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Palm Beach Atlantic University vs Ave Maria University

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private university in West Palm Beach, FL, and Ave Maria University is a private university in Ave Maria, FL. Ave Maria University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 41% of applicants against 82% at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Ave Maria University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,860 a year against $28,354 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. About 57% of students graduate at Palm Beach Atlantic University, compared with 55% at Ave Maria University. Ten years after enrolling, Ave Maria University alumni earn a median of about $49,520, against $49,232 for Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, FL · Private

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, FL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Ave Maria, FL
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,603
1,298
Acceptance rate
82%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.36–4
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1220
1018–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
18–26
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,354
$24,860
Full cost / yr
$53,827
$46,129
In-state tuition
$40,650
$30,198
Out-of-state tuition
$40,650
$30,198
Application fee
Not reported
$10
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,570
$18,761
$30k - $48k
$25,312
$20,840
$48k - $75k
$25,619
$23,790
$75k - $110k
$26,244
$24,088
Over $110k
$32,786
$27,107
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
55%
Freshman retention
68%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,366
$43,572
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,232
$49,520
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$20,776
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
21%
First-generation students
22%
18%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 26

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Beach Atlantic University or Ave Maria University harder to get into?
Ave Maria University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 82% at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,860 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,354 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Ave Maria University?
Before aid, Ave Maria University costs about $46,129 a year and Palm Beach Atlantic University about $53,827. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,761 there, against about $25,570 at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Ave Maria University?
Palm Beach Atlantic University is the larger of the two, with about 2,603 undergraduates against 1,298 at Ave Maria University.
Does Palm Beach Atlantic University or Ave Maria University have a better graduation rate?
Palm Beach Atlantic University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 55% at Ave Maria University.
Do graduates of Palm Beach Atlantic University or Ave Maria University earn more?
Ave Maria University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,520 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,232 for Palm Beach Atlantic University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Palm Beach Atlantic University and Ave Maria University require SAT or ACT scores?
Palm Beach Atlantic University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ave Maria University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Palm Beach Atlantic University and Ave Maria University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 950–1220 at Palm Beach Atlantic University and 1018–1240 at Ave Maria University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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