With college costs constantly rising, you want to make sure your time and money are being put to good use. You’ve heard about Keiser University, but is it really worth investing in? With multiple campuses across Florida offering both online and in-person programs ranging from associates to doctorates, Keiser touts small class sizes and career-focused curriculums. But before you apply or sign any loan paperwork, it’s smart to take a deeper look at what past and current students have experienced. From struggling with unqualified instructors to battling strict attendance policies, some have had less than stellar experiences at Keiser. Get the inside scoop to find out if this for-profit institution can really deliver on its promises of flexible learning and post-grad success before you commit.
Overview of Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university with over 20 campuses located throughout Florida and internationally. Keiser aims to provide career-focused education and hands-on learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Keiser University offers over 100 degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in areas like business, health care, technology, and education. Class sizes are small, averaging around 15 students, allowing for more personalized attention. Many of the programs are also offered online for added flexibility.
The admissions process at Keiser is rolling, meaning you can apply for enrollment year-round, with starts available in January, May, and August. To be admitted, you’ll need to submit an application, official high school transcripts, and possibly scores from the SAT or ACT. Acceptance rates at Keiser University are higher than average, around 81%, since the school aims to provide access to education for many students.
Tuition and fees at Keiser University are considered moderate to high compared to public schools. Undergraduate tuition is around $17,000 per year, while graduate programs range from $18,000 to $30,000 annually depending on the field of study. However, Keiser offers generous scholarships, grants, and financial aid to make degrees more affordable. They also provide resources to help students find jobs after graduation to gain valuable work experience.
While Keiser University receives mixed reviews, many students find the small class sizes, career-focused curriculum, and flexible learning options appealing. The school is regionally accredited and dedicated to preparing students for success in growing fields. If you’re looking for a supportive, hands-on learning environment, Keiser University could be worth your consideration.
Keiser University Degree Programs
Keiser University offers over 100 degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels across a wide range of fields. Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in business, health care, technology, or education, Keiser likely has a program for you.
Their business degrees, like the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, cover the essentials of managing a company, including courses in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The health science degrees, such as the Associate of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Health Science, prepare you for various roles in the booming healthcare industry.
For those interested in working with computers, check out the IT-related degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics/Information Security or Web Design and Development. Keiser also has several education degrees, like the Master of Science in Education, for aspiring teachers and education professionals.
In addition to traditional on-campus programs, Keiser offers many degrees in an online or hybrid format for added flexibility. The online classes provide the same high-quality education with more convenience. You can complete coursework on your own schedule and at your own pace.
While earning a degree at Keiser may require a serious time and financial commitment, graduates report high satisfaction with their experience. Keiser aims to provide career-focused curricula and practical learning opportunities to prepare students for success in their field of choice after earning their degree. The career support services also help students find internships, network, polish their resumes, and conduct a job search.
With a variety of programs at multiple levels, flexible learning options, career support, and a mission to empower students, Keiser University appears focused on enabling their graduates to thrive in today’s workforce. The time and money required to earn a Keiser degree may well prove to be a worthwhile investment in your future.
Keiser University Tuition and Fees
Keiser University is a private university, so tuition and fees are typically higher than public schools. Undergraduate tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $17,664 per year for full-time students. Additional fees like activity fees, health insurance, and books/supplies will cost around $1,500 per year.
The total cost of attendance, including room and board, is estimated to be around $30,000 per year. While this may seem steep, Keiser University does offer many opportunities for grants, scholarships, and student aid to help reduce the financial burden. Over 97% of incoming students receive some form of financial assistance.
Grants and Scholarships
Keiser University offers merit-based scholarships for students with a proven record of academic achievement. Scholarship amounts range from $500 up to full-tuition. Need-based grants are also available for those who demonstrate financial hardship. Federal grants like the Pell Grant provide up to $6,345 per year for undergraduate students with exceptional need.
Student Loans
The majority of Keiser students utilize federal student loans to help pay for their education. Federal student loans have many benefits like income-based repayment plans, loan forgiveness, and deferment options. The average Keiser student graduates with around $30,000 in student loan debt, which is on the lower end for private universities.
