Southeastern University Review: My Two-Day Campus Visit
- mrsorrispsea
- Nov 13
- 6 min read
A Behind-the-Scenes Look for Families Exploring SEU
When you've guided students through the college process for over two decades, you learn to read campuses the way some folks read menus. Southeastern University (SEU) in Lakeland gave me warm, mission-driven energy, a very Florida-friendly breeze, and yes — a Chick-fil-A!
I spent two days on campus for their Counselor Drive-In/Fly-In, and I'm bringing back everything families need to know — the polished, the practical, and the "wait, nobody ever tells parents this part" details.
If your student is considering a Christian institution with strong academics, spiritual formation, and hands-on career preparation, SEU deserves a serious look. Here's the full rundown — in real English, not admissions-office language.
First, the Basics: Accreditation & Quality Standards
Before we dive into campus life, let's talk credentials — because this matters more than most families realize.
SEU is a regionally accredited university, which is the highest and most widely accepted level of accreditation in the U.S. They're also part of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF/PCUF) — a consortium of private, nonprofit colleges in Florida.
Why families should care:
Regionally accredited credits transfer more easily
Graduate schools care deeply about this
Professional licensure programs (teaching, nursing, therapy, etc.) require it
Employers recognize degrees from accredited institutions as legitimate
PCUF membership means strong professional and academic standards
Consistent levels of student support and accountability
Think of PCUF membership as a quality assurance signal for private colleges in Florida.
If you take nothing else from this blog: Always, always verify that every college — especially private colleges — is fully accredited.
Many SEU Degree Programs Are Offered at Partner Sites (PS)
Okay, friends — This is something important to know ahead of time, to help avoid any last-minute surprises down the line. Not every SEU degree is offered on the Lakeland main campus.
SEU has over 200 Partner Sites (PS) — churches, ministries, and partnering institutions across the U.S. and globally where certain SEU programs are delivered.
Students searching programs online will see this designation under: www.seu.edu/programs
Before your student applies, these questions will provide your family with a clear picture of what the Partner Site experience is really like, so you can make the best decision for your scholar.
Is this major offered on the Lakeland campus or only at a Partner Site?
Where is the Partner Site located (city/state)?
What type of institution hosts it (church, ministry campus, school, etc.)?
Who teaches the courses — SEU faculty or local instructors?
Is the program in person, online, or hybrid?
What student services are available at the Partner Site?
Are PS students considered part of the Lakeland student community?
What housing options are available at that site?
Is the student culture similar to the Lakeland campus?
Are academic requirements the same as Lakeland’s program?
Do PS students receive the same scholarships and financial aid?
Can a student transition to Lakeland later, and will credits transfer smoothly?
Can admissions share examples of daily life at the Partner Site (schedule, photos, student experiences)?
And the big one:
If your scholar wants a traditional, on-campus residential college experience, confirm the major is actually offered at the Lakeland campus.
I always want my families to feel informed and empowered, so you have everything you need before taking the next steps.
Faith Life: Chapel Is Required
SEU is a Christian institution. Chapel is not optional; it's a required component of student life.
Students must complete a set number of chapel hours each semester
If they miss chapel hours? There is a charge per missed hour
Yup — it's structured, it's enforced, and families should know before committing
For students who genuinely want a Christ-centered environment, chapel becomes a grounding part of their week. But for students who aren't seeking a religious campus experience? This is a major decision factor.
I didn’t attend chapel while I was there, but I heard it’s a beautiful experience. Their worship team is even Dove Award–nominated and on Spotify, which speaks volumes about the heart and talent on campus. However, it's non-negotiable, so ensure your student is aligned with this before applying.
Big Picture: SEU Is Growing — Fast
The university jumped from 3,000 students in 2013 to 13,600+ by 2025, with about 2,200–2,500 students on the main Lakeland campus and thousands more across Partner Sites (PS).
This growth isn't random — it's intentional. They're building programs that meet industry trends, expanding ministry training pathways, and investing heavily in career development.
