This fall, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) reached its fifth consecutive academic year of record-breaking enrollment, marking a 22.5% increase in overall student enrollment in the last five years.
Many higher education institutions are still facing enrollment challenges. In fact, a 2024 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia shows that an average of 60 colleges close per year. But PBA is thriving. This rise in student enrollment reflects increased demand for PBA’s Christ-centered education with an emphasis on free enterprise. Located in South Florida—a region that itself has experienced rapid growth in recent years, the Palm Beaches offer an array of career opportunities in international business, health care, tech, and more.
“Our growth reflects a growing desire for a Christ-first education, and we are grateful to our faculty, staff, and supporters for their unwavering support of our mission,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA president. “As we grow, we remain committed to preparing students to address the challenges of their day with godly character and a servant’s heart—in their workplaces, churches, families, and communities.”
A total of 1,026 traditional undergraduate first-year and transfer students enrolled at PBA this fall, bringing the University’s total overall enrollment to 4,518—up from 5.8% last year. PBA’s student body includes students from all 50 states and 88 countries. And even amid the growth, PBA continues to hold a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, enabling students to learn from distinguished experts and collaborate with their peers in a supportive environment.
To accommodate the University’s steady growth and improve the student experience, PBA launched its God-Sized Dreams campaign in 2022, raising more than $126 million to date. Through the strategic campaign, PBA will further respond to market changes, expand academic programs, and build innovative spaces.
The first project under the campaign, the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, opened to the public in spring 2026. The second project—a 25-story residence hall that features modern apartment-style living, spacious dining areas, fitness amenities, multiple gathering spaces, and an adjacent parking garage—is scheduled for completion in fall 2027. Its construction will enable the University to house more students on campus and support the University’s incremental growth.
To learn more about Palm Beach Atlantic University, visit pba.edu.
PBA Fast Facts
- A total of 1,026 first-year and transfer undergraduates joined this fall, bringing PBA’s overall enrollment to 4,518
- PBA offers over 100 different programs and pathways, complemented by its commitment to research & innovation and specialized credentials, one of which—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—places PBA in the top 6% of global business schools
- Top undergraduate programs include nursing, biology, psychology, exercise science, marketing, elementary education, finance, pre-law, and communication
