Florida Atlantic University Featured Image
  Universities  United States  Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University Logo

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 19,392
  • Tuition Fee From$ 13,223
  • Country Rank#157
  • Batch Strength25,416
  • Global Diversity9%
  • Gender Ratio37 : 63

Overview

About

Florida Atlantic University (also known as Florida Atlantic or FAU) is a public research university that has campuses in Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, and Fort Pierce in addition to its main campus in Boca Raton, Florida. It is a member of the 12-campus State University System of Florida and serves South Florida. The university was founded in 1961 as the state's fifth public university and has quickly expanded to rank among the biggest in terms of enrolment.

 

 The university was the first public institution in the Miami metropolitan area, it began operations in 1964 and only offered graduate- and upper-division-level coursework. Only 867 students were enrolled at first, but that number rose in 1984 once the university allowed its first lower-division undergraduate students to join. 30,000+ students from 180 nations, 50 states, and the District of Columbia are currently enrolled at the university. Within its 10 colleges, the university offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university has a $900 million budget and a $6.3 billion economic impact each year. More than 1,85,000 graduates have received degrees from the university since its founding in 1964. 

 

The university is among "R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity". The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) has granted the university its accreditation. The Florida Atlantic Owls of FAU's college athletics program play in Conference USA and NCAA Division I competitions (C-USA). The Owls feature 19 varsity athletic teams, and they have won multiple conferences and divisional tournaments, and championships. The university accepted the American Athletic Conference's (AAC) invitation on October 21, 2021, and will officially join the league on July 1, 2023.

Ranking

Florida Atlantic University Rankings 2024

Florida Atlantic University is a public research university with its main campus located in Boca Raton, Florida. The university also has satellite campuses across other South Florida locations, including Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, and Fort Pierce. FAU is known for its diverse student body and comprehensive range of academic programmes.

Florida Atlantic University has shown consistent performance in global rankings while demonstrating improvement in national standings. For 2025, the university maintains its 1201st position in the QS World University Rankings, a rank it has held since 2023. In 2024, Florida Atlantic University has made significant strides in the US News & World Report rankings, climbing to 209th among National Universities, a notable improvement from its 263rd position in 2023. This upward trend is even more apparent when compared to its 277th ranking in 2022. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024 place Florida Atlantic University at 801, a position it has steadily maintained since 2022. These rankings reflect the university's stable global presence and its growing recognition within the United States, particularly over the past few years.

Florida Atlantic University (FAU), established in 1961, has secured a place among globally recognised institutions of higher education. The university's standing in various ranking systems reflects its academic development and challenges.

The university offers more than 170 degree programmes across 10 colleges. Some of its notable areas of study include:

  1. Business: The College of Business is well-regarded, particularly for its programmes in accounting and finance.
  2. Engineering: FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science has been gaining recognition in recent years.
  3. Nursing: The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is known for its quality education in nursing and healthcare.
  4. Ocean and Environmental Sciences: Given its coastal location, FAU has strong programmes in marine and environmental studies.
  5. Arts and Letters: The university offers robust programmes in the humanities and social sciences.

 

Florida Atlantic University - QS Ranking 2025

Florida Atlantic University has been ranked 1201 in the QS World University Rankings for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. This consistent ranking places it within the range of 1001-1200 globally, reflecting its standing among international universities according to QS assessments.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

World University

1201

1201

1201

 

Florida Atlantic University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

In 2024, Florida Atlantic University is ranked 209th among National Universities by US News & World Report, marking a significant improvement from its 263rd position in 2023 and 277th in 2022.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

1053

1088

-

National University

277

263

209

 

Florida Atlantic University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024, Florida Atlantic University has maintained its position at 801, consistent with its rankings in 2022 and 2023. This placement indicates FAU's presence among global universities according to THE's assessments, showcasing its standing and influence in the international academic community.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

801

801

801

 

Florida Atlantic University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Best Graduate Medical Schools

93

93

93

Best Graduate Nursing Schools

56

54

38

Computer Engineering PG

122

103

117

Electrical Engineering PG

155

151

150

Mechanical Engineering PG

139

144

166

UG Business

190

164

159

 

Florida Atlantic University- THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

501

601

601

Clinical and Health

601

601

601

Engineering

601

601

601

Life Sciences

601

601

601

PG Business and Economics

401

401

401

PG Computer Science

301

301

301

Psychology

401

401

301

 

Course Rankings:

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - UG Business

190

164

159

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

151

151

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

501

601

601

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

401

401

401

 

MS

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG

122

103

117

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

155

151

150

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

139

144

166

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

601

601

601

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

601

601

601

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

301

301

301

 

