Miami vs. Nova

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL with Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nova Southeastern University is larger than Miami based on total student enrollment (20,910 students vs. 19,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Miami is located in Coral Gables, FL (Large Suburban setting); Nova Southeastern University is in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Miami is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Miami 11:1; Nova Southeastern University 16:1.

Miami vs. Nova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Miami or Nova? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Nova Southeastern University than Miami ($31,858 vs. $45,397).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nova Southeastern University are 29.2% lower than at University of Miami ($16,840 vs. $23,790).
• University of Miami is 61.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nova (about $23,916 more per year; $62,616.00 vs. $38,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.8% higher at Miami than at Nova Southeastern University (about $23,916 more per year; $62,616.00 vs. $38,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nova Southeastern University than at University of Miami (100% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Miami students is 64.2% larger than aid received by Nova Southeastern University students ($40,992 vs. $24,965).

Miami vs. Nova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Miami or Nova? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nova and Miami.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Miami (1400) is 230 points higher than at Nova (1170).
• Incoming Miami students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at Nova).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Miami 1320/1480; Nova Southeastern University 1030/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Miami 30/33; Nova Southeastern University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Miami - Required; Nova - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Miami Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nova students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Miami (3.7).
• Nova has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than Miami (18.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.3% at Miami vs. 15.6% at Nova.

Miami vs. Nova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Miami and Nova? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Miami's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Nova Southeastern University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Miami earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than Nova graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,200 vs. $53,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Miami graduates have a $5,254 lower median loan debt than Nova graduates ($19,846 vs. $25,100).
• Among borrowers, Miami graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nova graduates ($205 vs. $259).
• More Miami graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nova students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.