Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College (FSC) is a private nonprofit college on the shore of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. The campus is known for its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, but students come for a much broader mix of study: the college lists more than 70 undergraduate majors and minors, professional programs, graduate degrees and online bachelor’s completion options. Florida Southern combines a residential liberal-arts setting with career preparation, internships and accelerated degree pathways. Its small-campus environment and full cost of attendance are both important parts of the decision.

Programs and ways to study

Undergraduates can choose from fields such as nursing, architecture, business, biology, marine biology, computer science, education, psychology, theatre, music and environmental studies. Pre-health and pre-law options support students preparing for further professional study, while 4+1 pathways let some students begin graduate coursework as seniors. Adult learners can complete bachelor’s degrees online in areas including accounting, business administration, communication and elementary education. Graduate and professional study includes accountancy, business, nursing, physical therapy, education, analytics, public administration and industrial-organizational psychology. Availability and prerequisites differ by program; nursing, the arts and other professional tracks may require additional selection steps, clinical work, auditions or portfolios. Use the college’s academic program directory to compare majors and check details with the department before applying.

FSC’s location is also part of its academic identity: the lakeside campus gives students access to arts, athletics and outdoor recreation, while the historic Wright buildings attract visitors and architecture enthusiasts. The architecture is a point of interest, not a substitute for checking program fit. Ask how internships, research opportunities and career advising work in your intended major, and whether any required placements take place away from Lakeland.

2026–27 cost and financial aid

For 2026–27, FSC lists annual undergraduate tuition and fees of $47,670. Its standard estimates add $15,130 for food and housing and $5,100 for personal expenses, transportation, books, supplies and loan fees, for a total estimated annual cost of $67,900 before aid. Housing type and personal expenses can change the actual budget, and laboratory fees, insurance or parking may be separate. Adult bachelor’s and graduate programs use per-credit tuition instead of the traditional undergraduate price. Use the college’s current tuition and cost page and net-price calculator to estimate your likely bill.

Florida Southern offers merit awards and need-based aid, and applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. Competitive Premier and Prestige awards include full-tuition and full-ride opportunities; the George W. Jenkins Scholarship can cover tuition, fees, housing, meals, books and more for selected students facing significant financial challenges. Transfer students can be considered for transfer awards such as Phi Theta Kappa scholarships. Florida residents may also qualify for Bright Futures or the EASE Grant, and students can complete the FAFSA for federal and need-based aid. Scholarship conditions, invitation requirements and renewal rules vary, so review the current award details and compare the full written package with your family’s budget. FSC’s scholarship information explains major awards and eligibility.

Applying and visiting

Traditional undergraduate applicants can apply directly to the college; Florida Southern also has separate pathways and counselors for transfer, adult and graduate students. Some fine-arts majors require an audition or portfolio, and transfer students should ask how previous coursework will apply to their intended degree. Campus tours run on weekdays and include a student-led walk and a conversation with Admissions. Visiting students may qualify for a renewable award if they enroll, subject to the college’s terms. The visit and admissions events page describes tour options; use the college’s undergraduate admissions page to start an application or request guidance.

Lakeland campus and contacts

The main campus is at 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801. The general telephone is 863-680-4111; undergraduate Admissions can be reached at 863-680-4131 or fscadm@flsouthern.edu. The college lists weekday office hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; individual offices and campus events may follow different schedules, so call before making a special trip. Admissions is based in the France Admissions Center on campus. FSC also offers adult and graduate study, including online options; verify the delivery format and any required in-person sessions for your program.

What students mention

Student comments often describe professors as approachable, classes as small enough for personal attention, and the campus community as welcoming. Reviews also praise the campus architecture, student connections and opportunities in clubs, internships and leadership. Concerns that appear in other comments include the cost, housing selection and maintenance, dining quality, parking and uneven career support across departments. These experiences vary by major, year and residence, and a review cannot tell you how current a particular issue is. Ask current students about the department you plan to join, compare the housing and meal options in person, and discuss internships and career advising with the relevant office. You can read student comments about Florida Southern as individual accounts rather than a guarantee of your own experience.

Florida Southern may suit students looking for a residential private college with broad academic choices, close faculty contact and a distinctive Lakeland campus. Before committing, compare the program’s requirements, the full cost after grants and scholarships, and the daily realities of housing, meals and travel. An Admissions visit and a conversation with the department you are considering can help turn that comparison into a clear decision.