Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
72.7% Acceptance Rate
Nova Southeastern University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
72.7%Acceptance Rate
3.99Avg GPA
1182Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$55,647Annual Cost
$59,209Grad Salary
36.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
72.7%
Avg GPA
3.99
Avg SAT
1182
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1310
ACT Middle 50%
21–28
Need-Based Aid
36.9% receive Pell
Nova Southeastern University is a private, research-intensive institution in Florida known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and professional preparation. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, the university fosters a dynamic campus environment that encourages research, leadership, and career success. Its state-of-the-art facilities and focus on high-impact education make it a premier choice for students aiming for leadership in a variety of professional fields.
Nova Southeastern University Acceptance Rate
Nova Southeastern University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Nova Southeastern University is 72.7%. This means that 73 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 72.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.99 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.79 – 3.98
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.54
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Nova Southeastern University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Nova Southeastern University is 3.99. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.19-4.39 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.69 and 3.99, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Nova Southeastern University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Nova Southeastern University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.99, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.99 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.79 – 3.98
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.59 – 3.78
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.58
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate: approximately 73?76% (sources vary; 2024?25 admissions); SAT/ACT test-optional for Fall 2025 applicants but reinstated as required starting Fall 2026 - a confirmed, announced policy change; no essay required for standard undergraduate admission; Common App and NSU Shark Select Application both accepted ($50 application fee for either).
- Dual Admission covers 30+ graduate/professional programs (D.O., M.D., Pharm.D., D.P.T., D.M.D., J.D., P.A., MBA, and more); includes $2,000 annual scholarship during undergraduate years; available only to first-time freshmen applying for fall; requires a separate supplemental Premier Programs Application with a February 1 deadline and mandatory Shark Preview interview for final selection.
- Accelerated Dual Admission tracks (2+4 and 3+4) are available for Osteopathic Medicine, Allopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dental Medicine - eligibility depends on prior college credits (at least 30 accepted credits including chemistry and math for the 2+4 track); NSU determines track placement based on academic profile.
- NSU's Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) program at Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine was described at launch as the first of its kind in Florida; the Dual Admission GPA maintenance requirement for Allopathic Medicine is a 3.7 cumulative and 3.7 Science GPA with no grade forgiveness applied to retaken courses - both the original and repeated grades count toward eligibility calculation.
- The Rigor Metric: At Nova Southeastern University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Nova Southeastern University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Nova Southeastern University's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Nova Southeastern University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Nova Southeastern University Without SAT or ACT?
Nova Southeastern University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Nova Southeastern University Average SAT Score: 1182
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Nova Southeastern University is 1182 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1182 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1182 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1310 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Nova Southeastern University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Nova Southeastern University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 580 | 510 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 600 | 540 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1182 | 1050 | 1310 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at Nova Southeastern University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1310 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Nova Southeastern University with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Nova Southeastern University are good but the admission staff at Nova Southeastern University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Nova Southeastern University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Nova Southeastern University is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Nova Southeastern University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 18 | 27 |
| ACT English | 25 | 20 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into Nova Southeastern University with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Nova Southeastern University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Nova Southeastern University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Nova Southeastern University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Nova Southeastern University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Nova Southeastern University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Nova Southeastern University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Standardized Tests Are Reinstated for Fall 2026 - Advise Students Accordingly
Nova Southeastern University announced that starting with the Fall 2026 semester (students entering fall 2026), SAT or ACT scores will be required for undergraduate admission. This is a reversal of the COVID-era test-optional policy that has been in place since 2020. Students applying for fall 2025 entry are still test-optional (scores are optional and only required for Dual Admission programs), but students applying for fall 2026 entry must submit scores. NSU cited its rising academic reputation and a desire for a more uniform holistic review process as reasons for reinstating the requirement. This is a consequential policy change that most published admissions resources have not yet caught up to: counselors advising a student on NSU without flagging this shift are giving them outdated information.
