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Private for-profit, 4-year

South University-West Palm Beach

Royal Palm Beach, Florida · www.southuniversity.edu/west-palm-beach#location=West Palm Beach, FL

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Tuition per year

$17,895

$27,334 with room and board

Peer median $18,677

Undergraduates

251

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

6.3%

4-year; 6-year rate 12.5%

Peer median 47.8%

“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

South University-West Palm Beach is a prominent institution situated in the vibrant city of West Palm Beach, Florida. As part of the South University system, this campus is known for its commitment to providing quality education with a focus on career-oriented programs. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields including healthcare, business, and criminal justice. This focus on practical, hands-on learning ensures that students are well-prepared for the job market upon graduation, making it a popular choice among aspiring professionals.

The campus environment at South University-West Palm Beach is rich in support and collaboration, fostering a sense of community among students and faculty. The university emphasizes small class sizes, which enhances personalized attention and encourages meaningful interactions between students and instructors. With a dedicated faculty who are often experts in their fields, students benefit from a wealth of knowledge and experience. Additionally, the university promotes various extracurricular activities and student organizations, which contribute to a well-rounded student life. The vibrant local culture of West Palm Beach, known for its beautiful beaches and lively arts scene, further enriches the student experience, offering numerous opportunities for recreation and personal growth.

Analysis of Key Metrics at South University-West Palm Beach

South University-West Palm Beach has shown significant fluctuations in several key metrics over the years, particularly in student enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition fees.

One notable trend is the dramatic decline in undergraduate student enrollment. From a peak of 973 students in 2014, enrollment has steadily decreased to just 303 in 2023, reflecting a staggering drop of approximately 69%. This decline raises concerns about the university's appeal and its ability to attract and retain students in a competitive educational landscape.

Coupled with this enrollment drop is the concerning trend in graduation rates. The university's timely graduation rate for undergraduates fell to just 6.25% in 2023, down from 25% in 2013. This alarming trend indicates potential issues in academic support and student engagement, which could further deter prospective students from enrolling.

On the financial side, the tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduates have remained relatively stable, hovering around $16,000 to $18,000 per year in recent years. However, the increase in room and board costs, which reached over $8,900 in 2024, could add to the financial burden on students, potentially impacting future enrollment.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio, which improved to about 14:1 in 2023, suggests a better opportunity for personalized attention for students. However, the overall decrease in student numbers raises questions about the sustainability of this ratio and the university's future financial health.

In summary, while there are some positive metrics related to faculty engagement, the declining enrollment and graduation rates, alongside rising living costs, pose significant challenges for South University-West Palm Beach in maintaining its status as a viable educational institution.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Port St. Lucie, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), about 6 mi
Royal Palm Beach, Florida
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Nickeshia Bullock (Campus Director & Dean of Academic Affairs & Ops)
Phone
5612736500
City
Royal Palm Beach, Florida
Address
9801 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate161 international (6.3%)
Bachelor's512 international (3.9%)
Master's730 international (0.0%)
Top 5 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
43
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
3
Business Administration and Management, General
3
Psychology, General
1
Public Health, General
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Physician Assistant · Master's47 (0% international)
  • Anesthesiologist Assistant · Master's20 (0% international)
  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's2 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's2 (0% international)
  • Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration · Master's1 (0% international)
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's1 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from South University-West Palm Beach

The graduation data from South University-West Palm Beach for the year 2023 reveals significant trends within various fields of study, particularly in healthcare and criminal justice. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 67 graduates obtaining their bachelor's degree, reflecting a strong demand for nursing professionals amid ongoing healthcare challenges in the U.S. This demand has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of nursing education and the need for a well-trained workforce in healthcare.

In the realm of graduate education, the Physician Assistant program produced 39 master's degree graduates, indicating a robust pipeline of skilled practitioners ready to address the growing healthcare needs. Family Practice Nursing also showed promise with 28 master's graduates, including one international student, demonstrating the program's appeal to a diverse student body.

Conversely, fields such as Criminal Justice and Business Administration showed lower graduation numbers, with only a handful of bachelor's and master's graduates. This may reflect a saturation in the job market or a shift in student interest towards more lucrative or in-demand fields like healthcare. Interestingly, the data shows no international students graduating from the bachelor's programs in this domain, potentially limiting the diversity and global perspectives in these fields.

Overall, the data underscores the crucial role of healthcare education at South University-West Palm Beach, aligning with national trends toward prioritizing health professions. It also raises questions about the evolving interests of students in response to job market demands, suggesting a need for adaptive educational programs to meet these challenges.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 133 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$32,908-$53,376
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.$32,908-$53,376
Physical Therapy Assistant.$42,087-$223,454
Anesthesiologist Assistant.$42,087-$223,454
Physician Assistant.$111,581
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$47,917
Public Health, General.$45,579
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$79,957-$104,756
Businesshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$47,785-$66,151
Homeland security has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$37,864-$41,959
Psychology has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$37,532

Students

433 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 26:74 · Freshman retention 100.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (251)

Black
134 · 53.4%
Hispanic
50 · 19.9%
Unknown
33 · 13.1%
White
20 · 8.0%
Two or more races
6 · 2.4%
International
4 · 1.6%
Asian
3 · 1.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at South University-West Palm Beach for 2023

The student demographic data from South University-West Palm Beach for 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding gender ratios and enrollment types. Among undergraduate freshmen, a striking 87.5% are female, indicating a significant gender imbalance in this category. In contrast, the male representation is notably low at just 12.5%.

