Keiser University (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota: credit, loan, private schools)

[Xavier500]

Does anyone know anything about Keiser University? I am a 23 year old female from Minnesota, graduating in May with my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. I was hoping to go to graduate school for physical therapy (DPT) but my grades are a little lower than what would be considered competitive...so I'm considering becoming a physical therapy assistant (PTA) instead. I am very interested in moving to the Fort Lauderdale area (I was hoping to go to Nova for PT) but now I'm considering Keiser University for PTA. Any thoughts/recommendations? Or any other PTA schools in the South Florida area that would be of help? Thanks much!

[StilltheSame]

Dont even consider a scam like Keiser - stick to the established recognized accredited universities.

[Xavier500]

Really, why not? I was seriously considering it before you suggested not to. What about Miami-Dade College, Daytona State College, or Indian State River College in Fort Pierce? Those are some of my other options.

[fauve]

I would also check out Broward College (formerly Broward Community College, but now since they have 4 year programs, the community portion of their name has been removed).

I believe that all 3 you list in your last post are also community colleges. You will spend a LOT less money, and certainly I know in the case of Broward College and Miami-Dade, are more reputable - down here anyway. I would suspect that to be the case with the other 2 you mention as well.

[Xavier500]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm really looking to get out of Minnesota, and South Florida seems wonderful to me! The only thing is that out of state tuition might me a factor/hinderance...but it may be worth it to move down there - at least for a couple of years. I'd prefer Fort Lauderdale/north of Miami over actual Miami...but I don't have too many options at this point (I think).

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by StilltheSame

Dont even consider a scam like Keiser - stick to the established recognized accredited universities.

Keiser is accredited.

[fauve]

Originally Posted by Xavier500

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm really looking to get out of Minnesota, and South Florida seems wonderful to me! The only thing is that out of state tuition might me a factor/hinderance...but it may be worth it to move down there - at least for a couple of years. I'd prefer Fort Lauderdale/north of Miami over actual Miami...but I don't have too many options at this point (I think).

This is the estimated cost of attendance for Broward College (it shows in-state and out of state - the other CCs should run approx the same):

Student Cost Estimates 2009-2010

Remember to just compare apples and apples with Keiser - tuition to tuition rather than the total figure. I was unable to find the Cost of Attendance figures on Keiser's site, just loan information (itself a bad sign), but I did find this information on another site (Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale Information, Academics, Admissions, Financial Aid, Students, Alumni, History, Campus, Students, Faculty, Address, and Tuition) that states it's rated 2149th in the nation for total COA...


Student Tuition Costs and Fees
What are the typical tuition costs and fees for attending Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale?

Ranks 2149th for total cost of attendance


FT Undergraduate Tuition $12,456
FT Undergraduate Required Fees $800
PT Undergraduate per Credit Hour $519
FT Graduate Tuition $13,272
FT Graduate Required Fees $1,200
PT Graduate per Credit Hour $553
Total Cost of Attendance — On-Campus $14,656
Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus w/out Family $24,552
Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus with Family $17,272

[fauve]

I also found this. Though his story is debatable of whether he was actually ripped off or just didnt read the fine print, I found the comments on his report by former staff members interesting and confirm my general impression of the school: Ripoff Report: Keiser University $14,000 for ONE CLASS!? No withdrawal allowed! Is it legal? Sarasota Florida

[StilltheSame]

I didnt realize Keiser was accredited - but truly it doesnt matter.

OP - If I had an applicant from Keiser - I would discount it as among the worst forms of a diploma mill/scam - accredited or not.

Here are my thoughts on Florida Schools -
1st tier: UF, UM, FSU,
2nd tier: UCF, USF, UNF, FAMU, Stetson,
(there are a number of other smaller private schools)
in South Florida: FIU, FAU, Miami Dade, BCC, PBCC

I really wouldnt consider many others if I were looking.

[fauve]

Originally Posted by StilltheSame

Here are my thoughts on Florida Schools -
1st tier: UF, UM, FSU,
2nd tier: UCF, USF, UNF, FAMU, Stetson,
(there are a number of other smaller private schools)
in South Florida: FIU, FAU, Miami Dade, BCC, PBCC

ditto