MSN

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Nursing Schools

56

54

38

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Medicine

651

-

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

401

401

301

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Medical Schools

93

93

93

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

601

601

601

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

501

601

601

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - UG Business

190

164

159

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

401

401

401

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG

122

103

117

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

155

151

150

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

139

144

166

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

601

601

601

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

301

301

301

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

401

401

301

 

Law

Ranked by

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

151

151

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Medicine

651

-

-

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Medical Schools

93

93

93

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

601

601

601

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Nursing Schools

56

54

38

 

Science

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

601

601

601

 

Biology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

601

601

601

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

401

401

401

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

301

301

301

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

155

151

150

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

139

144

166

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

401

401

301

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#1201 - 1400

#1067

2022

-

#1088

Facilities

The primary campus of FAU is located near Boca Raton. The Florida Atlantic University facilities are state-of-the-art, well-equipped libraries, research centers, gyms, and fitness centers. There are about 300 registered student organizations at the university. Academic organizations, honor societies, spiritual organizations, organizations that value diversity, service organizations, clubs for people with particular interests, sports teams, and student government organizations are just a few examples of these organizations. From sailing to Ultimate Frisbee, from varsity and sports clubs and a jazz club to a pottery union, from political organizations to chess and video game clubs, these clubs and organizations cover a wide range of interests. 

 

Additional student life initiatives, including career fairs, the University Press, OWL TV and Owl Radio, and Homecoming, are also supported financially by the student government. The "Owl Prowl," commonly known as Florida Atlantic's homecoming, is an annual event that takes place during the fall semester. Most activities take place on the Boca Raton Campus, however, several other campuses also organize their own events. Kickoff parties, costumed dances, bonfires, comedy shows, alumni activities and banquets, a golf cart procession, and tailgating have all previously been part of homecoming. The Rat's Mouth is a designated football tailgating spot for students. The name is an allusion to Boca Raton's Spanish equivalent.

Notable Alumni

Chris Carrabba
Chris Carrabba
Singer
James Pierre
James Pierre
American Football Player
Carrot Top
Carrot Top
American Actor

Courses

Admission

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a well-known public university in Boca Raton, Florida. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes across multiple disciplines. FAU is known for its high academic standards and strong focus on student success. It is a competitive institution in higher education.

Getting into FAU is selective. The admissions team looks at high school GPA, test scores, and courses taken. These factors help them decide if an applicant is ready and has potential. Students should learn about the criteria and deadlines to improve their chances of acceptance. Continue reading the article for more information about the admission process.

 

Things To Consider Before Applying 

When considering applying to Florida Atlantic University (FAU), students must consider several key points. These points can affect their application and education. Knowing the admission rules, the programmes offered, and the campus resources are crucial. This helps them make a smart choice for their academic and personal goals.

 

Entry Requirements 

Florida Atlantic University entry requirements include submitting official transcripts, standardised test scores, and meeting the minimum GPA criteria. Prospective students must meet specific entry requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programmes at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

Candidates must meet these requirements for graduate programmes like the MS in Information Technology. They need a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. They should submit official transcripts. They must show English proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS if needed.

When students apply to universities, they often need to calculate UCAS points. These points are based on their school grades. This system turns different grades into a standard point score, helping to compare all students fairly. 

Entry Requirements For Undergraduates 

  • High school GPA between 3.24 and 4.29, based on academic core courses of recently admitted students.
  • Submission of SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
  • Completion of the following high school units: 4 units in English; 4 units in Maths; 3 units in Science with Lab; 3 units in Social Science; 2 units in a Foreign Language; 2 units in Academic Electives.
  • Official high school transcripts are required.

Entry Requirements For Graduates 

  • You need at least 60 post-secondary credits or an associate degree from a U.S.-accredited school.
  •  Send official transcripts from every school you have attended.
  • Certain programmes may require GRE or GMAT test scores for admission.
  • If you're not a native English speaker, show proof of your English skills.
  •  Individuals who have pursued their studies overseas must provide evaluations of their foreign credentials.

 

Documents 

Florida Atlantic University documents are an essential part of the admission process. The required documents depend on whether you are a freshman, transfer, or international student. They confirm your eligibility, residency, and previous education, among other things.

Documents Needed For Undergraduate Programmes 

Completed application form (Common Application or FAU Online Application)

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • High school transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation (if required)
  • Resume or CV (if required)
  • Application fee (USD 30)

Documents Needed For Graduate Programmes 

  • Completed application form through the Centralised Application Service (CAS)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • GRE or GMAT scores (if required by the programme)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • Application fee (differs by programme)
  • Foreign credential evaluation (for international applicants)

 

Eligibility 

Florida Atlantic University eligibility criteria are essential for both undergraduate and graduate programmes. You have to meet specific academic and admission standards. Knowing these requirements will help you prepare a strong application.

