Palm Beach Atlantic University logo

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, FL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Enlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands

1968
Founded
Private university
Type
2,427
Total Students
2,603
Undergrad
709
Graduate
$106M
Endowment
(2024)
$38K
Tuition (In-State)
$38K
Tuition (Out-State)
$33K
Avg Net Price
88%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
6-year
67%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Debra A. Schwinn

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University: A vibrant private university enriching lives since 1968.

Nestled in beautiful West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) stands as a dynamic private institution dedicated to its inspiring motto: "Enlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands." Since its founding in 1968, PBA has cultivated a unique educational environment focused on integrating faith with rigorous academics, attracting a diverse student body of 4,147.

The university's history is marked by continuous growth and a steadfast commitment to its mission. Visionary founder Jess C. Moody launched PBA, and within just four years, it celebrated its first graduating class and achieved crucial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the decades, under the leadership of a series of dedicated presidents, PBA has expanded its physical footprint with the flagship Rinker campus, a mini-campus in Wellington, and a new athletic campus, alongside significant growth in its academic and graduate program offerings.

PBA is renowned for its vibrant student experience and deep-rooted community spirit. This was powerfully demonstrated in 2021 when, under the leadership of Dr. Debra A. Schwinn – the university’s first woman president – PBA was one of the few institutions in the United States to fully operate in person during the COVID-19 pandemic. The university ensured student well-being with proactive measures like dedicated quarantine dorms, health alert nurses, meal delivery, and special virtual meetings with the president, showcasing its unwavering commitment to its students.

With an endowment of $0.1 billion, Palm Beach Atlantic University continues to evolve, providing a comprehensive and engaging educational journey that prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1968 with the guiding motto: "Enlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands."
  • A private university serving 4,147 students in West Palm Beach, Florida.
  • Achieved prestigious accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools by December 1972, just four years after its founding.
  • Significantly expanded its academic portfolio to include graduate programs and developed key facilities like the Rinker campus and a new 96-acre athletic campus.
  • Successfully operated fully in-person during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, implementing comprehensive student support, including dedicated quarantine facilities and direct engagement with the university president.
  • Currently led by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, who made history in 2020 as PBA's first woman president.
  • Manages an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its mission and future growth.

Timeline

1968
Founded by Jess C. Moody
1972
First PBA class graduated and achieved accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
1980
Under Claude H. Rhea's presidency, the Rinker campus was developed and academic programs expanded
1991
Paul R. Corts began his presidency, overseeing the addition of two graduate programs
2003
David W. Clark became president, leading significant enrollment growth and the completion of five new buildings
2009
Lu Hardin took office as the seventh president
2012
William M. B. "Bill" Fleming, Jr. was elected as PBA's eighth president
2020
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn took office as PBA's first woman president
2021
Fully operated in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing extensive student support
🏛️
58 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Debra A. Schwinn
President
Stephen Johnson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Palm Beach Atlantic University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search