Admit rate has ranged 43%–74% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, is a private Christian institution with a moderately selective admissions process and a focus on theology, business, and nursing. Known for its tight-knit campus community and over 100 degree programs, SEU balances academic rigor with a vibrant student life, though its graduation rates and early-career earnings lag behind national averages.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
4,813
In-state tuition
$32,950
Out-of-state tuition
$32,950
Location
Lakeland, FL
Popular Majors
Theology, Business, Nursing
Acceptance Rate
61.7%
Financial Aid Recipients
72%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,744
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
1.5×
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
Graduation rate
43%
First-year retention
70%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
55%
Pell (lower-income) share
66%
First-generation share
35%
Endowment / student
$2,274
Financial health
2.1 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Business/Commerce, General$40,485
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$37,208
Human Services, General$37,208
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other$32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations$30,119
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
2
Per 1,000 students
0.42
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
126
Summer high
89°F
Winter low
55°F
Annual rain
58.3"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
128
Scholarly works
2,494
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.6%
Bottom → top quintile
14%
From bottom quintile
12%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Southeastern University?
Southeastern University's acceptance rate is approximately 53% (Lakeland, FL), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Southeastern University cost?
At Southeastern University, the average net price (after aid) is about $31,942 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Southeastern University?
Southeastern University enrolls approximately 4,813 undergraduate students.
Where is Southeastern University located?
Southeastern University is located in Lakeland, FL.
Admissions
Southeastern University has a 61.7% acceptance rate, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010–1210 on the SAT and 20–26 on the ACT. Applications are due by May 1 for regular decision, with early action deadlines on December 1. The university enrolled 10,351 students from a pool of 5,596 applicants in a recent cycle, suggesting a YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. rate that reflects its regional appeal.
SEU offers over 120 degree programs across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with theology, business, and nursing standing out as popular majors. The university emphasizes flexible learning options, including dual enrollment and certificates. While its academic offerings are broad, the focus remains on integrating faith with professional training, particularly in fields like ministry and healthcare.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Life at SEU revolves around its close-knit, faith-based community. Students highlight campus beauty and a strong sense of belonging, with frequent events and organizations fostering connections. Resources like Campus Services provide support, though the social scene leans heavily on university-sponsored activities rather than Greek life. Instagram reels and Facebook posts showcase a typical day filled with classes, club meetings, and casual hangouts.
SEU’s six-year graduation rate is 43%, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. Male students fare worse, with a 32% graduation rate. Early-career earnings average $31,000, notably lower than peers. The university aims to improve these metrics, targeting a 47% graduation rate in its strategic plan. Alumni often enter ministry, education, or healthcare, though ROI comparisons suggest mixed results.
After aid, the net price is $27,935, with 72% of students receiving financial aid (average package: $21,116). SEU provides a cost calculator to estimate expenses, though tuition transparency is limited. Scholarships and grants reduce sticker prices, but the university’s affordability earns a ‘C’ rating compared to similar institutions. The May 1 application deadline aligns with FAFSA timelines.
SEU carves a niche with its unapologetically Christian ethos and hands-on ministry training, appealing to students seeking faith integration. Its small-campus vibe and Lakeland location offer a quieter alternative to Florida’s mega-universities. While academic outcomes lag, the university’s strong community and flexible programs—like online and dual-degree options—make it a pragmatic choice for certain students.
Southeastern University logo · sourceSoutheastern University · sourceSoutheastern University | Central Florida Development Council · sourceRecord-Breaking Enrollment & 2025 National Rankings - Southeastern University · source