Apply to Dual Admission as a Freshman - Transfer Students Are Not Eligible for Most Programs
NSU's Dual Admission program reserves a seat in 30+ graduate and professional programs - including D.O., D.M.D., Pharm.D., D.P.T., M.D. (allopathic), Physician Assistant, Law, and MBA - while a student completes their undergraduate degree, and includes an annual $2,000 scholarship during the undergraduate years. Transfer students are explicitly ineligible for most health professions Dual Admission programs; only students entering NSU in the fall semester as first-time college freshmen may apply. There is no second chance at the freshman application - students who realize they want Dual Admission after enrolling may apply for the DAPES (Dual Admission Program for Enrolled Students) pathway only after completing their first year at NSU and meeting program-specific GPA floors (ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 depending on program). The window for the highest-value programs closes at freshman entry.
Complete the Supplemental Premier Programs Application Before the February 1 Deadline
The Dual Admission application is not the standard NSU or Common App application - it requires a separate supplemental Premier Programs Application that must be submitted for fall entry by February 1 (some programs have February 15 deadlines; verify by program). Admission to the Dual Admission program also requires attendance at Shark Preview, NSU's exclusive admitted-student event where Dual Admission selections are made through an interview. This is not optional: students who apply for Dual Admission but do not attend Shark Preview cannot be selected. The sequence is: apply to NSU through the standard application (NSU Shark Select or Common App), submit the supplemental Premier Programs Application separately, receive general admission to NSU, and then interview at Shark Preview to be selected for the dual admission program. Missing any step forecloses the pathway.
Use the DAPES Pathway If You Miss the Freshman Dual Admission Window
NSU's Dual Admission Program for Enrolled Students (DAPES) opens a second window for currently enrolled NSU students who did not gain Dual Admission as incoming freshmen. Applications are accepted September 1?15 of a student's second year at NSU, after completing at least 28 NSU credits with the program's required minimum GPA (ranging from 3.0 for Health Informatics and Public Health to 3.5?3.8 for Physician Assistant and Allopathic Medicine). Transfer students from other institutions are not eligible for DAPES - only first-year NSU students who entered NSU directly from high school may apply after their first year. For a student who enrolled without Dual Admission and has maintained a strong first-year GPA, DAPES is a specific and meaningful recovery pathway that many students and counselors do not know exists.
Expert Insight:
The most commonly misunderstood feature of NSU's Dual Admission is the GPA maintenance requirement after admission. Students who are selected into Dual Admission programs must maintain specific minimum GPAs throughout their undergraduate years to retain their reserved graduate school seat: for Allopathic Medicine, the floor is a 3.7 cumulative and a 3.7 Science GPA - and NSU does not apply grade forgiveness/repeated course policies when calculating program eligibility GPA (all grades for retaken courses count). A student who retakes a chemistry course after a poor grade expects the repeated grade to replace the original; for Dual Admission GPA calculation purposes, both grades count. This is one of the most consequential fine-print provisions in NSU's Dual Admission structure and one that students and counselors almost universally miss until it's too late.
Nova Southeastern University Profile
Full Name
Nova Southeastern University
City
Fort Lauderdale
State
Florida
ZIP Code
33328-2004
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Nova Southeastern University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Nova Southeastern University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Nova Southeastern University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Nova Southeastern University is $62,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.63%.
How much does a degree from Nova Southeastern University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Nova Southeastern University is $55,647. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Nova Southeastern University is much less than this.
36.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 43.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Nova Southeastern University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Nova Southeastern University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Nova Southeastern University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Nova Southeastern University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $59,209. An average Nova Southeastern University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Nova Southeastern University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Nova Southeastern University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Nova Southeastern University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Nova Southeastern University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Nova Southeastern University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59,209 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $55,647 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
36.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Nova Southeastern University is 72.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.99. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.69, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.69, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.59 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.99, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Nova Southeastern University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1182 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050–1310.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.