Florida Atlantic University admits approximately 73.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Florida Atlantic University in the Moderately Selective category, making it significantly more accessible than highly selective institutions while maintaining meaningful admission standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Florida Atlantic University is slightly more selective than typical comparable institutions, with 4.6 percentage points lower acceptance rates. This level of selectivity creates favorable odds for most qualified applicants while ensuring students are prepared for university-level coursework. For prospective students, Florida Atlantic University represents a realistic admission target for students with solid academic preparation. The moderate selectivity means students should still present competitive applications, but the 73.4% acceptance rate provides reasonable confidence for students whose academic profiles align with enrolled student characteristics. Students should view Florida Atlantic University as a strong match school rather than a reach, allowing for strategic college list building that includes both more and less selective alternatives. This admission profile supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine, providing access to students from diverse backgrounds who can benefit from strong post-graduation outcomes.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Florida Atlantic University typically score 1040-1210 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling within this range and a median of 1119. SAT Math scores range from 510 to 590, while SAT Verbal scores span 530 to 620, indicating balanced academic preparation across quantitative and verbal domains. ACT scores range from 20 to 26 with a median of 23, providing multiple pathways for demonstrating academic readiness. These test score ranges reflect solid college preparation that positions students for success in university coursework. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, Florida Atlantic University enrolled students score 79 points lower on average, though this difference reflects the institution's commitment to access rather than pure selectivity. The SAT performance ranks at the 90th percentile nationally among all institutions, indicating strong academic quality despite moderate admission selectivity. Students scoring below 1040 on the SAT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the 1040-1210 range, you are academically competitive for admission to Florida Atlantic University. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college application list, though test scores represent just one component of the admission evaluation process.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Florida Atlantic University enrolls 35.1% Pell-eligible students and 38.8% first-generation students, indicating the university serves a substantial population from lower-income families and families without prior college experience. Transfer students comprise 47.5% of enrolled students, demonstrating Florida Atlantic University's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning their education at community colleges or other institutions. This composition reflects the university's mission as a Mobility Engine, serving students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds who can benefit from strong post-graduation outcomes. The relatively high shares of Pell-eligible and first-generation students distinguish Florida Atlantic University from more selective institutions that often enroll lower percentages of these populations. This student body composition aligns with the university's excellent access index performance at the 90.3rd percentile nationally. First-generation students should know that 38.8% of enrolled students share their background, providing peer community and institutional experience supporting their success. Students from lower-income families should consider the 35.1% Pell share when assessing cultural and social fit. Transfer applicants should note that nearly half of enrolled students followed the transfer pathway, indicating strong institutional support and community for students beginning elsewhere.
Given Florida Atlantic University's 73.4% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants should view this as a match rather than reach school. However, students seeking easier admission, different locations, or enhanced outcomes have several alternatives worth considering.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Florida Atlantic University demonstrates solid institutional support for student success, with 84.2% of freshmen returning for sophomore year compared to a peer median of 83.7%. The university graduates 64.3% of students within six years, performing similarly to the peer median of 65.9%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 60.5%, indicating dedicated support systems for lower-income students though with room for improvement. The 3.8 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates suggests some challenges for lower-income students but remains within typical ranges for public research universities. These retention and completion rates reflect the university's ability to support diverse student populations through degree attainment, particularly given the substantial enrollment of first-generation and transfer students who may face additional transition challenges. The high transfer student share (47.5%) combined with solid completion rates indicates Florida Atlantic University effectively integrates students from multiple entry points. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support for degree completion, with retention rates indicating most students who enroll continue their studies. Lower-income students should weigh the 3.8 point Pell completion gap when considering this institution, though the overall completion rates demonstrate the university's commitment to student success across diverse backgrounds.
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