Let me preface all this with a pointed statement. Lynn University staff worked very hard to help me afford their school, otherwise I would not be able to attend classes there. That said: I have zero regrets on choosing Lynn University for my undergraduate degree. Zero.
The school is an accredited secular private school of about 2200 undergraduate day students. The school's focused specialties include business, hospitality, and music; although I myself am in the biology program, and I hear the psychology professors are second to none. One of the school's points of pride is its high percentage of foreign students. In the last brochure it said the percentage of non-American students is somewhere around 25%, if I recall correctly. English is the only language in which classes are taught, but many professors are multi-lingual.
The school has a heavy focus on liberal arts, and a required undergraduate focus on literary academia rather than unfocused electives. Most majors require approximately 60 credits be taken for your specific field, also require you to take the liberal arts curriculum of around 51-60 credits. Elective credits are also part of the curriculum, but each major has its own requirement, but most are 9-15 depending on the load of the major.
Classes are small, uncrowded and usually top out at 24 students for the VERY full classes, and six for the low end. As such, the professors learn your name in a short time, and most foster academic discussion as fervently as they can; although this is not always possible given lecture format classes. Many classes are given in so-called "technology classrooms" where a projector, smart-board, and computer allow the professor to quickly disseminate information which has already been prepared, rather than waste time writing on a white-board.
The campus is relatively small, but lovely, with gardens and ponds sculpted into the landscaping between buildings and walkways. There are always grounds-keepers in attendance ensuring that the looks of the campus are unsullied, and look photograph-perfect at all times. Truly the university is a reflection of the South Florida desire for constantly groomed style and grace.
Lynn University is not a "commuter school." The vast majority of undergraduate students live on campus in the dorms, and merely walk to classes, a short few minutes away.
There are two outdoor pools, several tennis courts, three outdoor basketball courts, a baseball diamond, a soccer field, an indoor gym, and various other amenities for exercise and entertainment.
The campus in located in Boca Raton, Florida; and although all of Boca is merely suburban, the city cannot be called boring. Lynn is 3.7 miles (7 minutes) from the nearest beach, and surrounded by local culture and retail. There are too many clubs and restaurants to count, as most Yelpers are already aware, and some are worthy of regional fame. East Atlantic Avenue (only 9 miles away) in Delray Beach is not to be missed late night on the weekend.
Speaking of things which are a short drive away, the campus is about 30 miles (48km) from the West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale airports, and about 50 miles (80km) from Miami international airport. For long weekends, Key West is about 206 miles (332km) away, Disney in Orlando is 192 miles (309km), and Tampa / St. Petersburg are about 229 miles (369km) away.
This review might sound like a love-letter so far, so here's where things start to get negative. If you've read my other reviews, you know I don't pull punches.
The level of student at Lynn is around the same average it is at any other non-ivy university. This school, other than its location, small intimate classes, and eclectic student body, is not hyper academic. Lynn does not have the incredible super-focus on studies that highest ranked schools do. Rather than overhear a conversational debate on Thomas Malthus, or the efficiency of certain types of electrochemical solar cells; you're far more likely to overhear a conversation in the average range. These may vary from how tired someone is this morning, to how drunk someone was last night, or how overloaded someone is with homework from a certain class. Lynn is little different from most universities in this respect.
If you're not rich, don't expect your car to be the nicest in the lot. I sometimes park my motorcycle next to Maseratis, Bentleys and Lamborghinis. Yes, I agree; 18 year old freshmen are rarely mature enough to warrant trust with such valuable vehicles, but they are not uncommon at Lynn. Luxury, it seems, is not rare at Lynn University.
Now, these gripes are minor. Who cares if you're not rich? Most people aren't wealthy enough to spend 117,000$ on a GranCabrio Sport for their 18 year old, let alone themselves. Also, if you were truly academically endowed enough to be able to attend an Ivy league school, you probably would. read more