Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College is a small (3000 students, 2600 of whom are undergrads), private, liberal arts school. On my college tours, I’ve been looking for test optional gems, and I feel like I found one in Southern. Like many schools, they are very into hands-on, engaged learning, but what’s new here is that every student is guaranteed the option to go abroad for a free or reduced rate. It’s basically built into the tuition. The average class size is 17 students with some higher level classes only having four students. The student to teacher ratio is 14:1. It is a very nurturing environment where professors really know their students and have very close relationships with them. Southern also offers 4+1 degrees where students can earn a Master’s degree by staying for one additional year. 97.8% of their students are in grad school or working in their field within six months of graduation! They said that the average amount of years for students to earn a bachelor’s degree these days is between five and six. 85% of Florida Southern students graduate in four years. Their business program has earned the AACSB award which goes to the top 5% of business schools in the country.

While Southern is test optional, the middle 50% of the incoming class had a weighted GPA of 3.8, SAT of 1140-1310, and ACT of 24-30, and they have a 61% acceptance rate. Some people get scared by the potential cost of a private school. 99% of their students receive aid, and the merit scholarships typically range from $7000 to $25,000 per year. Up to $21,000 may be automatically awarded when you apply. Florida Southern has been named a “Best Buy” College by the Fiske Guide and a Best Value School by U.S. News and World Report. Go, Mocs!