Institutional Profile
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services for its approximately 5,700 students. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees (Supervision and Management, Nursing, and Elementary Education) that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. Working in partnership with organizations and businesses, the College provides leadership and a comprehensive range of opportunities for advancement. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System and is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. South Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and associate degrees. SFSC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with approximately a 40% Hispanic student population.
Aspen Prize Top 25
South Florida State College was selected in 2022 among the 25 semifinalists for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that are improving and achieving equitable outcomes for students. Awarded every two years, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding performance in five critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
Campuses and Other Sites
SFSC educates and serves students and the community at its four beautiful locations in Arcadia, Avon Park, Bowling Green, and Lake Placid, Florida. With over 70 academic programs that include healthcare, public safety, business, and workforce training, the College offers a variety of pathway options that offer students the education and training they need for high-paying positions within the region. The Dental Hygiene, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Cosmetology programs reflect a 100% first-time pass rate for state licensure. Other programs that have pass rates over 80% are Registered Nurse (RN), Law Enforcement, and Corrections. Additional non-credit programs that prepare the community for professional work include adult literacy, GED prep, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and corporate training. Students have the option to add undergraduate research to their schedule to begin scientific or cultural research and continue at SFSC in one of the three baccalaureate degree programs or transfer to a four-year college or university. Most recently, SFSC received a $2.8 million grant toward the development of Critical Workforce Academies within the school districts that the College serves and $618,000 in state funding to expand its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Welding programs.
SFSC Foundation, Inc.
The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation strengthens the connection between the College and the community by cultivating and stewarding philanthropic support. The Foundation encourages, solicits, and manages financial and in-kind contributions to advance the mission and priorities of South Florida State College. Funds received are directed to initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. This includes scholarships and program and facility enhancements. Through responsible stewardship and community partnership, the Foundation helps expand access to education and sustain the College’s impact across the region.
Athletics
The student-athletes for SFSC’s four athletic teams reside in the dormitory section of the Hotel Jacaranda. Women’s cross country, volleyball, softball, and men’s baseball all participate in NJCAA Division II. All regular season matches and games are free to attend for the community. Students can also join intramural sports teams and social clubs through multifaceted and lively student life activities.
SFSC is proud to be tobacco-free.
