FAU vs. Nova

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL with Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida Atlantic University is larger than Nova based on total student enrollment (31,607 students vs. 20,910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida Atlantic University is located in Boca Raton, FL (Small City setting); Nova Southeastern University is in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• Florida Atlantic University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida Atlantic University 24:1; Nova Southeastern University 16:1.

FAU vs. Nova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FAU or Nova? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Florida Atlantic University than Nova ($10,225 vs. $31,858).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Atlantic University are 5.8% lower than at Nova Southeastern University ($15,860 vs. $16,840).
• Nova Southeastern University is 693.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than FAU (about $33,821 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $4,879.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.4% higher at Nova than at Florida Atlantic University (about $21,376 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nova Southeastern University than at Florida Atlantic University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nova Southeastern University students is 129.9% larger than aid received by Florida Atlantic University students ($24,965 vs. $10,857).

FAU vs. Nova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FAU or Nova? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nova and FAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nova Southeastern University (1170) is 50 points higher than at FAU (1120).
• Incoming FAU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Nova (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Atlantic University 1040/1200; Nova Southeastern University 1030/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Atlantic University 21/26; Nova Southeastern University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FAU - Required; Nova - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: FAU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nova students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at FAU (3.74).
• Nova has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than FAU (66.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at FAU vs. 15.6% at Nova.

FAU vs. Nova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FAU and Nova? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at FAU is the same as at Nova Southeastern University (43% vs. 43%).
• Graduates from Nova Southeastern University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than FAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,300 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Atlantic University graduates have a $8,239 lower median loan debt than Nova graduates ($16,861 vs. $25,100).
• Among borrowers, FAU graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nova graduates ($174 vs. $259).
• More FAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nova students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.