PrivateUrbanFlorida Southern College
Florida Southern
Lakeland, Florida 33801-5698
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
Florida Southern College is a private institution in Lakeland with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1263, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.6K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
69% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,294 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $29,664.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Florida Southern was founded as South Florida Institute in Orlando in 1883 and moved to nearby Leesburg in 1885.
- •The institution's formal establishment occurred when it was sponsored by the United Methodist Church following the move to Leesburg in 1885.
- •The college moved to Sutherland (now Palm Harbor) in 1901 and changed its name to Southern College in 1906.
- •Due to fires in the early 1920s, it was temporarily relocated to Clearwater Beach and then finally moved to its current location in Lakeland in 1922.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine
Bradenton, FL · Suburban · Private
Barry University
Miami, FL · Suburban · Private
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL · Urban · Private
Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, FL · Urban · Private
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1263
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
46.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Programs (61)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
20
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from FL state average + city premium