Southwest Florida College

With several locations in Florida, Southwest Florida College prides itself on preparing students for some of today's most sought-after technical and business fields. With courses available during the days, evenings, and weekends, you have the flexibility to design your class schedule around your job or other obligations. The college also offers online degree programs for students living remotely or unable to attend classes on-campus.

Southwest Florida College offers degree and diploma programs designed to get you out of the classroom and into the workforce. Depending on the program you choose, you might be able to obtain an associate's degree from Southwest Florida College in 18 short months. Diploma programs can often be completed in as few as 12 months and some bachelor's degree programs can be completed in just three years. Southwest Florida College offers programs in the following areas:

  • Healthcare
  • Criminal justice/legal studies
  • Digital design
  • Information technology
  • Education
  • Business
  • Interior design
  • Computer aided drafting

Southwest Florida College Beginnings

Founded in 1974, Southwest Florida College was formerly called Lehigh School of Business and Fort Myers Business Academy. The International College Foundation, a non-profit higher education management company, took over the school in 1995, and the college received its junior accreditation status two years later.

In 2005, the college received its senior college status, at which time it was able to begin offering bachelor's degrees. The school remains a private, non-profit institution and continues to grow. Recently, it opened an interior design institute.

Attending Southwest Florida College

Southwest Florida College looks at more than just your academic background. The college seeks out students who are motivated to succeed and often provides credits for life experience through a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). This assessment includes several exams that must be taken to determine if you have the necessary knowledge to obtain credit for a course you have not taken.

Life experiences that are non-work-related may also earn you academic credit toward a degree program. These experiences might include time in the military, professional training, and even hobbies. Relevant course work from other colleges can usually be transferred as well.

You may also obtain credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEPT), ACT-PEP, or Dantes. These are standardized tests that show your competency in certain areas of study. You can even potentially receive as many as 24 credit hours if you pass a Challenge Exam with a score of 70 percent or higher. These optional exams can be scheduled with the college librarian.

In order to be admitted to Southwest Florida College, you must have a high school diploma or equivalency that can be certified. You must complete an application and provide the supporting materials. International students are welcome but must provide an affidavit of financial support, proof of English language competency, and proof of INS requirements.

The Southwest Florida College Experience

Several services are provided to Southwest Florida College students, such as financial aid, career advising, and career placement. The college boasts a career placement rate of more than 90 percent for its 2008 class of graduates. If you're an alumnus of the college, you can receive career placement assistance from the student services department throughout your professional career. If you find yourself unemployed down the road or looking for a new career, Southwest Florida College can help you.

Employers submit job openings directly to Southwest Florida College, and they regularly request the resumes of students and graduates. These job openings may include paid positions as well as internship or co-op opportunities for current students.

Financial aid assistance is also provided by the student services office. A variety of scholarships and grants are available for eligible students. Transportation, health care, and child care assistance may also be arranged.

With these resources, flexible schedules, and short degree and certificate programs, Southwest Florida College aims to help you start the career you want as soon as possible.