Palm Beach Atlantic University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Palm Beach Atlantic University [PBA]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

West Palm Beach, FloridaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1968established year
3706enrollment
SACSSCOC
Private (Not for Profit)
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 10, 2026

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private, Christian-heritage institution in West Palm Beach, Florida, that carries a US News National Universities rank of #384 in the 2026 edition and a Social Mobility rank of #308. The West Palm Beach campus sits within walking distance of downtown and the Atlantic beaches, giving students an unusually walkable American college setting.

PBA delivers 70+ undergraduate majors, 15+ master’s programmes, and doctoral tracks in Pharmacy, Nursing Practice, and Practical Theology. Every classroom runs in English, so no additional language route is needed for Indian applicants. Programmes accept both Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes, and the small 12:1 student-faculty ratio means Indian students get direct contact with faculty from week one.

  • US News National Universities Rank (2026): #384
  • Acceptance Rate: 82% (estimated)
  • Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January), rolling admissions
  • Annual Undergraduate Tuition: USD 43,000 (INR 40.6 lakh)
  • International Students: Learners from 50+ countries
  • Average Merit Aid for First-Year Students: USD 16,040 (INR 15.2 lakh)

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

PBA opens most merit scholarships to international applicants and issues I-20 documents once the USD 300 enrollment deposit is paid. Indian graduates from any PBA STEM programme are eligible for 36 months of OPT under the F-1 student visa route, while non-STEM graduates receive the standard 12-month OPT window.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes). PBA runs rolling admissions with no fixed close date; Spring 2027 seats are reviewed until the class fills for the January 2027 start, while Fall 2027 applications for the August 2027 start are already being accepted. Indian applicants should target a decision at least four months before the intended start date to complete WES or ECE credential evaluation and F-1 visa steps.

Popular Courses and Fees at Palm Beach Atlantic University 2027

PBA charges a flat annual tuition for full-time day undergraduates and shifts to a per-credit rate for graduate and professional programmes. The 2026-27 published undergraduate tuition is USD 43,000 per year, while master’s per-credit rates range from USD 500 for Educational Leadership to USD 1,000 for the PhD in Practical Theology. Total programme cost varies by credit load, so the tables below use officially published per-credit rates times the standard credit total for each degree.

Palm Beach Atlantic University PG Fees for Indian Students 2027

PG programmes are billed per credit; most master’s degrees run 30 to 42 credits over 18 to 24 months. The Doctor of Pharmacy is a four-year professional programme billed per semester.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MBA (36 credits)32,94031.13 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MBA Analytics (36 credits)32,94031.13 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
Master of Accountancy (30 credits)26,85025.37 lakhBachelor’s in accounting or related, 60% (recommended)
MSN Nursing (36 credits)30,60028.92 lakhBSN with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)
MS Computer Science (36 credits)25,20023.81 lakhBachelor’s in CS or related, 60% (recommended)
MA Counseling (60 credits)45,00042.53 lakhBachelor’s with 55%, prior psychology preferred (recommended)
MEd Educational Leadership (36 credits)18,00017.01 lakhBachelor’s with 55%, teaching background (recommended)
Master of Divinity (78 credits)48,75046.07 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
DNP (36 credits)30,60028.92 lakhMSN with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended)
Doctor of Pharmacy (4 years)159,000150.26 lakh2 years pre-pharmacy coursework, 60% (recommended)

[Source: Palm Beach Atlantic University official tuition schedule 2026-27]

Palm Beach Atlantic University UG Fees for Indian Students 2027

Every full-time day undergraduate programme carries the same annual tuition of USD 43,000. Programme duration is four years for most majors and five to six years for the PharmD prerequisite track.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD, 4 years)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BBA Business Administration172,000162.54 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BSN Nursing172,000162.54 lakhClass 12 Science with 75% (recommended)
BA Psychology172,000162.54 lakhClass 12 with 65% (recommended)
BS Exercise Science172,000162.54 lakhClass 12 Science with 70% (recommended)
BA Communication172,000162.54 lakhClass 12 with 60% (recommended)

[Source: Palm Beach Atlantic University official tuition schedule 2026-27]

Insider note: Indian applicants cluster around the MBA, MS Computer Science, MSN Nursing, and DNP. Business and nursing pathways lead to strong Florida hiring markets, and PharmD attracts a small but consistent cohort tied to OPT extensions.

