Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, Florida, United States · Est. 1968 · Private University

Christ-centered university in oceanside West Palm Beach offering 100+ programs across nine schools.

  • Founded 1968 as Palm Beach Atlantic College; became university in 2002
  • Private nondenominational Christian institution with 4,147 students (2,603 undergrad)
  • Located downtown West Palm Beach, Florida, one mile from Atlantic Ocean
  • Nine schools offering liberal arts and professional studies; 100+ degree programs
  • NCAA Division II athletics (Sailfish); 18 varsity sports in Sunshine State Conference
  • Record-breaking enrollment growth; ranked 3rd nationally for application growth vs. pre-COVID

Academics

PBA offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs through nine schools: Rinker School of Business, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Education and Behavioral Studies, Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership, School of Ministry, College of the Arts, School of Nursing, and Gregory School of Pharmacy. The university emphasizes faith-integrated liberal arts education with hands-on learning, internships, and experiential opportunities. Seven centers of excellence complement academic programs, including the Center for Financial Literacy, Center for Global Leadership, and Gregory Center for Medical Missions. Education graduates achieve a 100% pass rate on Florida's certification exam.

Campus & Student Life

The main campus is located in downtown West Palm Beach, one mile from the Atlantic Ocean, featuring residence halls (Baxter, Coastal Towers, Johnson, Oceanview, Pembroke, Rinker, Watson, Weyenberg), classroom buildings, and the DeSantis Family Chapel. A 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus opened in 2014 (completed 2017) provides state-of-the-art training and competition facilities. Chapel is required for full-time undergraduates (24 per year). The Workship community service program has logged 4 million hours since 1968, partnering with over 200 organizations. Mission trips and service projects are offered year-round.

Admissions

PBA accepts freshman, transfer, international, and graduate students. The university enrolls students from more than 80 countries. Undergraduate admissions pathways include regular admission for high school graduates and transfer admission. Graduate and professional programs offer evening and online options. Dual enrollment is available for high school juniors and seniors. The admissions process emphasizes fit with PBA's Christ-centered community and mission.

Outcomes & Community Impact

PBA graduates pursue careers in education, healthcare, business, ministry, and nonprofit leadership. The university contributed $435.6 million in economic impact to Palm Beach County in 2023–2024. Notable alumni include Broadway actress Ruthie Ann Miles (2015 Tony Award winner), U.S. Representative Brian Mast, and Florida Senate member Lizbeth Benacquisto. The university emphasizes career preparation through internships, research opportunities, and experiential learning aligned with student calling and purpose.

Founded
1968
Type
Private University
Courses
10
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationNondenominational Christian
Websitehttps://www.pba.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
10
Avg career outcomes
$49.2K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources