Florida Southern College, founded in 1883, holds the distinction of being the oldest private college in Central Florida. Nestled on the shores of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, the campus spans 130 acres of rolling lawns, oak trees, and sparkling lakes. Recognized for having the world’s largest single site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the college blends historic charm with modern facilities, creating an inspiring environment that’s just a 35 minute drive from Tampa and a 90 minute drive from Orlando.

At Florida Southern, you’ll find more than 70 undergraduate majors and concentrations, ranging from Business Administration and Biomedical Sciences to Digital Media and Environmental Science. With an average class size of just 16 students and a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, professors know you by name and tailor instruction to your goals. Honors and accelerated programs allow high achieving students to engage in advanced seminars, independent research, and study abroad experiences. Whether you’re designing a customized interdisciplinary track or pursuing a professional degree, hands on learning is at the heart of the curriculum: undergraduates routinely collaborate with faculty on original research, complete internships at leading companies in Tampa and Orlando, or participate in community based projects that benefit local schools and nonprofits.

Campus life at Florida Southern is vibrant and welcoming. More than 80 student organizations, from the Student Government Association to the Environmental Action Committee, invite you to explore your interests and develop leadership skills. Greek life is active, with fraternities and sororities that emphasize service and scholarship. As a Division II athletics school competing in the Sunshine State Conference, Florida Southern fields 12 intercollegiate teams; whether you’re cheering for the Moccasins on the basketball court or joining an intramural soccer league, there’s pride and excitement every season. Unique programs such as the Peace & Global Citizenship initiative encourage students to engage in civic dialogue and service learning, while campus media outlets like Moc Media Network give aspiring journalists real world experience.

Living in Lakeland offers both small town warmth and big city opportunity. Florida Southern’s central location provides easy access to beaches on the Gulf Coast and attractions in Orlando, from theme parks to cultural festivals. The campus itself features lakeside walking trails, a boathouse for kayaking on Lake Hollingsworth, and art galleries showcasing student and faculty work. Alumni go on to graduate top programs or launch careers in fields ranging from health care and finance to the arts and education; many credit Florida Southern’s emphasis on ethical leadership and personal growth for their success. With its historic architecture, strong academic programs, and a close-knit community, Florida Southern College is the ideal place to develop your passions and prepare for a purposeful future.