Read More: Palm Beach Atlantic University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Palm Beach Atlantic University Admission 2027

PBA admissions run on a rolling basis, and Indian applicants primarily target Fall (August) for the widest programme choice, with Spring (January) available for most master’s tracks. Below is a compact timeline; the full document checklist and step-by-step application walkthrough live in the Admissions silo.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Fall 2027 application reviewRolling, opens nowApply by 01 April 2027 for best housing and merit-aid decisions
Spring 2027 application reviewRolling, closes when class fillsEnrollment deposit deadline is typically December 2026
Credential verification (WES or ECE)Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadlineCourse-by-course evaluation required for all non-US transcripts
F-1 visa interview and I-20 processingBook within 30 days of I-20 issueRequires USD 300 enrollment deposit before I-20 is released
Fall 2027 programme startAugust 2027New international orientation runs the week prior

Planning note: PBA typically issues decisions within two to four weeks of a complete file, so Indian applicants who submit WES-evaluated transcripts alongside test scores can secure an I-20 well before the visa peak.

Read More: Palm Beach Atlantic University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Palm Beach Atlantic University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Indian applicants meet the university’s baseline requirements when they combine an accredited Indian degree with an approved English test and NACES-member credential evaluation.

Postgraduate applicants:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); nursing and pharmacy tracks look for 60% and course-relevant prerequisites
  • English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo English Test 105, submitted directly to PBA
  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation from a NACES-member service such as WES or ECE
  • Programme-specific extras: GRE or GMAT are not required for the MBA, MS Computer Science, or Master of Accountancy

Undergraduate applicants:

  • Class 12 board certificate with 65% to 85% (recommended), benchmark tuned to the target major
  • English proficiency test score at the same minimums; SAT or ACT is optional under the 2026-27 test-optional policy
  • WES or ECE evaluation of Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets

Key insight: Indian applicants can request an English test waiver if they completed the last three years of instruction fully in English, with an official letter from the school on institutional letterhead attached to the application.


Palm Beach Atlantic University Acceptance Rate 2027

PBA has an acceptance rate of 82% (estimated) based on the most recent US News Best Colleges profile, placing it among the more accessible private universities in Florida. The published rate applies to first-year undergraduates; graduate admit rates vary by programme and are generally competitive rather than open.

The acceptance rate reflects PBA’s mission-driven admissions model, which considers academic record, essay, and fit rather than a single cutoff. Indian applicants with above-average grades and a clear programme match convert well.

Reality check: A high acceptance rate does not mean a low bar for Indian applicants. Merit-aid decisions are competitive, so a 3.5 CGPA equivalent plus a strong English score is the practical minimum for meaningful scholarship stacking.

Read More: Palm Beach Atlantic University Acceptance Rate


Palm Beach Atlantic University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

The published direct cost of attendance for Indian undergraduates living on campus is USD 60,300 per year (INR 56.98 lakh), comprising tuition, fees, room, and meals. Graduate cost varies with credit load, and most master’s students living off campus can plan for a total annual outlay of USD 40,000 to USD 55,000 including living expenses.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate tuition is a flat annual figure; graduate tuition scales with credits enrolled per semester.

Programme LevelAnnual Fee Range (USD)Annual Fee Range (INR lakh)
Full-time day undergraduate43,00040.63 lakh
Graduate master’s (typical 18 credits/year)9,000 to 16,4708.51 to 15.56 lakh
Doctor of Pharmacy (per year, P1 to P3)39,75037.56 lakh

[Source: Palm Beach Atlantic University 2026-27 fee schedule]

Monthly Cost of Living in West Palm Beach for Indian Students

West Palm Beach is a mid-tier Florida city, cheaper than Miami but pricier than Orlando. On-campus housing keeps monthly outgo predictable; off-campus rents in central West Palm Beach have climbed sharply since 2024.

ExpenseMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR lakh)
Accommodation (on-campus room)6830.65 lakh
Meals (on-campus dining plan)6290.59 lakh
Transportation120 (estimated)0.11 lakh
Books and supplies100 (estimated)0.09 lakh
Personal expenses250 (estimated)0.24 lakh
Total monthly (on-campus)1,7821.68 lakh
Total annual (on-campus)17,32016.37 lakh

[Source: Palm Beach Atlantic University published cost of attendance 2026-27]

Insider note: Indian students who move off campus after year one commonly split two-bed apartments near Okeechobee Boulevard, bringing rent to about USD 900 per person, though initial security deposits often equal two months of rent.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Palm Beach Atlantic University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

PBA occupies a compact urban campus in downtown West Palm Beach, three blocks from the Intracoastal Waterway and a short walk from the Brightline train station to Miami and Orlando.

