Written by Arthur Keiser, Ph.D.

Founded in 1977 as a career-focused institution of higher learning, Keiser University has grown to become Florida’s largest private, independent, not-for-profit university serving approximately 20,000 students both in Florida and online. Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees, from associate to doctoral level. Designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the Department of Education, in 2023 U.S. News and World Report ranked it No. 1 in the U.S. for providing social mobility.

When the University founded its San Marcos campus in 2013, it piloted one of the most unique learning experiences in Latin America, and a tradition of excellence that continues a decade later.

San Marcos Campus Life

Keiser University’s San Marcos campus became the 17th member of the Keiser University family of campuses. San Marcos is located in the Carazo Region of Nicaragua, about 45 kilometers from the capital of Managua. The campus occupies the location of the former Antigua Escuela Normal de Señoritas de San Marcos, a women’s only teacher-training school that was renowned for educating successful and efficient elementary school teachers. Keiser University’s San Marcos campus encompasses over 740,000 square feet of historic landscape, including green areas, common spaces, and an athletic field.

As a residential campus, San Marcos includes all the amenities of a modern university, including a library and auditorium, campus dining facilities, modern computer and science laboratories, spacious dormitories, a fitness center, a conference center, and the beautiful La Purísima Chapel. The campus has a sports program designed to promote interaction and participation of the entire student body, faculty, and staff in a variety of athletic and recreational activities such as soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, Tae Kwon Do, and powerlifting.

An International Standard of Excellence

Keiser University San Marcos operates according to the American academic calendar and a unique aspect of instruction is that all courses are taught in English. Since most students come to the San Marcos campus already speaking another language, typically Spanish, the English language model allows many students to graduate fully bilingual, which is a tremendous benefit in today’s global competitive job market.

The San Marcos campus is one of the only U.S. accredited institutions of higher education granting degrees in Nicaragua. San Marcos students come from across the globe to thrive with a roster of qualified faculty from prestigious universities in the U.S. and Europe who, in addition to being student-centered, also have extensive teaching experience. Keiser University San Marcos combines traditional and innovative high-quality programs and the use of top-notch technological resources to develop employable, skilled, responsible, and accountable global citizens.

The campus is host to academic programs in many job industries that are experiencing dramatic growth in the U.S. and countries across the globe, particularly South America, Europe, and Asia. Some of these degree programs that address international labor demands include business, criminal justice, health sciences, homeland security, and information technology and engineering. In total, Keiser University San Marcos offers 10 associate degrees, 20 bachelor programs, eight master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree in both online and on-ground formats.

The San Marcos campus is also home to Keiser University’s International Language Institute, where students as young as elementary school can enroll in programs such as English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Academic English Program (AEP), and English for Professional Development (EPD). The Keiser University International Language Institute aims to be a premier Continuous Education Center for a diverse student body providing educational programs in traditional, non-traditional, and online delivery formats.

In total, Keiser University San Marcos enrolls approximately 1,000 students. As of January 2023, its largest majors include the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing, and the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.

Managua International Language Institute

In 2004, Keiser University opened the International Language Institute in Managua, Nicaragua. The Language Institute is a leading provider of cutting-edge continuing education services and programs in traditional, non-traditional, and online delivery formats to a diverse group of approximately 4,500 students. Keiser University faculty and staff work together with students every step of the way, from application to funding and even visa applications. The Institute aims to foster the advancement of human culture and the formation of well-rounded individuals in intellectual, professional, and moral virtues.

Looking Ahead

Alumni from both Nicaragua campuses have gone on to work at major corporations throughout the Americas, the United States, and across the globe, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, 3M, Cargill, and Bank of America. They have set an international standard of professional and academic success. Keiser University plans to build on that tradition and create future opportunities for students, faculty, the city of San Marcos, and the country of Nicaragua. 

About the author:

Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., co-founded Keiser University together with Evelyn Keiser in 1977, and is currently Chancellor. Keiser was originally appointed by former U. S. Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), was reappointed twice and in his third term, was elected Chairman. He served as Chairperson of both the Board of Directors of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Dr. Keiser has also served as President of the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC).