Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Keiser’s academic identity is defined by career-focused programs, with popular majors in Health Professions (nursing dominates), Business, and IT. The Fort Lauderdale campus emphasizes hands-on training in fields like Criminal Justice and Information Technology. Unusually, the university offers full bachelor’s degrees in Spanish—both online and on-campus—catering to bilingual students. Classes are small (14:1 student-faculty ratio), and the vibe is "professional" with a focus on "academic rigor," though some question its legitimacy due to its for-profit history (it transitioned to non-profit in 2011).

The Fort Lauderdale campus markets itself as a "welcoming and inclusive" space, with a student lounge, library, and proximity to beaches and golf courses. Instagram tours highlight modern facilities, but there’s little mention of traditional college vibes—no dorms, Greek life, or Division sports. Instead, the focus is on professional development and "personal growth" within a commuter-heavy population. Student reviews praise the supportive atmosphere, though the 100-acre flagship campus (minutes from downtown) leans more "corporate" than "collegiate."

Keiser’s outcomes are mixed. The 6-year graduation rate is just 37%, though it earns a Top 25 ranking for social mobility—Pell Grant students graduate at rates comparable to their peers. Median earnings 1 year post-graduation are $41,151, rising to $46,468 after 5 years (slightly above the national average for 2-year colleges). Retention is middling (71%), but the university touts job placement in fields like nursing and tech. Notably, 53% of students finish degrees within 150% of normal time, suggesting flexibility for non-traditional learners.

Tuition is $39,189 annually, but 97% of students receive aid, bringing the average net price to $35,346. Scholarships range from $5,000–$19,000 for undergrads and $6,000–$15,000 for grad students. The financial aid office emphasizes personalized planning, though the NPC warns estimates are "only as accurate" as input data. Compared to 2-year colleges ($9,666 average), Keiser is pricey—but its career focus and flexible scheduling (including online options) appeal to working adults.

Keiser’s hyper-practical, no-frills approach makes it a standout for non-traditional students: night classes, Spanish-language degrees, and relentless career prep. Its 97% acceptance rate and strong social mobility ranking reflect a mission to serve underrepresented populations, though graduation rates suggest challenges persist. The Fort Lauderdale location—close to beaches but far from party-school stereotypes—suits adults balancing work and study. If you want a degree that’s unapologetically vocational (and don’t mind the cost), Keiser delivers.