
901 South Flagler Drive PO Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA


Palm Beach Atlantic University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation confirms that the university meets established standards of quality in higher education essential for academic credibility and federal funding eligibility. Additionally, its School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that the nursing programs meet rigorous national standards for curriculum and faculty qualifications. Such accreditations are important markers for prospective students as they affect transferability of credits, qualification for licensure, and general recognition of degrees across institutions and employers.
Palm Beach Atlantic University requires applicants to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of a secondary school record and proof of a minimum GPA are necessary for admission consideration. The university does not have an open admission policy, so meeting these academic criteria is essential. While recommendations and admission test scores other than TOEFL are not explicitly specified, the TOEFL test is mandatory for prospective students who need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate certain competencies, though these are recommended rather than compulsory. The institution accepts both dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, allowing eligible students to receive credit for prior coursework.
Regarding standardized testing, the average SAT score for enrolled students is 1135, with average section scores of 560 in Math and 575 in Writing. This places most students in the bottom 45-50% percentile nationally. The average ACT composite score reported is 23, also categorized as average and within the bottom 40% nationally. Approximately 28% of students submitted SAT scores, while 15% submitted ACT scores, indicating a varied approach to standardized testing among the admitted population.
The university exhibits a relatively high acceptance rate of 88%, which is in the top 25% compared to other institutions. This suggests that while the admission standards focus on verified academic achievement and proficiency, the university admits most applicants who meet these criteria. Enrollment following admission shows consistent levels, with about 680 students enrolling annually under these conditions.
Palm Beach Atlantic University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. The amount of the application fee is standardized and must be paid regardless of the applicant's background or residency status.
Applicants seeking financial relief from the application fee have options available through fee waivers. These waivers are granted based on specific eligibility criteria, often related to financial need or participation in particular programs. To obtain a fee waiver, candidates typically need to provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility, which is reviewed by the admissions office.
The university's policy on application fees and waivers aims to balance administrative necessities with accessibility, helping to reduce barriers for students facing economic challenges while maintaining a consistent admissions process. However, detailed figures about the fee amount or the exact waiver qualifications were not disclosed in the available information.
Palm Beach Atlantic University offers prospective students access to ROTC training through a cooperative arrangement with a host institution. This setup allows students to participate in ROTC programs affiliated with branches of the U. S. military, even though the university itself does not have its own dedicated ROTC unit on campus.
Palm Beach Atlantic University welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, providing multiple opportunities throughout the academic year to begin studies. The university maintains a moderately difficult entrance standard for transfer applicants, indicating that prospective students should prepare a competitive application.
The institution accepts a variety of credit types from transfer students, including those earned through standardized exams. Credits from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) in both subject-specific and general categories, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program, are recognized. Additionally, the university accepts credits from the Excelsior College Examination program.
Recommendations are accepted as part of the transfer application process, offering applicants the chance to strengthen their submissions with endorsements from educators or professionals familiar with their academic abilities.
Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enhance academic and cultural experiences for its students. These programs typically focus on integrating classroom learning with immersive international activities, providing a well-rounded global education.
Students can participate in faculty-led short-term programs that often occur during winter or summer breaks. These trips usually concentrate on specific academic disciplines or themes, allowing participants to gain hands-on knowledge while engaging with different cultures firsthand. The university carefully selects locations that complement course objectives, ensuring a meaningful educational experience.
In addition to short-term opportunities, Palm Beach Atlantic University supports semester-long or year-long study abroad through partnerships with international universities. These longer programs enable students to take courses abroad that count toward their degree requirements, fostering deeper cultural immersion and language acquisition.
While the university encourages study abroad as a way to broaden perspectives and enhance career prospects, it also provides advising and support services. These services help students choose suitable programs, manage logistics, and secure necessary documentation, aiming for smooth and enriching study abroad experiences.
Median composite SAT score
1135Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
15%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
28%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer