Keiser University : Rankings, Fees, and Career Opportunities In 2025

Choosing the right institution for higher education is a critical decision—one that impacts your future career, finances, and personal growth. In this guide, we examine Keiser University (KU) in detail. We cover its history, accreditation, programs, tuition, admissions process, student outcomes and more. This article is designed for U.S. students considering KU and seeking a comprehensive, up-to-date overview.

About Keiser University

Founded in 1977 by Arthur Keiser and his mother, Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University began as a career-focused college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over the decades, it has grown into Florida’s largest private not-for-profit university, with over 20,000 students and more than 66,000 alumni.

Keiser University’s main campus is located in Fort Lauderdale, with its flagship residential campus in West Palm Beach and multiple additional campuses across Florida. The institution also offers online education and has international sites.

Its mission: to provide career-focused education with a “students first” philosophy, offering programs in traditional, nontraditional and online delivery formats.

Accreditation and Institutional Status

Accreditation is a key factor when evaluating any university. Keiser University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral levels.

The institution offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Historically, Keiser transitioned from a for-profit model to a nonprofit status in 2011.

Why Choose Keiser University?

When deciding whether Keiser University is the right choice, these factors stand out:

• Flexible Schedule & Delivery Options: Keiser offers day, evening, weekend, online and hybrid formats to accommodate working adults and nontraditional students.
• Small Class Sizes, Hands-On Learning: The university emphasizes one-class-at-a-time and small class sizes so students can focus on each course.
• Career-Focused Programs: Designed with input from industry advisory boards, programs aim to deliver skills aligned with employment needs.
• Wide Program Array: Over 100 programmes across business, health care, technology, criminal justice, hospitality, education and more.

Academic Programs & Delivery

Keiser University offers a full spectrum of academic credentials: associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s, doctoral, specialist degrees and certificates.
Notable program categories include:

• Business, Accounting, Marketing
• Health Care, Nursing
• Technology & Information Systems
• Criminal Justice, Homeland Security
• Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management
• Education, Engineering, Exercise & Sport Science
  The university offers many programs fully online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.
  For example, at the Jacksonville campus of Keiser University students can choose from multiple delivery modes: online, hybrid, ground & hybrid.

Campus Life & Locations

While Keiser University is known for accommodating adult learners and online students, the flagship residential campus in West Palm Beach provides a traditional campus experience.
Its campuses across Florida include Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, Miami, Naples, Tampa, and others.

Student life features athletics: The Keiser Seahawks compete in the NAIA’s Sun Conference.
The diversity of student body is notable: For instance, at one point female students comprised about 71% of enrollment, and Hispanic/Latino students made up some 31%.

Admissions Process

Keiser University accepts a high proportion of applicants; its acceptance rate is around 97%.
Standard requirements include: high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, placement tests as needed, and submission of the online application. Because of the flexible learning options, many adult learners and working professionals apply.
The one-class-at-a-time format is part of how the university structures progression.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Costs

Tuition and cost information are important for making an informed decision. While exact figures vary by program and campus, some snapshot data:

• According to FloridaShines, the per-credit-hour tuition at one point was $919.
• Keiser University reports that nearly $76 million in scholarship funds were awarded to students over a recent two-year period.
• The university offers grants, scholarships and financial aid for eligible students.
  Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and meet program deadlines to maximize aid eligibility.

Student Outcomes & Rankings

• Keiser University has been ranked #1 in the nation for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in recent years.
• On the student outcomes side, BigFuture lists the graduation rate at around 43%.
  These numbers illustrate both strengths (social mobility, flexibility, wide access) and challenges (graduation rate) that prospective students should consider.

Strengths & Considerations

Strengths

• Regionally accredited institution with broad program selection
• Flexibility in scheduling and delivery formats
• Emphasis on career readiness and hands-on learning
• Florida-based flagship and multiple campuses, plus online reach
• Strong support services aimed at adult and online learners

Considerations

• As with any institution, program quality and value vary by major—an applicant should review specific curriculum, faculty credentials, and local employment outcomes for their desired field.
• While ranked highly for social mobility, KU’s graduation rate (around 43%) suggests that student persistence and completion remain areas to evaluate carefully.
• Cost per credit hour may be higher compared to some public institutions; full cost must be evaluated in light of expected salary and debt outcomes.

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Visit the Keiser University website and choose your campus or online program of interest.
2. Submit the online application form; applications are accepted on a rolling basis for many programs.
3. Provide official high school transcript or equivalency credential.
4. For certain programs, submit test scores, letters of recommendation or portfolio/work samples (varies by major).
5. Explore financial aid: complete the FAFSA, inquire about university scholarships and program-specific awards.
6. Schedule a campus visit or virtual tour if you plan to attend on-campus. The Flagship Campus provides such opportunities.
7. After admission, meet with an academic advisor to plan course sequencing—especially if you will take one class at a time.

Program Highlights — Areas You May Be Interested In

• Health Science & Nursing: These are among the most popular fields, with strong employment demand.
• Business & Entrepreneurship: Many students gravitate toward KU’s business administration, marketing and accounting tracks.
• Criminal Justice & Public Safety: For students aiming for careers in law enforcement or corrections, KU offers focused curricula.
• Technology & IT: With growing demand in tech sectors, programs that cover information systems, cybersecurity and networking are relevant.
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality: Unique in that KU offers culinary and hospitality programs with practical labs and field experience.
• Online Education Options: If you require remote learning or flexibility, KU provides a fully online pathway for many majors.

International & Non-traditional Options

While based in Florida, Keiser University also offers international campuses and sites. For example, the Latin American Campus in San Marcos, Nicaragua serves as a branch of KU.

Additionally, KU offers programs in Spanish for online learners. This diversity of delivery broadens access for non-traditional students.

Career Services & Alumni Network

Keiser places emphasis on career readiness. According to the “Why Keiser” section, programs are reviewed by industry advisory boards to keep curriculum relevant to employment.
The university boasts more than 66,000 alumni and a significant economic impact in Florida—over 30,000 Florida jobs indirectly supported.

If you are seeking a university that partners closely with employers and focuses on real-world learning, Keiser University may align well with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Keiser University legitimate?
Yes. Keiser University is regionally accredited through SACSCOC, which is one of the most respected accrediting agencies in the U.S.

What is the acceptance rate?
Approximately 97% according to recent data.

Can I attend fully online?
Yes. Many degrees at Keiser are offered fully online or in hybrid formats.

How many programs are offered?
Over 100 program options across associate through doctoral levels.

What about costs?
Costs vary by program and campus. One reference lists tuition at $919 per credit hour for certain programs. You should check the specific program you are interested in and factor in financial aid, scholarships, and time-to-completion.

What is the graduation rate?
Around 43% according to one source.

Considerations for International/Out-of-State Students

If you reside outside Florida or internationally, you should verify:

• Whether your desired program is available online or at your location.
• Whether tuition differs for out-of-state or online students versus Florida resident students.
• Licensing and credential recognition for your region or professional field.
• Additional costs such as relocation (if attending on-campus), housing, and living expenses.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Keiser University offers a flexible, career-oriented education with a wide variety of program choices, solid accreditation, and delivery options suited to different learner needs. For students who value hands-on learning, small class sizes, and flexible scheduling, KU may be a strong fit. That said, as with any higher education decision, evaluating the specific program, total cost, projected outcomes (employment and earnings), and your personal needs is critical.

If you’re considering enrollment, I recommend contacting Keiser University directly to request updated program-specific information, speak with an admissions counselor, and review current tuition, scholarship opportunities and cohort outcomes.