Beacon College

Beacon College is a private nonprofit undergraduate college in downtown Leesburg, Florida, built specifically for students who learn differently. Its distinction is not a single major or a support center attached to a general college: Beacon’s stated mission is to educate undergraduate students with learning differences, including learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia and other diagnosed learning profiles. Students follow a full academic program while learning specialists, advising and career preparation are woven into campus life. This focused setting can be a strong match for someone who wants structured support and a small campus; it also makes the college’s cost, admission requirements and approach to independence especially important to examine before applying.

Programs and how learning support fits

Beacon offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in areas including business management, computer information systems, design and digital media, human services, humanities, psychology and studio arts. Its bachelor’s choices also include anthrozoology, hospitality and tourism, and early childhood and elementary education. Students can add minors such as computer forensics and cybersecurity, criminal justice, game design, entrepreneurship, education and psychology. The college describes its learning specialists as academic and life mentors; its support environment includes individualized advising and academic resources. These supports are designed around students’ learning needs, but applicants should ask what is included in their program, how often they will meet with a learning specialist and how students build independence over time. See the current majors and academic catalog for degree requirements and available options.

Admission is individualized. Beacon asks applicants to document a learning profile through current evaluation materials and reviews academic preparation, motivation and readiness for college-level work. Requirements differ for first-year, transfer, homeschooled and international applicants, so have Admissions review your records before paying the application fee or arranging travel. The campus is intentionally compact and located in downtown Leesburg, where college buildings, residence halls and student services are spread across nearby streets rather than a single enclosed quadrangle. That makes it useful to walk the area during a visit and ask about daily transportation, housing and where your classes and support appointments would take place.

Tuition, housing and financial assistance

For 2026–27, tuition is $56,160 for the academic year. The listed technology and health-and-services fees add $760 for fall and spring, bringing tuition and those fees to $56,920 before housing, meals, books, travel and personal expenses. A first-year student’s shared room is listed at $10,740 for the year; a single room is $14,500. The standard meal plan is $7,190 for fall and spring, while the block plan is $5,890. Room selection and dining choices affect the final bill, and Beacon lists other possible fees such as the $50 application fee and course-specific lab costs. Use the college’s 2026–27 tuition and fee schedule to build a complete budget, then ask Financial Aid for a written estimate based on your family’s circumstances.

Completing the FAFSA automatically places students in consideration for Beacon need-based scholarships, which the college lists in a range from $1,000 to $45,000 per year. Named opportunities may have separate applications and criteria, including documented need, academic progress, declared major or a personal statement. Many published 2026–27 scholarship deadlines fell in spring 2026, so check which awards are open for your entry year rather than relying on an old deadline or assuming an award will renew. Federal and state grants may also apply to eligible students. Beacon’s scholarship and aid page explains current options; confirm how an award combines with other aid and what academic conditions keep it in place.

Applying and visiting

Beacon accepts applications on a rolling basis for fall and spring, while recommending early applications because space, housing and course registration are limited. The application process may include a recent psychoeducational evaluation, transcripts and an admissions conversation. Families can request an information meeting or campus tour to see how classes, learning support and residential life work in practice. Use the college’s application and admissions page to begin, review the current documentation checklist and request help from the admissions team.

Leesburg campus and contacts

Beacon’s downtown campus is centered at 105 East Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. The college lists Beacon Hall at 105 East Main Street, additional instructional space at 101–107 West Main Street, and the Admissions Office at 106 Palmetto Street—all in Leesburg. The main college number is 352-787-7660; Admissions can be reached at 855-220-5376 or admissions@beaconcollege.edu. Public listings show weekday opening at 8:30 a.m. and office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Call before traveling, since individual office schedules and college breaks can change.

What students and families say

Comments from students and families often value the college’s personal attention, small classes and understanding of different learning needs. Some students describe the academic experience as demanding and supportive, while others say the social scene feels quieter than they wanted or raise concerns about communication and campus life. Those accounts reflect individual experiences, not a guarantee that every student will receive the same support or feel the same way. During a visit, ask to speak with current students about advising, housing, friendships, access to accommodations and how they prepare for internships and work. Read student comments about Beacon alongside the college’s support policies and program details.

Beacon is worth a close look for students who want a bachelor’s or associate degree in a college designed around learning differences and who are ready for an academically rigorous residential experience. Compare its support model with your specific needs, verify current admissions eligibility, and assess the full annual cost after aid. A campus visit and a direct conversation with Admissions, Financial Aid and the intended academic department can help determine whether Beacon’s focused setting fits your goals.