  • To get into Florida Atlantic University as an undergraduate, you need to meet these requirements:
  • To graduate high school, complete at least 18 academic units. This includes four English and four units of Mathematics (Algebra 1 and higher).
  • You also need three units of Natural Science (2 with labs) and three units of Social Science.
  • Add two units of the same Foreign Language and two units of Academic Electives.
  • Please provide your SAT, ACT, or CLT test scores. These are required for admission by the Florida Board of Governors.
  • Aim for a high GPA. The middle 50% of admitted freshmen have a GPA between 3.68 and 4.29.

To get into FAU for graduate school, you need to:

  • You need a bachelor's degree from a recognised school. It's better if the degree is in a related field.
  • Your GPA should be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Send official transcripts from every school you have attended.
  • Include letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and your GRE or GMAT scores.
  • International applicants must show they know English well. Acceptable proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through TOEFL scores, which require a minimum of 80 for undergraduate applicants and 61 for graduate candidates, or through IELTS scores, which require a minimum of 6.5 for undergraduates and 6.0 for graduates.

If you have questions about the application process, contact the admissions office. You can email them at admissions@fau.edu. Or call (561)-297-3040 during business hours.

 

How To Apply To Florida Atlantic University? 

To gain admission to Florida Atlantic University, you must complete an online application. You must also pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 30. Before starting, make sure you know your admissions classification.

Freshman Application Steps 

  • Selection of Application Method: You can apply for Fall or Summer terms using either the FAU Online or Common Application. For Spring applicants, use only the FAU Online Application.
  • Application Completion: Finish the application. Fill in the online form carefully and correctly.
  • Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR): Freshmen must finish and turn in the SSAR. If you have graduated from high school, send your official transcript instead of the SSAR.
  • Submit Test Scores: Please send your official SAT (code: 5229), ACT (code: 0729), or CLT scores through your application status portal. Nursing applicants must include their official test scores.
  • Check Status of Application: After they submit, applicants can check their status on the university's portal.
  • Waiting for Decision: The university will let applicants know their admission decision by email or through the application portal.

Transfer Application Steps 

  • Submission of Application: Transfer students must complete the online form and pay a $30 nonrefundable application fee to apply.
  • Documents Required: Transfer applicants need to submit their official high school transcripts. They also have to provide official transcripts from every post-secondary school they attended.
  • Test Scores: Transfer students must send in their SAT, ACT, or CLT test scores, just like freshman applicants.

Graduate Admission Steps

  • Choose Your Graduate Programme: Applicants must pick the graduate degree programme they want to apply for.
  • Application Steps: Complete and submit the online application and pay the application fee. Graduate programmes use a centralised application service (CAS).
  • Needed Documents: Gather and send all required documents, including official transcripts, test scores (if needed), and any extra information for your programme.

Additional Considerations

  • Please utilise the Wilkes Honours College Common Application to apply to Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College.
  • Check deadlines. Submit all materials on time.
  • After you submit your application, check its status often. Use the university's portal. Make sure all your documents are in and processed.

 

Deadlines 

The Florida Atlantic University deadline varies for different types of students. Knowing these dates is crucial for applicants, as it helps ensure their applications get reviewed. The university uses a rolling admission process.

Undergraduate Admissions 

Here are the application deadlines for undergraduate students (Academic year of 2024-2025):

Student Type

Summer

Fall

Spring

First-Time Freshmen

October 15      

March 14         

September 15

Transfer Students

April 15 

July 1

November 1

Second Bachelor's Degree  

April 15 

July 1

November 1

Returning FAU Students

April 15 

July 1

November 1

First-Time International

April 1

April 1

September 1

 

Graduate Admissions 

Graduate programmes have different deadlines. These deadlines depend on the programme. Here are some general deadlines (academic year of 2024-2025)

Programme Type

Summer

Fall

Spring

Master’s Programmes

January 15       

February 15    

July 15

 

Deposit Deadline 

Students need to pay a deposit after being accepted. Here are the deadlines:

Student Type

Summer

Fall

Spring

Freshmen        

May 1

May 1

October 15

Transfer

May 1

August 1

November 15

International

May 1

August 1

November 15

 

Additional Details   

Applications are reviewed as they come in. So, it's best to apply early for full consideration for admission and scholarships.

  • Decisions usually come about four weeks after we get all your application materials.
  •  If you request electronic transcripts, FAU may take 5-7 business days to process them.

 

Decision Dates 

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) usually gives admission decisions about four weeks after getting all the needed documents. This is true for both undergraduate and graduate applications.

If you are applying for the fall semester, you can expect to hear back by September 1 if you submit your application by April 1. This rolling admissions system lets you submit your application early to get full consideration, including for scholarships.

