Keiser University is a private university based in Florida with more than 20 campus locations across the state and a fully online division. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers degrees ranging from certificates and associate degrees up through doctoral programs. Originally founded as a career college, Keiser has grown into a mid-sized university known for its career-focused curriculum, smaller class sizes, and flexible scheduling aimed at working adults.
Accreditation and Academic Standing
Keiser holds regional accreditation from SACSCOC, which is the same accrediting body that oversees universities across the southeastern United States, including many well-known public and private institutions. Regional accreditation is generally considered the gold standard for U.S. colleges and universities. It means credits are more likely to transfer to other regionally accredited schools, and employers broadly recognize degrees from SACSCOC-accredited institutions.
In U.S. News & World Report rankings, Keiser is listed at No. 363 among National Universities and No. 42 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. That social mobility ranking reflects how well a school graduates students who receive federal Pell Grants, which go to lower-income families. The four-year graduation rate is 53%.
Degree Programs and Fields of Study
Keiser offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, education specialist degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates. It also has accelerated degree options designed to compress the timeline for students who want to finish faster.
The program catalog leans heavily toward career-oriented fields. Major areas of study include nursing, health sciences, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, information technology, education, psychology, and legal studies. More specialized options include chiropractic medicine, forensic science, culinary arts, cinematic arts, fire science, homeland security, and sport management. Nursing and health care programs make up a significant portion of enrollment, which is common for schools with Keiser’s career-focused model.
Campus Locations and Online Options
Keiser operates roughly 21 campus locations, all within Florida. These span the state from Jacksonville and Tallahassee in the north to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples in the south, with locations in Tampa, Orlando, Clearwater, Sarasota, Lakeland, Melbourne, and several other cities in between. The flagship campus is in West Palm Beach, and the graduate school is based in Fort Lauderdale. There is also a Latin Division that offers programs in Spanish.
For students outside Florida or those who need scheduling flexibility, Keiser’s online division offers fully accredited degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The online programs carry the same credential as on-campus degrees and are designed primarily for working adults.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Keiser’s tuition and fees total $39,189 for the 2025-26 academic year, according to U.S. News. When you add food and housing at $18,860, the total estimated cost of attendance comes to about $64,032 per year. That places Keiser in a higher price range than most public universities, though it falls within the range of many private institutions.
Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Like other accredited universities, Keiser participates in federal financial aid programs, meaning students can apply through the FAFSA for grants, federal student loans, and work-study. The school’s strong social mobility ranking suggests a meaningful share of its students receive need-based aid. Still, it is worth comparing Keiser’s net price (what you actually pay after grants and scholarships) against alternatives, particularly community colleges and state universities, which often have much lower sticker prices for similar programs.
Who Keiser Is Designed For
Keiser’s structure is built around students who may not follow the traditional four-year residential college path. Classes are often scheduled in blocks rather than traditional semesters, and many programs allow students to take one or two courses at a time rather than a full five-course load. This can make it easier to balance school with a job or family responsibilities.
The university’s strongest appeal is for students who have a specific career goal in mind, particularly in health care, business, IT, or criminal justice, and who want a program that connects coursework directly to job skills. Students looking for a broad liberal arts education or a traditional campus experience with Division I athletics and large lecture halls will find a very different environment here. Keiser’s campuses tend to be smaller and more utilitarian, with the focus on getting students through their programs and into the workforce.
If you are considering Keiser, request the net price calculator on the school’s website to estimate your actual costs after aid. Compare that figure to similar programs at public universities and community colleges in your area before committing, since the tuition gap can be substantial.