Higher Education

An estimated 42 institutions offer Associate's Degrees or higher within 30 miles of downtown Fort Lauderdale, five of which offer MBA degrees.

Greater Fort Lauderdale's institutions boast state-of-industry equipment, an informed and skilled faculty, and accommodating facilities, as well as flexible scheduled classes tailored to mesh with employer demands.


Institutions of Higher Education

Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Nova Southeastern University is the nation's sixth largest independent university, with more than 26,000 students; 110,000 alumni; a sprawling, 300-acre Fort Lauderdale-Davie campus; and a presence in nine countries around the world.  Professional schools include business and entrepreneurship, computer and information sciences, education and human services, law, pharmacy, and psychology, among others.  NSU is a pioneer in the area of distance education with its first distance education programs initiated in 1972.  It was the first university in the country to offer graduate programs in an online format, creating the electronic classroom.

Kaplan University (Kaplan)

Kaplan, also headquartered in Greater Fort Lauderdale, is one of the largest for-profit providers of postsecondary education in the U.S.  Kaplan is a national leader in delivering accredited higher education online through innovative and proven technologies.  It offers certificate or degree programs, on campuses and online, in business, criminal justice, fashion design and graphic arts, health care, information technology and paralegal studies.

 Broward College

Broward College is Greater Fort Lauderdale's oldest and largest institution of higher learning, serving approximately 60,000 students annually.  Broward College has one of the most diverse student populations in the U.S. with students representing an estimated 150 nations.

FAU is a leading state research university with campus locations in Greater Fort Lauderdale and its flagship campus in nearby Boca Raton.  FAU serves 27,000 students on seven campuses and sites who represent more than 130 countries. Students choose from more than 170 degree programs and faculty researchers utilize more than 40 research centers.

Other Regional Universities

Other higher educational institutions within a 30 mile radius of downtown Fort Lauderdale include, but are not limited to:

Additional Information - Degree Programs 

In addition to offering associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs, many institutions also offer certificate or custom training programs that focus on workforce development and the needs of Greater Fort Lauderdale employers.

Broward County Public Schools has approved agreements with local colleges to provide a seamless educational system whereby students may earn credits toward degrees through completion of career and technical education programs.  This seamless education system allows students, beginning in ninth grade, to meet graduation requirements, college and university entrance requirements and technical education requirements.

For more information about specific degree programs in colleges and universities in Greater Fort Lauderdale, please click here.