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. 

 

America's Best Colleges 2025

NSU is recognized as a Best College by the
Wall Street Journal

 
The Wall Street Journal
 
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130+ Degree Programs
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1 of 3 Universities in the U.S. with both M.D. and D.O. Colleges
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Florida's Largest Private R1 Research University
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More Than $100 Million in Scholarships Offered

13 Colleges | 11 Campus Locations | 7 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

Business and Entrepreneurship

 
Do More Than Just Succeed

Business & Entrepreneurship

 

 

Do More Than Just Succeed

Computing and Engineering

 
Get an Edge in the Digital Future

Computing and Engineering

 

 

Get an Edge in the Digital Future

Education and Criminal Justice

 
Become Part of a Brighter Future

Education and Criminal Justice

 

 

Become Part of a Brighter Future

Optometry

 

 

Put Your Future in Focus

Osteopathic Medicine

 
Become a Leader in Health Care

Osteopathic Medicine

 

 

Become a Leader in Health Care

USchool - College Preparatory (PK-12)

 
Develop a Passion for Learning

USchool - College Preparatory (PK-12)

 

 

Develop a Passion for Learning

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#52 Top Employer in Florida
on Forbes 2024 List
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Projected Economic Impact
in Florida by 2025
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100+ Corporate Partners
for Internships, On-site Visits, and Networking Opportunities


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.

NSU graduates smile and pose for a picture

 

90%
of Recent NSU Graduates Secured Postgraduate Plans Within Six Months of Graduation
Top 4
in the U.S. for Graduate and Professional Degrees Awarded
76%
Undergraduate Retention

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16
Average Undergrad Class Size
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Top 17

Best College Campuses in Florida
Source: niche.com

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160+
Clubs and Organizations
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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 only 1 of 59 universities nationwide recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for both High Research Activity and Community Engagement. Additionally, NSU is among the few institutions around the nation to obtain both CAE-CD and CAE-R designation from the National Security Agency.

Learn More About NSU Research

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Saving Sea Turtles
Partnering for 30+ years with the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program
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Shark Research
Researchers have decoded shark DNA for cancer resistance and rapid wound healing
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Protecting & Growing Corals
Home to the National Coral Reef Institute with local and global impact on coral restoration

 

1 of 3 Universities in the U.S. with Both M.D. and D.O. Colleges

More Than 18,000 Healthcare Professionals Graduated Since 2012 

NSU is the largest educator of physicians in Florida and produces more healthcare providers (with terminal degrees) than any other university in the nation.

At NSU, students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare as they learn to practice. An interdisciplinary healthcare education often leads to a wider career path with more diverse opportunities. 

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1 of 10 Psy.D.
in School Psychology Programs in the U.S. accredited by the American Psychological Association
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6 Research Institutes
Focused on Reducing the Burden of Disease
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Only College of Optometry
Located in Florida

 

Student-Athletes Fuel Shark Pride

Championship ncaa trophy group photo

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 18 NCAA Division II teams: men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and track; and women's basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, 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.

Check Out NSU Shark Athletics

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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

Visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Welcome to the City of Fort Lauderdale

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240+ Sunny Days
Per Year in Fort Lauderdale
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Experience South Florida Culture
with Museums, Arts, and Entertainment
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23 Miles of Beaches
with Shopping and Dining