A Nationally Ranked University in Sunny South Florida
Nova Southeastern University is the largest private research university in Florida, recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 institution for the highest level of research activity. NSU is also honored with the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and designated as an Opportunity College and University — national distinctions that reflect our mission to make a meaningful impact.
With innovative programs and research in healthcare, marine science, cybersecurity, law, and business, NSU is transforming higher education for the next-generation workforce. Read on to see how NSU ranks, from academics and research to community and economic influence.
Data and rankings as of May 2025.
14 Colleges | 11 Campus Locations | 8 Healthcare-Related Colleges
NSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. Regional campuses are located throughout Florida and in Puerto Rico. Field-based locations are available throughout Florida, across the nation, and internationally. Learn more about our campus locations.
NSU Sharks Come From All Over the World
NSU's 22,000+ enrolled students come from more than 115 countries and all 50 U.S. states! Our current student body includes:
- 9,117 graduate students
- 7,231 undergraduate students
- 4,482 professional students
- 2,000 University School students
Each year, NSU awards 6,000+ degrees, which means our alumni community is always growing. Today, there are more than 216,000 NSU alumni worldwide.
250+ Sponsored Research Projects at NSU
Addressing Critical Areas Such As Anticancer Therapies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Coral Reef Restoration, Stem Cells, Shark DNA Forensics, and More
Research at NSU is supported by 100+ external agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and the Department of defense.
NSU is one of less than 5 percent of the nation's universities designated as R1 research institutions by the Carnegie Foundation. In addition, NSU is among the few institutions in the nation to obtain designations from the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in three areas: cybersecurity, cyber defense, and cyber research.
1 of 3 Universities in the U.S. with Both M.D. and D.O. Medical Programs
NSU produces more doctors than any other university in the nation and produces more health care providers (with terminal degrees) than any other university in the nation. NSU is also among the top five U.S. universities graduating the most physicians.
At NSU, students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to health care as they learn to practice. An interdisciplinary health care education often leads to a wider career path with more diverse opportunities.
Student-Athletes Fuel Shark Pride
NSU Sharks have brought home 15 NCAA Division II National Championships, including the 2025 Men's Basketball title, the 2025 and 2024 Women's Swimming titles, and the 2024 Women's Tennis title.
NSU is home to 17 NCAA Division II teams: men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and track; and women's basketball, cross country, golf, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball.
Shark athletes are leaders on the field and in the classroom. For 29 consecutive semesters, the departmental GPA for student-athletes has exceeded the 3.0 benchmark.
8,000+ Permanent Works Housed at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Internationally Renowned for Outstanding Exhibits that Attract 100,000+ Annual Visitors
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is known for its significant collection of Latin American, contemporary art with an emphasis on women, Black and Latinx artists, and African art that spans the 19th to the 21st-century.
The NSU Art Museum is digitizing its permanent collection to make it available online for free. Currently, more than 4,500 pieces are available to view online.
Welcome to the City of Fort Lauderdale
