Overview of Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College (FSC) is a private liberal arts college located in Lakeland, Florida. Established in 1883, FSC is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is known for its picturesque campus, distinctive architecture, and commitment to providing a well-rounded education. The college has a rich history, a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and a vibrant campus community.
Historical Background: Florida Southern College was founded by the United Methodist Church with the goal of providing education to students in Florida. The college has the distinction of being the oldest private comprehensive college in the state. It has gone through several name changes and relocations before settling in its current location in Lakeland.
Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture: One of the most distinctive features of Florida Southern College is its architecture, designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. FSC is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. The “Child of the Sun” collection includes iconic buildings such as the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Roux Library, the Esplanade, and the Usonian House. The campus’s architectural design reflects Wright’s organic architecture principles and provides a unique and inspiring environment for students.
Academic Programs and Colleges: Florida Southern College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various academic schools. These include the School of Arts and Sciences, the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Physical Therapy.
The School of Arts and Sciences encompasses programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and a well-rounded education.
The Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise provides programs in business administration, finance, marketing, and economics. The school emphasizes experiential learning and prepares students for success in the business world.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences focuses on programs in nursing and health-related fields. The school is dedicated to producing compassionate and competent healthcare professionals.
The School of Education offers teacher preparation programs and degrees in education. The school emphasizes innovative teaching practices and prepares educators for diverse educational settings.
The School of Physical Therapy provides a doctoral program in physical therapy, preparing students for careers in rehabilitation and healthcare.
Experiential Learning: Florida Southern College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning opportunities for students. The college encourages internships, research projects, study abroad programs, and community engagement experiences to complement classroom learning. These opportunities provide students with practical skills, real-world experience, and a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.
The Hollis Wellness Center, the business incubator in the Barney Barnett School of Business, and the Center for Student Involvement are examples of spaces that support student engagement and experiential learning.
Community Engagement and Service Learning: Community engagement and service learning are integral components of the FSC experience. The college encourages students to participate in service projects, volunteer work, and community initiatives. Through partnerships with local organizations, students have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community while developing a sense of social responsibility.
The Center for Student Involvement at FSC supports students in their community engagement efforts and fosters a culture of civic responsibility.
Student Life and Campus Culture: FSC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, leadership development, and cultural events. The college’s campus culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and a commitment to personal growth.
Athletics also play a role in campus life at FSC. The Moccasins, the university’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II sports. FSC’s athletic programs contribute to school spirit and provide student-athletes with opportunities for personal and athletic development.
Technology and Facilities: Florida Southern College places emphasis on technology and modern facilities to support student learning. The college provides state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and technology resources to enhance the educational experience. The commitment to staying current with technological advancements aligns with the evolving needs of the workforce.
Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are important aspects of FSC’s identity. The college values the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment. FSC celebrates diversity through events, programs, and initiatives that promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
Affordability and Accessibility: While a private institution, FSC is committed to providing financial aid programs, scholarships, and resources to support students in their pursuit of higher education. The college recognizes the importance of making education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Conclusion: Florida Southern College stands as a distinctive and historic institution with a commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement. The college’s unique architectural heritage, emphasis on a well-rounded education, and dedication to providing students with real-world experiences contribute to its significance in the higher education landscape. FSC’s picturesque campus, diverse academic programs, and supportive campus culture make it a notable institution for students seeking a comprehensive and enriching college experience.
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive Lakeland, FL 33801-5698
Phone: (863) 680-4131
Email: fscadm@flsouthern.edu
Web site: http://www.flsouthern.edu
Rankings: Florida Southern College
Located in Lakeland, FL, Florida Southern College is one of the best universities in the state of Florida. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Florida Southern College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Florida Southern College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 9 |
| Score: | 80 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.1 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 12 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 70.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 53.8% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 4 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 58.6% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 12:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 79.6% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 11 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 980-1180 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 25% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 53% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 67.3% |
| Financial resources rank: | 19 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 20 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 16.6% |
Essential Facts: Florida Southern College
- Florida Southern College is home to the largest single site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world and a National Historic Landmark.
- Florida Southern holds everyone on campus to the highest standards providing a foundation that ensures a strong and cohesive community.
- Florida Southern’s emphasis on keeping costs low combined with the quality of the education they provide results in a great value for the money.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 69% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 29% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 23% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 90% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 70% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook |