Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Nova Southeastern University at a Glance
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private research university in Florida with its main campus in Fort Lauderdale and Davie, Florida, United States. The university consists of 14 colleges, offering over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. The university offers professional degrees in the social sciences, law, business, osteopathic medicine, allopathic medicine, health sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, education, occupational therapy, and nurs…
1964
62 years old
$252M
$252.1 million (2024)
20,877
7,219 undergrad · 13,658 grad
922
314 acres
Identity
Is Nova Southeastern University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Nova Southeastern University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,209 — 10% above average — while paying $30,371/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Nova Southeastern University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Nova Southeastern University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #21 of 30 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #2 | St. Joseph's University-New York | 56 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| #3 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #4 | University of La Verne | 52 | $20,161 | $65,464 |
| #5 | York College of Pennsylvania | 51 | $18,556 | $61,012 |
| #6 | The Catholic University of America | 50 | $29,561 | $73,250 |
| #21 | Nova Southeastern University | 31 | $30,371 | $59,209 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Nova Southeastern University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in FL.
Best Programs at Nova Southeastern University
The highest-earning program at Nova Southeastern University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $17,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Nova Southeastern University earns $62,200, while a Biology, General graduate earns $17,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $19,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,371/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,200 | $62,200 | $31,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $52,100 | $52,100 | $16,664 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,000 | $36,000 | $25,000 |
| Marketing | $35,400 | $35,400 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,600 | $31,600 | $21,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $26,700 | $26,700 | $31,000 |
| Psychology, General | $23,100 | $23,100 | $25,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $18,600 | $18,600 | $23,214 |
| Biology, General | $17,900 | $17,900 | $19,000 |
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Student Body
- 7,240 students
- Admission Rate
- 73%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,371
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,209
- Median Student Debt
- $24,250