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Southeastern University vs Ave Maria University

Southeastern University is a private university in Lakeland, 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 53% at Southeastern University. Ave Maria University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,860 a year against $31,942 at Southeastern University. About 55% of students graduate at Ave Maria University, compared with 43% at Southeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Ave Maria University alumni earn a median of about $49,520, against $46,744 for Southeastern University.

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Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL · Private

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, FL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lakeland, FL
Ave Maria, FL
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
4,813
1,298
Acceptance rate
53%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.36–4
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1183
1018–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,942
$24,860
Full cost / yr
$49,329
$46,129
In-state tuition
$32,950
$30,198
Out-of-state tuition
$32,950
$30,198
Application fee
$40
$10
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$29,498
$18,761
$30k - $48k
$29,185
$20,840
$48k - $75k
$31,185
$23,790
$75k - $110k
$34,795
$24,088
Over $110k
$34,482
$27,107
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
55%
Freshman retention
70%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,314
$43,572
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,744
$49,520
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,776
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
21%
First-generation students
35%
18%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
May 1
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 Southeastern 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 53% at Southeastern 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, Southeastern 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 $31,942 at Southeastern 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 Southeastern University and Ave Maria University?
Before aid, Ave Maria University costs about $46,129 a year and Southeastern University about $49,329. 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, Southeastern University or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,761 there, against about $29,498 at Southeastern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Southeastern University or Ave Maria University?
Southeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 4,813 undergraduates against 1,298 at Ave Maria University.
Does Southeastern University or Ave Maria University have a better graduation rate?
Ave Maria University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 43% at Southeastern University.
Do graduates of Southeastern 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 $46,744 for Southeastern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southeastern University and Ave Maria University require SAT or ACT scores?
Southeastern 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 Southeastern University and Ave Maria University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1183 at Southeastern University and 1018–1240 at Ave Maria University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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