For undergraduate upperclassmen, the gender distribution remains skewed, with 81% female and 19% male. This trend continues among undergraduate transfer students, where females make up 75.4% and males represent 24.6%. The graduate student demographic also reflects a similar pattern, with 73.8% female and 26.2% male.

Across these categories, the consistent predominance of female students raises questions regarding enrollment strategies and support systems for male students. It may be beneficial for the university to explore initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining male students, given the significant disparities observed.

Additionally, the data on racial demographics within these student categories appears incomplete, particularly for undergraduate upperclassmen and transfer students, where specific figures are not fully disclosed. However, the graduate category shows that 29.2% of the students are white, suggesting a potential area for enhancing diversity and inclusion efforts.

Overall, the data points to a strong female presence at South University-West Palm Beach across all student classifications, underscoring the need for targeted approaches to ensure a balanced educational environment that supports all demographics.

Student Age Composition at South University-West Palm Beach

The age distribution of students at South University-West Palm Beach reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the student body. The largest group of undergraduate females falls within the 22-24 age range, comprising 56 individuals, which represents an impressive 62.7% of the total undergraduate female population. This suggests that younger students are more inclined to pursue their undergraduate studies immediately after high school.

In contrast, the age group of 25-29 shows a significant representation of both undergraduate and graduate students. With 79 undergraduate females and 15 undergraduate males, this demographic illustrates that many individuals choose to continue their education later in life, perhaps due to work experience or personal development goals. This trend reflects a broader national narrative where adult learners are increasingly pursuing higher education to adapt to evolving job markets.

Moreover, the data shows that the graduate female population is also notably strong in the 25-29 and 30-34 age ranges, indicating that women are actively engaging in further education during their 20s and 30s. Overall, the institution's gender balance seems to favor females across nearly all age categories, with a total of 115 females compared to 47 males in the 25-29 age range alone.

This demographic pattern is not only reflective of the institution's unique environment but also resonates with broader societal trends emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in today’s fast-paced world. As universities cater to diverse age groups, they play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive educational landscape.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.6%

4 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.5%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.7%2019: 0.9%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.5%2022: 0.3%2023: 1.3%2024: 2.1%2025: 1.6%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025
Graduate students1.1%

2 in 2025 · 1.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.2%2017: 1.6%2018: 1.9%2019: 0.7%2020: 0.9%2021: 1.0%2022: 1.8%2023: 0.4%2024: 0.0%2025: 1.1%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at South University-West Palm Beach

The data on international student enrollment at South University-West Palm Beach reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly concerning undergraduate and graduate populations. Notably, the percentage of international students among undergraduates peaked in 2012 at 6.72%, reflecting a period of increased global interest in American education. This surge may correlate with broader trends in international student mobility, as many students seek quality educational experiences abroad.

However, subsequent years saw a dramatic decline in both overall undergraduate enrollment and the proportion of international students. By 2023, only 1.32% of undergraduates were international students, indicating a significant drop in attractiveness or accessibility for foreign students. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in visa policies, rising tuition costs, and increased competition from universities in other countries.

In the graduate sector, the percentage of international students also exhibited variability, with a notable peak of 7.14% in 2012. Yet, by 2023, this figure had decreased to 0.44%, suggesting that South University-West Palm Beach is struggling to attract graduate students from abroad despite the overall growth of international graduate student enrollment in the U.S. This trend might reflect broader challenges faced by institutions aiming to maintain a diverse student body amidst changing geopolitical climates and public health concerns post-COVID-19.

Overall, the fluctuations in international student enrollment at South University-West Palm Beach warrant further investigation, as they underscore the complexities of global education trends and the need for universities to adapt and respond to the shifting landscape of international student recruitment.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$27,334

Undergraduate tuition
$17,895
Room and board
$9,439
Graduate tuition
$16,611
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 7% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 50%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$14.6M

Tuition and fees
$12.6M86.4%
Government grants and contracts
$1.7M11.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$235K1.6%

Expenses$14.0M

Instruction
$6.6M47.0%
Institutional support
$5.3M38.0%
Student services
$1.3M9.1%
Academic support
$163K1.2%
Other
$654K4.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$81,795peers $67,788
Assistant professor
$79,044peers $67,938
Instructor
$92,798peers $60,861

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near South University-West Palm Beach:

  1. University of Florida - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Miami - With a ranking of 67, this private university offers a diverse range of programs and is located in a vibrant city known for its culture and arts.

  3. Florida State University - Ranked 53rd, this comprehensive university in Tallahassee is recognized for its research initiatives and commitment to community service.

  4. Florida International University - At 124th place, FIU is known for its diverse student body and strong international programs.

  5. University of South Florida - Ranked 89th, this university is recognized for its innovation and commitment to student success, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at South University-West Palm Beach

The crime data from South University-West Palm Beach reveals a noteworthy trend over the years from 2013 to 2023, with reports indicating a complete absence of recorded incidents. This can be interpreted as a positive sign of campus safety, suggesting that either the institution has effectively implemented measures to deter criminal behavior or that the environment is inherently safe for students.

The data reflects a consistent zero crime rate, with no arrests or offenses related to gun possession, drug-related activities, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or other serious crimes such as murder or rape. Such statistics can be quite rare in academic institutions, making this record stand out.

However, it is essential to consider the broader context of campus safety and crime reporting. While a zero-crime report may indicate a secure environment, it could also raise questions regarding the effectiveness of communication about crime and safety. Institutions must ensure that students feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of stigma or repercussions.

Moreover, as recent events and national discussions about campus safety continue to evolve, it remains crucial for universities to maintain transparency and proactive engagement with their student bodies. Regular assessments and updates on safety policies can further enhance the perception of safety and foster a supportive community.

For further information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.