, though exact thresholds vary by program and campus.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Percentage / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 67% (based on reported data for various programs) |
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Application Requirements
Prospective students must typically have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with prerequisite coursework depending on the program (for example, biology or anatomy for therapy programs). Applicants submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and may need to provide a statement of purpose or interest. Some programs request direct clinical experience or shadowing. For hybrid or immersion formats, applicants should be prepared for both in-person lab trimesters and remote coursework. International students may also provide evidence of English proficiency if required.
Application Process
- Choose preferred campus and format (residential, hybrid, flex) for the program
- Complete and submit the graduate application form
- Provide academic transcripts from undergraduate and any graduate institutions
- Submit letters of recommendation and professional resume or CV
- Write a personal statement or statement of purpose (if required)
- Complete any program-specific assessments or interviews
- After admission offer, confirm enrollment and register for orientation
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Type of Date | Typical Timing / Notes |
|---|---|
| Fall Trimester Application Deadline | Varies by program and campus, often in late spring or early summer |
| Spring Trimester Application Deadline | Varies, often in the preceding fall |
| Orientation / Immersion Week | Scheduled shortly before the first trimester or immersive session |
Essay Prompt
Some programs require a personal statement where applicants reflect on their motivations for entering their chosen health discipline, their clinical or professional experience, and their long-term career goals. Others may ask for a statement of interest specifically tailored to the hybrid, residential, or flex format.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Scholarships
USAHS provides financial aid assistance, and students may be eligible for scholarships or grants through the University Foundation. The Foundation supports educational achievement, scientific research, and public benefit in communities served by the university. Additionally, students may apply for external scholarships specific to their profession (e.g., PT or OT associations) as well as federal or private student loans.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Approximate Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| Graduate (general) | Around 28,433 USD per year on average, depending on program and format |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | Varies by campus and format, often in line with or above general graduate cost due to clinical components |
| Hybrid / Flex Formats | May differ based on trimester structure and required in-person labs; cost per credit may vary |
Student Profile and Demographics of University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Student Demographics
USAHS enrolls exclusively graduate students, and as of the 2023–2024 academic year there were about 4,748 students. Of these, approximately 28% are male (1,341 students) and 72% are female (3,407 students). The age distribution skews toward adult learners: most students are over age 25, with a significant portion between 25 and 29 years old, and many learners over 30, reflecting the professional nature of its programs. In terms of race and ethnicity, the university reports a diverse mix: roughly 2,182 White students, 912 Hispanic, 592 Asian, 552 Black or African American, 133 identifying as two or more races, and a small number of Native American or Pacific Islander students.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Specific data on low-income or students with disabilities at USAHS is not broadly published in public institutional sources. As a specialized graduate institution, financial aid tends to be supplemented via loans, external scholarships, and University Foundation support rather than broad-based federal grant programs common in undergraduate schools. Disability support would generally be provided via standard university accommodations offices, and the intensive clinical model suggests students must be prepared to meet both academic and physical demands, but detailed demographic breakdowns are not publicly detailed.
Student Body Numbers
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~4,748 |
| Full-Time Students | ~4,423 |
| Part-Time Students | ~325 |
| Online‑Only Students | ~590 exclusively online |
University Diversity
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences demonstrates meaningful diversity in its graduate student population, both in terms of ethnicity and life experience. With nearly half the student body identifying as White, and substantial representation from Hispanic, Asian, Black, and multiracial groups, the campus is a microcosm of America’s broader demographic mosaic. The age diversity is particularly striking: many students are adult learners beyond their mid‑20s, bringing prior work experience, varied career backgrounds, and maturity into programs. This diversity enriches class discussions, especially in interdisciplinary clinical settings, because students bring different professional perspectives and life experiences to their training. The presence of online students from across the country adds further geographic and cultural breadth, as learners join cohorts from many states while traveling to campuses for immersive lab work, creating a dynamic and inclusive educational ecosystem.
Average Earnings
While USAHS does not publicly report detailed alumni salary data, the professional nature of its programs suggests strong employment potential. Graduates of its doctoral and master’s programs—especially in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech‑language pathology—often enter clinical roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practice. These roles generally offer competitive salaries, given the demand for licensed therapists. Because many students already have some professional experience when they enroll, their post-graduation earnings are likely boosted more quickly than entry-level positions. Additionally, by completing clinically rich, accredited programs, graduates are well-positioned for licensure, specialization, and leadership, which can further enhance long-term income potential and career advancement.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
USAHS employs faculty who are not only academics but also experienced clinicians. These include licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. Their backgrounds often include years of real-world practice, which they bridge into teaching, supervision, and mentorship. In addition to teaching faculty, the staff includes simulation specialists, lab coordinators, administrative personnel, student support and advising professionals, and clinical placement coordinators who manage students’ fieldwork experiences.
Faculty Profiles and Expertise
The faculty at USAHS bring deep expertise drawn from clinical practice, research, and education. Many have advanced credentials—such as doctoral degrees, specialty certifications, and years of experience working in hospitals or outpatient settings. They guide students through hands-on labs, anatomy cadaver labs, and simulated hospital environments. The newer St. Augustine campus is equipped with advanced simulation facilities, including a hospital ward simulation, home‑environment labs, and anatomical dissection suites, enabling faculty to deliver high-fidelity experiential learning. These experts also supervise capstone projects, research endeavors, and practical fieldwork, helping to produce graduates who are clinically confident, research-aware, and ready to lead in their fields.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
USAHS campuses are located in several states, each offering different local amenities but sharing a focus on health professions education rather than traditional undergraduate social life. The new St. Augustine campus spans 14 acres and includes modern facilities such as simulation labs, anatomy labs, and learning studios. On-campus housing is not a primary feature; many students live off campus in nearby communities. Given the graduate-focused, professional nature of the student body, housing is often arranged in local apartments or rentals. Student life revolves more around professional development, clinical experiences, study groups, lab sessions, and cohort immersion than traditional undergraduate social activities. The newer campus also provides student lounges and study spaces to support collaborative learning.
Transportation
Because USAHS is a multi-campus institution, transportation depends heavily on the campus location. At the St. Augustine campus, students may commute via car, as there are parking facilities for nearly 490 vehicles. Public transportation access may vary, with some students relying on personal vehicles or ride-sharing to travel to campus. For hybrid and flex programs, students may fly in for immersive trimesters or weekends, which adds flexibility but also requires planning around travel and lodging. Once on campus, mobility is straightforward: modern buildings include labs, classrooms, and lounges in close proximity, making it easy to navigate between academic and clinical training areas.