Nova vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

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

Nova Southeastern University is larger than AMU based on total student enrollment (20,910 students vs. 1,423 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nova Southeastern University is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Large Suburban setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nova Southeastern University 16:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

Nova vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nova or AMU? 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 Ave Maria University than Nova ($25,294 vs. $31,858).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ave Maria University are 14.3% lower than at Nova Southeastern University ($14,432 vs. $16,840).
• Nova Southeastern University is 28.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $8,502 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.2% higher at Nova than at Ave Maria University (about $8,502 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Nova Southeastern University as at Ave Maria University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nova Southeastern University students is 19.2% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($24,965 vs. $20,936).

Nova vs. AMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nova or AMU? 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 AMU and Nova.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nova Southeastern University (1170) is 40 points higher than at AMU (1130).
• Incoming AMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Nova).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nova Southeastern University 1030/1300; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nova Southeastern University 19/28; Ave Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nova - Required; AMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Nova students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at AMU (3.6).
• Nova has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Nova vs. 32.8% at AMU.

Nova vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nova and AMU? 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).

• Nova Southeastern University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $2,672 lower median loan debt than Nova graduates ($22,428 vs. $25,100).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nova graduates ($231 vs. $259).
• More AMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nova students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.