Keiser is a private, not-for-profit university in Florida, offering career-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees on-campus and online. Many prospective students and their families often wonder about the institutional structure of Keiser University, particularly whether it operates as a public or private institution.
Understanding this distinction is crucial because it affects everything from tuition costs to admission policies and financial aid opportunities. This comprehensive guide will clarify Keiser University’s status and what it means for your educational journey.
What Makes Keiser University Private?
The Not-For-Profit Structure
In 2011, the university switched from a for-profit to a not-for-profit model, when Arthur Keiser sold the institution for an undisclosed sum to Everglades College Inc., a non-profit entity founded by Keiser that also operates Everglades University. This transition was significant because it fundamentally changed how the institution operates and reinvests its revenue. Unlike public universities funded by state tax dollars, Keiser University operates as a private institution, meaning it relies on tuition, fees, and donations to sustain operations.
Key Differences from Public Universities
Private universities like Keiser operate independently from state government control and funding. This structure allows Keiser to make its own decisions regarding curriculum, admissions standards, and operational policies without state oversight. As Florida’s largest private university, it offers programs delivered in a distinctive format at 21 Florida campuses, as well as in China and Nicaragua. This flexibility has enabled Keiser to develop innovative educational delivery methods and expand globally.
Current Enrollment and Scale (2025)
Keiser University has grown substantially as a private institution. For the academic year 2023-2024, total of 20,102 students have enrolled in Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale with 17,634 undergraduate and 2,468 graduate students. The university serves a diverse student population, with a gender distribution of 30.2% male students and 67.8% female students.
Accreditation and Academic Quality
Despite being private, Keiser University maintains rigorous academic standards through institutional accreditation. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. This regional accreditation ensures that credits earned at Keiser are recognized by other institutions and that federal financial aid is available to eligible students.
Financial Considerations for Students
Tuition and Costs
The school’s tuition and fees are $39,189. Eighty-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $35,843. While private universities typically have higher sticker prices than public institutions, many students receive substantial financial aid packages.
Financial Aid Availability
As a private, accredited institution, Keiser students are eligible for federal financial aid programs. The university offers its own scholarships and grants in addition to federal aid opportunities. This makes Keiser more affordable for many students than the published tuition rates suggest.
Rankings and Recognition (2025)
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Keiser University is ranked No. #363 in National Universities. It’s also ranked No. #42 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The university’s strong social mobility ranking reflects its mission to serve working adults and first-generation college students, a focus that distinguishes many private career-oriented universities.
Distinctive Educational Model
All Keiser classes are taught over 4-week academic terms and students complete one class at a time before moving on to their next course. This accelerated format is unique to Keiser and differs significantly from traditional public university semester structures. The model allows working adults to balance education with employment and family obligations.
Conclusion
Keiser University is definitively a private, not-for-profit institution that operates independently from state government funding. With over 20,000 students across multiple Florida campuses and international locations, it has become one of the largest private universities in Florida. The transition to not-for-profit status in 2011 reinforced the institution’s commitment to educational quality and student success over profit generation.
Whether you’re considering Keiser for an undergraduate degree, graduate program, or career-focused certificate, understanding its private institutional status helps you make informed decisions about your educational investment. For more information about enrollment and programs, visit Keiser University’s official website, and for accreditation details, check the SACSCOC accreditation commission. Prospective students should also explore U.S. News rankings and data for comparative institutional information.