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Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture.

1935
Founded
Private university
Type
4,646
Total Students
$32K
Tuition (In-State)
$32K
Tuition (Out-State)
$30K
Avg Net Price
74%
Acceptance Rate
43%
Graduation Rate
6-year
72%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Kent J. Ingle

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

About Southeastern University

Southeastern University: Dynamic faith-based education with expansive growth and global reach.

Southeastern University, a private institution founded in 1935, embodies its motto, "Transforming Minds. Engaging Culture.," through its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development. Originally established as a Bible institute, SEU has evolved significantly, expanding its offerings and reach to become a thriving university known for its rapid growth and comprehensive educational opportunities. With a vibrant campus in Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern provides a holistic environment where students can pursue their passions within a faith-centered community.

From its humble beginnings in New Brockton, Alabama, Southeastern University underwent several transformations and relocations before finding its permanent home in Lakeland, Florida, in 1946. What started as a two-year institute matured into a four-year Bible college in 1956, and later gained regional accreditation in 1986. The pivotal year of 2005 marked its official transition to Southeastern University, signaling the launch of master's programs and the formation of distinct colleges, paving the way for the robust academic institution it is today.

Southeastern University is celebrated for its impressive academic breadth, offering 55 bachelor's, 16 master's, and two doctoral degrees across a wide array of fields, including arts and sciences, business, Christian ministries, education, behavioral and social sciences, and natural and health sciences. The university has experienced phenomenal growth, expanding from 2,500 students in 2012 to 10,000 students currently, a testament to its compelling programs and student-focused approach. This expansion is further amplified by 80 extension sites across 29 states, making quality education accessible nationwide.

Student life at Southeastern is enriched by continuous campus development and a thriving athletic program. Recent years have seen the addition of a nursing program, a college football team, and state-of-the-art facilities like the Natural and Health Sciences building, new athletic complexes, and the innovative Buena Vida Live/Learn Facility, which integrates classrooms, faculty offices, housing, and dining. These investments ensure that prospective students and their families will find a dynamic and supportive environment ready to foster their academic, personal, and spiritual growth.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1935 as a private university with an Assemblies of God affiliation.
  • Remarkable student body growth to 10,000 students, with a 78% increase from 2011 to 2015.
  • Offers a diverse academic portfolio including 55 bachelor's, 16 master's, and two doctoral degree programs.
  • Features 80 extension sites across 29 states, significantly expanding access to its programs nationwide.
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1986.
  • Significant campus expansion post-2011, including new Natural and Health Sciences building, Buena Vida Live/Learn Facility, and state-of-the-art athletic facilities.

Timeline

1935
Founded in New Brockton, Alabama, as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute.
1936
Renamed the South-Eastern Bible Institute (SEBI).
1946
School's board of directors voted to secure a permanent location in Lakeland, Florida.
1956
Became South-Eastern Bible College and began offering four-year bachelor's degree programs.
1977
Renamed Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God.
1986
Granted regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
2005
Officially became Southeastern University and launched its first master's degree programs.
2011
Undertook several initiatives leading to rapid growth, nearly doubling student enrollment by 2015.
2014
Began its first doctoral program (EdD) and launched a college football team with new athletic facilities.
2016
Completed the 125,000 square-foot Live/Learn Facility, Buena Vida, enhancing student housing and academic spaces.
🏛️
91 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Southeastern University

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

💼

College of Business

🏫

College of Christian Ministries and Religion

📚

College of Education

🔬

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

🔬

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Leadership

President
Meghan L. Griffin
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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