Florida Atlantic University: A Look at Student Demographics and Diversity

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) stands as a dynamic, national public research university with a strong commitment to student success, impactful research, and community transformation. With campuses and sites strategically located along a 110-mile corridor of Florida's Atlantic coastline, FAU provides accessible education to a diverse student population. This article examines the demographic composition of FAU's student body, highlighting its diversity, enrollment trends, and commitment to serving a wide range of learners.

Overview of Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University opened in 1964, and has since grown into a multi-campus institution serving over 30,000 students annually. FAU offers a wide array of academic programs across ten colleges, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university is dedicated to providing a transformative education, emphasizing academic excellence, research opportunities, and student engagement.

Student Population: A Diverse Community

FAU prides itself on being one of the most diverse universities in the nation. This commitment to diversity is reflected in its student body, which includes individuals from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities.

Diversity Statistics

In 2021, the undergraduate student body comprised 61% ethnic minorities, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives. Students enrolled at Florida Atlantic come from 50 states and 131 countries, creating a vibrant and globally connected campus environment. As of 2023, the enrolled student population at Florida Atlantic University is:

40% White
26.7% Hispanic or Latino
17% Black or African American
4.39% Asian
3.9% Two or More Races
0.0812% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders
0.0779% American Indian or Alaska Native

Florida Atlantic has long ranked as the most racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse institution in Florida's State University System.

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Enrollment Trends

As of 2021, the university's student body consists of 24,663 undergraduates, 3,380 graduate students, 440 doctoral students, and 254 medical students. In 2023, Florida Atlantic University had a total enrollment of 30,790 students. The full-time enrollment at Florida Atlantic University is 20,948 students, and the part-time enrollment is 9,842. This means that 68% of students enrolled at Florida Atlantic University are enrolled full-time.

Age Diversity

FAU demonstrates a good job attracting students of all ages. A traditional college student is defined as being between the ages of 18-21.

Geographic Diversity

FAU ranks 769 out of 2,183 when it comes to geographic diversity. 11.78% of FAU students come from out of state, and 7.61% come from out of the country. The undergraduate student body is split among 33 states (may include Washington D.C.).

Academic Programs and Opportunities

FAU offers a wide range of academic programs and opportunities designed to cater to the diverse interests and goals of its students.

Colleges and Degree Programs

The university consists of ten colleges which altogether offer over 180 different bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs:

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the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
College of Business
College of Education
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Honors Programs

Opportunities for academically outstanding students are provided by the University Honors Program and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. The university offers two honors options: the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College and a University Scholars Program. The Wilkes Honors College is located on the John D. MacArthur campus in Jupiter, Florida.

Admissions and Academics

Florida Atlantic University follows a Competitive Admissions policy. First-year applicants should complete an application, submit the $30 application fee, the Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) and send official SAT/ACT/CLT scores. All of these items are needed for an admissions review and decision. Transfer students should submit an application & $30 fee as well as official transcripts are required from each previously attended school. Official scores from SAT/ACT/CLT examinations must be submitted by all applicants with fewer than 60 transferable credits. The fall 2021 incoming freshmen profile for the middle 50% was a 3.73-4.33 high school GPA, a 23-29 ACT composite score, and an 1100-1270 SAT total score. Additional admission requirements are needed for the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College.

The average class size at FAU for undergraduates is 33 students, and for graduate classes, 12 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The top three undergraduate majors by enrollment are elementary education, accounting, and management, respectively.

Financial Aid and Affordability

FAU is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students.

Financial Aid Options

Financial Aid is available to FAU degree-seeking students and includes grants, loans, scholarships and employment opportunities. Assistance is awarded in compliance with state, federal and university regulations on the basis of financial need and academic merit. The Student Financial Aid Office provides full service to students from application to award. First-year students are considered for merit-scholarships upon applying for admission with a complete application deadline of January 15. Transfer student scholarships are available, however a separate application is required.

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Scholarships and Grants

There are numerous funding opportunities available to students. The Center for Global Engagement has compiled a list of Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships that are applicable to study abroad and /or pursuing overseas research. The list contains opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students and in some cases, options for post graduate study. The list is updated periodically as new opportunities become available.

Tuition and Costs

The total estimated full time costs of $15,702.00 consists of $5,952.00 for Tuition, $1,320.00 for Books and Supplies, and $8,430.00 for Housing. In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Florida Atlantic University is $2,522, which is $−28,481 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $9,839. In 2023, 65% of undergraduate students attending Florida Atlantic University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 28% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

Campus Life and Student Engagement

FAU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student engagement and personal growth.

Housing

Florida Atlantic University offers Co-Ed housing but not Female Only or Male Only housing. The Boca Raton campus is home to more than 4,500 on-campus residents in nine apartment and suite-style residence halls.

Athletics

FAU fields 19 men's and women's athletic teams at the Division 1 level. With 19 NCAA Division I athletic teams, FAU strives to advance our nearly 500 student-athletes in their respective sports and the classroom. FAU students receive free tickets to all regular-season athletic games with their OwlCard.

Student Support Services

Our Online Enrollment and Student Success team is with you throughout your entire journey at FAU. Our online student support services portal replicates what is available to campus students. Students can access award-winning tutoring support, online academic advisors, financial aid counselors, career support, and more! Best of all, our online tuition rates are among the lowest in the state. Florida Atlantic University publishes Distance Learning courses on the FloridaShines Course Catalog. Academic advisors are here to help you develop and optimize your educational dreams, goals, and potential. First-year students complete an online advising module to start their advising journey.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enrichment opportunities include internships, hands-on research, study abroad experiences, and 310 student clubs and organizations.

Campuses and Locations

Florida Atlantic University operates six campuses spread across Palm Beach, Broward, and St. Lucie counties. The university's main campus is located in the City of Boca Raton in Palm Beach County. The county is also home to the John D. MacArthur Campus located in Jupiter. FAU operates three campuses in the Broward County cities of Dania Beach, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale. Florida Atlantic University also operates a campus in the St. Lucie County city of Fort Pierce.

Rankings and Recognition

Florida Atlantic University is recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to student success. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Florida Atlantic University is ranked No. #183 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #30 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Forbes ranked FAU 188th out of the top 500 rated private and public colleges and universities in America for the 2024-25 report.

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