  • Location and transit: Downtown West Palm Beach, walkable to shops and beach; Palm Beach International Airport is a 15-minute drive
  • Housing: More than 1,100 students live on campus; guaranteed housing is available to full-time international undergraduates on request
  • Signature facility: The 86,000-square-foot Warren Library, the Rinker Athletic Complex, and the Vera Lea Rinker Music Building
  • Indian community: Small but growing cohort within the 50-country international body; the International Student Services office runs orientation and a peer-mentor programme

What Indian students say: Class sizes stay small, so professors know names by week two. The faith-informed campus culture is welcoming rather than compulsory for non-Christian students, though the required chapel attendance for undergraduates does surprise some new arrivals.


Palm Beach Atlantic University Scholarships 2027

PBA runs at least eight named institutional scholarships, most of which are open to international applicants who meet the academic and standardised-test thresholds; there is no scholarship reserved exclusively for Indian nationals.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Farish Scholars ProgramFull-ride meritFull tuition, fees, room and board (up to USD 60,300 / INR 56.98 lakh per year)Minimum 3.5 GPA plus 1,330 SAT or 29 ACT, interview requiredRolling; interview cycle typically closes February 2027
Honors ScholarshipMeritUSD 2,500 / INR 2.36 lakh per yearWeighted 3.5 GPA plus 1,270 SAT or 26 ACTRolling
Phi Theta Kappa ScholarshipTransfer meritUSD 2,000 / INR 1.89 lakh per yearFull-time transfer, PTK Honor Society memberRolling
Bebe Warren ScholarsProgramme meritUSD 2,500 year one, USD 5,000 years 2 to 4 (INR 16.54 lakh total)Elementary Education majors meeting academic standardsRolling
Ferrin Endowed ScholarshipDepartmentalUSD 2,000 / INR 1.89 lakh per yearFreshmen in English, History, Politics, Pre-Law, or PhilosophyRolling

[Source: Palm Beach Atlantic University official scholarships page]

Planning note: The Farish Scholars interview is the single largest funding lever for Indian applicants. Only applicants with completed files by the December 2026 priority window are typically invited to interview for the following Fall.

Read More: Palm Beach Atlantic University Scholarships Guide


Palm Beach Atlantic University Rankings 2027

PBA is recognised primarily through the US News Best Colleges franchise, where it holds a National Universities rank of #384 in the 2026 edition and a Social Mobility rank of #308. It is not featured in the global research-focused tables published by QS, THE, or ARWU, which is typical for smaller private US universities with an undergraduate-first mission.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News National Universities2026: #3842025: NA2024: NA
US News Top Performers on Social Mobility2026: #308NANA
QS World University RankingsNot ranked in QS 2027NANA
THE World University RankingsNot ranked in THE 2026NANA
ARWU Shanghai RankingNot ranked in ARWU 2025NANA

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]

Key insight: The absence of a QS or THE rank does not affect F-1 visa eligibility, but some Indian employers and PSU banks anchor loan approvals to global-table listings, so applicants relying on collateral-free education loans should confirm with the lender in advance.

Read More: Palm Beach Atlantic University Rankings Analysis


Palm Beach Atlantic University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

PBA’s Workship-embedded career model connects undergraduates to Palm Beach County employers, with alumni concentrated in nursing, education, business, and pharmacy roles across South Florida.

  • Employment/further-study rate: 92% within six months of graduation (last officially disclosed cohort)
  • Median starting salary (undergraduate): USD 47,000 / INR 44.42 lakh (market median for the region, not disclosed by PBA)
  • Median post-MBA salary: USD 68,000 / INR 64.26 lakh (market median for Florida MBAs, not disclosed by PBA)
  • Employer sectors: Healthcare systems, community banks, K-12 school districts, faith-based non-profits, hospitality groups
  • Career support: Rinker School of Business career studio, on-campus recruiting fairs each Fall, and OPT workshops through International Student Services

Insider note: STEM-eligible Indian graduates from MS Computer Science, MSN, or PharmD access 24-month STEM OPT extensions, but non-STEM MBA graduates are limited to 12 months, so H-1B timing matters.

Palm Beach Atlantic University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below compares PBA with mid-sized private Florida universities and one lower-cost public alternative that Indian applicants routinely shortlist together.

UniversityUS News National Rank 2026Avg Annual PG Fee (USD)Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh)Differentiator
Palm Beach Atlantic University#38415,00014.18 lakhSmall-cohort teaching, faith-informed campus, downtown Florida location
Stetson University#21232,000 (estimated)30.24 lakhStronger national brand and law-school pipeline
University of South Florida#8917,000 (estimated)16.07 lakhLarge R1 research base, wider STEM programme catalogue
Rollins CollegeRegional #3 South34,000 (estimated)32.13 lakhWinter Park liberal arts focus, higher post-graduation salary median

PBA stands out for its low sticker-to-net-cost ratio: 76% of enrolled students receive institutional aid averaging USD 23,657 per year, which effectively brings the tuition band closer to public-university territory. Combined with rolling admissions, this makes PBA a strong fallback for Indian applicants who miss earlier private-university deadlines.