Residential Life:
2,200+ students required to live on campus
1,800 beds available
Free laundry
Weekly housekeeping (my Gen X soul whispered "must be nice")
Travel Friendly:
Tampa Airport: 45 mins
Orlando Airport: 1 hour
Lakeland Airport: 15 mins
Parents, deep breaths — your baby will be just fine.
Academics, Flexibility & Student Support
SEU is serious about making sure students grow — personally, academically, and spiritually.
Student Support Snapshot:
Free in-person + telehealth counseling
Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE): tutoring, writing help, project support
ADA accommodations + testing center
Laptop rentals in Stillman Library
A Care Closet for students struggling with food or toiletries
40+ clubs and over 300 leadership opportunities (with possible scholarships!)
Music, Tech, Health, Ministry… SEU Does It All
This campus is rolling out programs left and right — many of them tied directly to industry needs.
School of Music
Four undergrad degrees
100% job placement rate for Music Education majors
Commercial Music partnership with CMC Nashville
NEW Bachelor of Music Therapy coming Fall 2027
Business, Leadership & Communication
Strong corporate partnerships
Paid internships beginning as early as freshman year
One marketing grad recently walked into a nearly $100,000 role
Health Sciences
Programs aligned with the fastest-growing careers
Nursing remains competitive (34-student cohort)
Six of the Top 10 U.S. News fastest-growing careers are in health sciences
Technology & Trades
FU Tech + FU Trade programs
Aviation program now launched
Students can earn $25/hour through internships
Ministry Students
Deep integration with local churches
276 network campuses across the U.S. and globally
50+ mission trips every year
Athletics: Small Campus, Big Impact
NAIA at SEU is no joke.
152 All-Americans
118 Academic All-Americans
10+ teams ranked nationally
New teams: Bass Fishing, eSports, Track & Field
Mandatory study hall/ACE hours for athletes
Parents of athletes — the support system here is real. NAIA scholarships are also stackable with academic scholarships, which is a huge plus.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
SEU offers generous academic awards for freshmen and transfers.
Academic Scholarships (Freshmen):
4.25+ GPA → $17,000
3.91–4.24 → $15,000
3.57–3.90 → $13,000
3.21–3.56 → $10,000
3.20 & below → $6,000
Outside Scholarship Resources:
Bailey-family.org ($5,000 renewable)
BigFuture Pay for College
Biographical Essay Requirement (SEU-Specific)
For students applying, SEU requires a reflective essay on:
The beginning and growth of their relationship with God
How they see themselves thriving in SEU's spiritual + academic environment
Length: 400–800 words (1–2 pages, double-spaced)
If your teen has never written about their faith journey before, don't worry — I walk them through it.
And yes — zero AI used in application reviews. (You Know I Asked!)
Ready to See for Yourself?
If your student is intrigued by what they're reading here, the next step is simple: visit campus.
SEU hosts Preview Days throughout the year where families can:
Tour the Lakeland campus
Attend sample classes
Meet with admissions and financial aid
Experience chapel
Connect with current students
Get a real feel for whether SEU is the right fit
Schedule your Preview Day visit here: https://visit.seu.edu/event/850073
Students can use the code FUTUREFIRE for a free Common App waiver. 🔥
And if you need help preparing visit questions, determining whether SEU is the right fit for your student's goals, or completing their application — that's exactly what I'm here for.
Final Thoughts
SEU surprised me — in the best way. Their growth isn't just in numbers… It's in intentionality, access, and support.
If your student is looking for:
🔥 A university that blends faith and career preparation
🔥 Strong majors from ministry to nursing to business to music
🔥 A campus community that genuinely walks with students
. . . SEU should be on their list.
As always, I'm here to help your scholar figure out whether SEU is the right fit. College is personal, and the "right" school is the one where they can grow — spiritually, academically, and personally.
Want to talk through whether SEU aligns with your student's goals? Let's schedule a conversation.
Mrs. Dahlia Orris
Helping families navigate the college journey — con cariño y claridad.
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