While the sticker price of a Keiser education may seem daunting, the availability of financial aid helps make it accessible for most students. With small class sizes, career-focused programs, and resources to help students land internships and jobs after graduation, a degree from Keiser can be well worth the investment. If cost is a concern, meeting with Keiser’s financial aid office is a great first step to understanding all of your options and finding a solution that fits your budget.
Keiser University Online vs on-Campus
When deciding between Keiser University’s online or on-campus programs, there are some key factors to consider regarding your own learning preferences and lifestyle.
Flexibility
If flexibility and convenience are priorities in your life right now, the online programs at Keiser University may suit you well. You’ll be able to complete coursework on your own schedule from anywhere with an Internet connection. This can be ideal if you have a full-time job, family commitments or don’t live near one of their physical campuses. The on-campus programs, on the other hand, require you to attend classes at scheduled times each week at one of their locations in Florida or elsewhere in the U.S.
Hands-on Learning
For some students, interacting face to face with instructors and other students enhances their learning experience. Keiser University’s traditional on-campus programs provide opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, and access to campus resources. If you prefer a more structured environment or learn best through in-person lectures and collaboration, the on-campus option may be preferable. Their career-focused programs also include valuable real-world experience through internships, clinical rotations, and field work.
Tuition and Costs
Keiser University aims to provide affordable and accessible education for students. Their online programs are often more budget-friendly since you avoid costs like transportation and housing. You’ll also save money on books, as e-books are included in your tuition. On-campus students will need to pay for items like parking, meals, and room and board if living on campus. Both options offer scholarships, grants and financing to help make a degree more affordable.
In the end, think about how you best learn and thrive in an educational environment. While the online route offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, the traditional on-campus experience provides opportunities for hands-on learning and networking that can enrich your college journey. With Keiser University, you have the choice to pursue either path to earn your degree.
Is Keiser University Worth It? The Pros and Cons
When deciding whether Keiser University is right for you, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
Pros:
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Career-focused programs. Keiser offers over 100 career-focused associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees in areas like business, health care, technology, and education. These targeted programs can help prepare you for an in-demand career.
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Flexible learning options. Whether you prefer face-to-face instruction or online courses, Keiser has options for on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. This flexibility allows you to choose what works best for your needs and schedule.
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Job placement support. Keiser’s career services department helps students with job placement assistance, internships, and resume and interview preparation. This support can help you land a job after earning your degree.
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Generous transfer policy. Keiser accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward associate and bachelor’s degrees. This generous policy allows you to transfer most or all of the credits you’ve already earned at another school.
Cons:
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Higher tuition costs. As a private, for-profit university, Keiser’s tuition and fees tend to be higher than public schools. While Keiser offers scholarships and financial aid, the total cost of attendance may still be more expensive.
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Limited program options. Although Keiser offers over 100 degrees, their program options are still more limited than large public universities. They may not have certain specialized degrees that larger schools provide.
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Less social opportunities. With less than 20,000 students across all Keiser campuses, there are fewer opportunities for student life, clubs, sports teams, and other social activities compared to bigger schools.
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Mixed reviews. Keiser has received mixed reviews from students regarding factors like quality of education, student services, and career support. It’s important to go in with realistic expectations.
Overall, whether Keiser University is worth it depends on your priorities, needs, and financial situation. If you value career preparation, flexible learning options, and generous transfer policies, Keiser could be a great choice. But if lower costs, more social opportunities, and program variety are most important, a larger public school may better suit your needs. With pros and cons to weigh on both sides, take time to determine what factors matter most to you.
Conclusion
So, is Keiser University worth the time and money? The choice is yours, but now you have a better understanding of what the school offers, its costs, and what graduates say about their experiences. Keiser might be a good fit if you want small class sizes, flexible schedules, and career-focused training. But if you want a broad liberal arts education, a big campus life, or options to live on campus, it could disappoint. Weigh the pros and cons for yourself as you map out your future. Follow your instincts, and don’t forget to apply for financial aid no matter where you decide to attend!