Palm Beach Atlantic University fits Indian applicants seeking a low-friction, mid-cost US undergraduate or master’s route with a compact walkable campus and a total four-year direct outlay of USD 241,200 against a median starting salary near USD 47,000; the Florida STEM OPT pathway and F-1 visa continuity give the maths a workable ROI curve.

PBA is not the right pick for applicants who need a globally ranked research brand for future PhD or H-1B leverage; those students should shortlist a Group of Six US research university or, within Florida, compare directly with University of South Florida, which carries a lower fee band and R1 research status.


Palm Beach Atlantic University FAQs

Ques. What is the application fee at Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Ans. PBA charges no application fee for the standard first-year, transfer, or graduate application submitted through the university portal or the Common Application. International students still pay a USD 300 enrollment deposit only after admission, which is applied toward first-semester tuition and unlocks the I-20 issuance for the F-1 visa interview.

Ques. Does PBA waive the GRE or GMAT for its graduate programmes?

Ans. Palm Beach Atlantic University does not require the GRE or GMAT for its MBA, MS Computer Science, Master of Accountancy, or MEd Educational Leadership programmes. Indian applicants are evaluated on undergraduate academic record, resume, and English test scores, so investing in additional exams beyond TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo is not needed for these tracks.

Ques. How can Indian applicants get an English test waiver at PBA?

Ans. Indian applicants can request an English proficiency waiver if their last three years of secondary or undergraduate instruction were fully delivered in English, evidenced by an official medium-of-instruction letter on institutional letterhead. Applicants from ICSE, CBSE, or IB streams with English as the medium usually clear this bar, though the final decision sits with the admissions office.

Ques. What financial proof is needed for an F-1 visa at PBA?

Ans. Indian applicants must show liquid funds covering at least the first year’s cost of attendance, roughly USD 60,300 or INR 56.98 lakh, in bank statements or sanctioned education loan letters dated within 90 days of visa filing. Sponsors other than parents require a notarised affidavit of support, and gift funds are typically not accepted without a supporting relationship letter.

Ques. Can international students work on campus at Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Ans. F-1 students at PBA can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours during official breaks, subject to job availability through the student employment portal. Off-campus work under CPT requires prior faculty approval tied to a specific programme requirement, and OPT is available only after completing one full academic year of enrollment.

Ques. How does PBA handle transfer credits from Indian colleges?

Ans. Palm Beach Atlantic University accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree, provided the sending institution is regionally accredited or its coursework is evaluated by WES or ECE as US-equivalent. Indian applicants transferring from a UGC-recognised university typically receive full credit for core courses at grade C or higher, but professional courses in nursing or pharmacy face stricter articulation review.

Ques. Is chapel attendance mandatory at Palm Beach Atlantic University?

Ans. Full-time day undergraduate students at PBA are required to attend chapel a set number of times each semester as part of the university’s faith-informed mission, regardless of personal religious background. Graduate, online, and evening students are exempt from this requirement, and non-Christian Indian students typically report a welcoming rather than restrictive environment.

Ques. Are Palm Beach Atlantic University degrees eligible for STEM OPT extension?

Ans. PBA’s MS Computer Science, Doctor of Pharmacy, MSN Nursing, and select Exercise Science tracks fall under DHS-designated STEM CIP codes, making Indian graduates eligible for the 24-month OPT extension on top of the standard 12-month period. MBA, counseling, and ministry degrees are not STEM-classified, so those graduates receive the standard 12-month OPT window only.

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2 years
On Campus
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Exam Scores: GMAT500|IELTS6.5|TOEFL79
USD 21,600 /Yr

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4 years
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Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL79
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4 years
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4 years
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Palm Beach Atlantic University Ranking

2024

US News logo

Overall 382 out of 435 in Global Ranking

#79 out of 413 in USA 2024

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Palm Beach Atlantic University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Claes Isacson ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeNeed-Based
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Palm Beach Atlantic University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Palm Beach Atlantic University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-79--
IELTS-6.5--
Undergraduate
SAT1090980120068
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing555500610-
Mathematics535480590-
ACT23202658
Check Detailed Score
English232026-
Mathematics221825-

Attendance Cost

$39,400

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$39,400 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$21,600 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,030 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$9,660 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$5,154 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$8,776 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$5,678 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$5,678 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$5,678 / Year

Palm Beach Atlantic University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Pharmacy Programs
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
2795277322-

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