 

Florida Atlantic University Selection Criteria 

Florida Atlantic University has a selective admission process. It looks at academic performance, course difficulty, and test scores to ensure that students have the skills needed to succeed.

Freshman Admission Requirements 

  • Academic Performance – Your high school GPA matters greatly when entering college as a freshman. The grades you get in key classes count, too. These classes include English, maths, science, and social studies. It's important to show you are ready for these main subjects.
  • Standardised Test Scores – All applicants with fewer than 60 college credits must submit standardised test scores. These scores can come from the SAT, ACT, or Classic Learning Test (CLT). They are very important for admission. The scores help assess readiness in reading, writing, and maths.
  • Course Load and Rigour—The university looks for students who took tough courses in high school. These include advanced classes like AP or IB courses, which are harder and are considered extra weight in the GPA.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Credit Completion – If you are a transfer applicant, the admission criteria depend on your transferable credits. If you have fewer than 60 credits, you must meet the same requirements as freshmen. This includes having a 2.5 GPA and being in good standing at your last school.

Upper-Division Transfers – If you have 60 or more transferable credits, you are an upper-division transfer. You must keep a minimum GPA of 2.5. If you have an Associate in Arts degree from a Florida public community or state college, you have met the academic requirements for admission.

Special Considerations

Getting into FAU is tough. Just meeting the basic requirements isn't enough. Many things affect your chances. These include how many people apply, the strength of your academic records, and the school's enrolment targets.

 

Florida Atlantic University Acceptance Rate

FAU has a higher acceptance rate than the national average. The university looks at both GPA and test scores, which shows its focus on students with potential for academic success.

In Fall 2020, the acceptance rate was 63.3%. Over 18,900 applications were submitted.

Based on past data, the acceptance rate for 2021 was expected to be about 57%.

2024-2025, the acceptance rate is predicted to be around 56.8%. This shows a small drop in selectivity over the years.

The overall trend shows some fluctuation. The acceptance rates were about 59.8% in 2016, 60% in 2017, and 67.68% in 2018, which indicates a slow increase over time. For the most current and detailed information, prospective students should visit the official FAU admissions website. For guided assistance, you may reach out to the team at UniScholars.

 

Fees 

Florida Atlantic University's fee maintains competitiveness, particularly benefiting in-state students, making FAU a good choice for many. The university focuses on quality education, which is shown through its various programmes and support services for students.

The following is the tuition and fees schedule for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) for the academic year 2024-2025.

Fee Type

Amount (In Dollars)

Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Florida Resident)          

USD 5,952

Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Non-Florida Resident)

USD 19,581

Graduate Tuition & Fees (Florida Resident)  

USD 8,270

Graduate Tuition & Fees (Non-Florida Resident)          

USD 18,280

Repeat Course Surcharge (per credit hour)  

USD 192.47

Excess Hours Surcharge (per credit hour) 

Variable

Florida Atlantic University aims to find capable and eager students who will do well in a lively academic setting. The admissions team reviews high school grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. FAU boasts a generous acceptance rate, attracting diverse students from various backgrounds. Future students should check programme details and apply on time to improve their chances of getting in.

Scholarship

Florida Atlantic University is committed to providing substantial financial support to its students, offering over 264 million USD annually in financial aid. International students at FAU have access to various scholarships designed to assist them in their academic pursuits. You can apply for scholarships to study at Florida Atlantic University through UniScholars. Some of the scholarships available to international students include:

 

Name

Eligibility

Value (USD)

Depan International freshman student scholarship

Undergraduate applicants who meet all entrance requirements and have a minimum academic GPA of 3.0 or above.

8,000

Depan International transfer student scholarship

Transfer students with exceptional academic performance (minimum GPA 3.0), English proficiency, and community service involvement.

4,000

Florida Linkage Institutes Tuition Waiver Awards

Students from specified countries who are applying as undergraduates.

Full tuition fee waiver for one year

Pathways Scholarships

Graduate students enrolled full-time in a study program.

2,000

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Florida Atlantic University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodation near the Florida Atlantic University, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Florida consistently ranks high on the list of destinations for overseas students seeking to pursue higher education. Many international students are shocked to discover that they may attend a top-notch university in Florida for a small portion of what they might pay abroad. Florida's Boca Raton is renowned for its opulent and luxurious lifestyle. The expense of living there tends to be on the higher side because the neighbourhood is so wealthy. Boca Raton's cost of living has a ranking of 128th, which indicates that it is 28% more costly than the national average. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Boca Raton, Florida -

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

$927

On-Campus Accommodation

$868

Transportation

$123

Food 

$364

Utility 

$219

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$60

Clothes

$94

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

$1915

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

$1856

Annual Cost of Living

$22,980

FAQs