HIGHER EDUCATION
GUIDE TO COLLEGES
LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
HIGHLIGHTS
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE
EXPANDING WITH OUR REGION CURRICULUM
Students completing a degree at LECOM will be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge specific to their respective discipline.
PROFESSIONALISM
Students completing a degree at LECOM will be able to demonstrate effective skills and attitudes that represent an understanding of professionalism and ethical practice.
OSTEOPATHIC PHILOSOPHY
Students will adopt a holistic approach to the education and practice of their respective discipline.
VALUE PROPOSITION
LECOM is nationally recognized for delivering high-quality health professions education at a competitive cost. By maintaining tuition rates lower than many comparable institutions, LECOM helps reduce the financial burden often associated with professional degrees. Graduates enter the workforce prepared to make meaningful contributions to patient care while managing educational debt responsibly and addressing critical workforce needs across Florida.
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is the nation’s largest medical college and is the only Academic Health Center in the osteopathic profession. Physicians and administrators at the Millcreek Community Hospital saw the growing demand for more physicians and opened LECOM in 1992. With the college and the hospital as the core of a highly innovative medical education system based in Erie, Pa., LECOM has strived to add to the quality of life of our neighbors by bringing total health care to the community. The College brought a new concept in medical tness and wellness to Erie, built a network of physician o ces, and is the core of the nation’s only osteopathic academic health center, LECOM Health, a highly innovative, multifaceted health care and education system. LECOM offers innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and dental medicine. From campuses in Erie and Greensburg, PA, Bradenton, FL, Jacksonville, FL, and Elmira, NY, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of health care professionals. The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners, dentists, and podiatric physicians through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity. Serving as a guiding light and cornerstone in medical education and true to the core principles of its founders, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has expanded its reach to include exceptional programs in graduate studies designed to provide scholars superlative education in the respective areas of study. The professional programs are dedicated to serve all students through innovative curriculum and the development of postdoctoral education and interprofessional experiences. LAKE ERIE
“The success of our institution will not be judged by our size or number of locations but will depend upon the accomplishments of our graduates and their appreciation of the great opportunity that has been afforded them in becoming an osteopathic physician. It will depend upon their ability to represent us well in upholding our tradition of a people-oriented practice of medicine no matter what specialty they choose or area of the country in which they practice.”
M. Ferretti, DO, LECOM President/CEO
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NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
NARRATIVE EVALUATIONS
Instead of traditional letter grades, New College uses narrative evaluations to assess student progress and achievement. Faculty provide detailed written assessments that offer personalized feedback and guidance, allowing students to focus on their own growth and development rather than a simple letter or number grade.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
Every undergraduate student is required to complete tutorials and Independent Study Projects that combine a personalized education with a passionate, independent learning. By working independently (alongside peers and faculty sponsors), students develop autonomy.
CAPSTONE HONORS THESIS
Every major requires the completion of a capstone honors thesis. These independent research projects, which often exceed 100 pages, allow students to delve deeply into their Area of Concentration and display their intellectual capabilities and analytical skills.
New College is a place for students who want more than a degree— they want a real education. It is a public liberal arts honors college where curiosity matters, ideas are challenged, and students learn how to think for themselves. With small classes, close faculty support, and a strong focus on excellence New College gives students the chance to grow into bold, smart, and capable leaders.
What makes New College stand out is its studentrst approach. Students can design their own path, build a course of study around their interests, and work with advisors to shape a more personal and meaningful college experience. This kind of learning helps students explore new ideas, take on challenges and discover strengths they’ll need to address the challenges of tomorrow.
“We are setting the standard for modern liberal arts education in America. The ancient Greek mathematician, Archimedes, believed math derived from a single point on a plane, saying ‘Give me a firm place to stand, and I will move the earth.’ New College will be that firm place.”
Richard Corcoran, President, New College of Florida
At New College, education is about freedom, responsibility, and opportunity. Students are encouraged to speak up, think deeply, and engage with big questions in a setting that values open discussion and real intellectual growth. For families and students looking for a college that o ers both high standards and a fresh way forward, New College is a powerful choice.
New College teaches students to prepare for the last job, not just the rst one. That means building the kind of skills that last: clear thinking, strong communication, creativity, adaptability, and con dence when the world changes. In a fast-moving job market, the most valuable graduates are the ones who can learn quickly, solve problems, and lead with purpose.
Whether a student becomes a scientist, artist, analyst, teacher, entrepreneur, or something not yet imagined, New College gives them the foundation to keep moving forward and succeed for the long run.
Founded in Sarasota in 1960, New College of Florida was named the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly in 2023 and is the Honors College of Florida. New College provides students with limitless, original opportunities for success through a highly individualized education that combines academic excellence, undergraduate research opportunities, and career preparation experiences.
New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences; a master’s degree program in applied data science; exceptional STEM opportunities, including a home for world-class marine biology and marine mammal studies; and intercollegiate athletics in the NAIA.
RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CREATIVE PROGRAMS
EXPANDING WITH OUR REGION
BFA programs: Computer Animation, Creative Technologies, Creative Writing, Entertainment Design, Film, Fine Arts, Game Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Motion Design, and Virtual Reality Development; BA programs: Business of Art and Design, Visual Studies. Ringling’s degree programs are top-ranked among the best in the United States and the world.
CENTER FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY
The Center for the Creative Economy is a hub for entrepreneurship, industry experience, and professional practices. The Center is a centralized home for our growing industry, entrepreneurship, and professional practices ecosystem. It provides support services that empower students to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and pursue professional skill-building opportunities.
CAREER SERVICES
Ringling College of Art and Design is internationally recognized as one of the top art and design colleges worldwide. Each year, our academic programs are consistently ranked as the best in the country and the world.
The Center for Career Services connects students with 100+ industry recruiters each year. They offer training and career preparation services, such as job search strategies, resume reviewing, interview training, portfolio building, and networking events. Career services are available to students and alumni for life.
“At Ringling College of Art and Design, we believe creativity is more than expression—it’s a pathway to purpose. Our mission is to equip students with the skills, experiences, and industry connections they need to transform their passions into meaningful, sustainable careers in an ever-evolving creative economy.”
Dr. John A. Chopka
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Ringling College of Art and Design
Since 1931, Ringling College has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both speci c to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. Our teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. Beyond our rigorous curriculum— pairing studio and liberal arts—we excel at propelling students outside of the classroom through client projects, substantive internships, and national competitions, stopping at nothing to shape our students into tomorrow’s leaders in art and design. Ringling College supports diversity in all forms. Our student body comes from 53 countries, 44 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. An active Student Life program supports multiple clubs and organizations, leadership and volunteerism opportunities, and student support services. Over 73% of our students live on our beautiful, residential campus.
Students are set up for success with access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as seven on-campus galleries. The Ringling College Museum Campus is home to the Sarasota Art Museum, and studio and lifelong learning programs. Ringling College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
MANATEE-SARASOTA
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
STUDENTS GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE in SCF’s high-tech classrooms, studios and laboratories. Opportunities such as internships, job shadowing and clinical rotations help students build real-world skills and prepare for the workforce.
SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDE academic advising, career coaching, placement test preparation and more. Additional resources are available for students with disabilities, first-generation college students, military veterans and those pursuing STEM careers.
STUDENT LIFE AT SCF enhances the college experience and supports personal and academic growth. Campuses include student unions, cafes and other gathering spaces designed for connection. Students are invited to join student clubs, organizations and events, such as environmental, gaming, literature, art and design and entrepreneurship clubs, as well as festivals, concerts, theater performances and athletic events.
We’re Everyone’s College at SCF, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is committed to student success. Through a ordable, exible, high-quality education and a welcoming, caring and supportive college community, SCF helps students nd their path, graduate on time and launch their careers.
SCF serves the entire community, including early college students, college graduates and working or retired adults. The college maintains an open-access approach to its libraries, music and theater performances, athletics, bookstores, events, and academic, personal enrichment and professional development programs. Faculty and sta are dedicated to teaching excellence, personalized support and student achievement.
SCF REMAINS DEDICATED to meeting the needs of its students and the region. Through continued community collaboration and support, SCF can help even more students achieve their educational and career goals.
Students bene t from SCF’s a ordable tuition, exible course options and convenient locations. Classes are o ered at campuses in Venice, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, as well as online. A new Parrish campus is in development and expected to open in May 2027.
Financial support is available through scholarships, grants, student employment, payment plans and other nancial aid options. Credits from SCF’s Associate in Arts degree are transferable to any Florida public college or university.
SCF student Allison Woronick enjoys SCF Venice’s lush campus, small classes, a ordable tuition, career guidance and her student job. She transferred from a Florida university, earned an Associate in Arts degree from SCF and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services Administration.
“Once I made the switch, I realized it was the right move,” said Woronick. “The positive and engaging culture integrated within a diverse community of people and skills is a huge bene t. I chose to commit to SCF because of the encouraging sta and faculty and outgoing students, who have opened my eyes to the vast amount of career options.”
SCF o ers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as credit and non-credit workforce certi cates. Many programs are available in arts, humanities, communication and design, business, health, social and behavioral sciences, public safety, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and education.
SCF alumnus Alexander “Xander” Lowen bene ted from taking classes at SCF Venice and online while working full-time for the Sarasota County Sheri ’s O ce. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety and Emergency Management.
“I’m grateful to State College of Florida for o ering a public safety and emergency management program; it’s hard to nd in some places,” said Lowen. “I enjoyed the exibility to take most classes online. Getting my college education was important to me because with the degree comes more knowledge.”
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
HERE FOR OUR GROWING COMMUNITY
EXPANDING WITH OUR REGION CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, the College of Education and the College of Nursing work with the local community to prepare students for careers in education, health care, communications sciences and disorders, aging studies, mental health policy, social work, the criminal justice system and other fields.
HERE FOR OUR GROWING MARKETPLACE
The Muma College of Business continues to grow its School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and The Baldwin Risk Partners School of Risk Management and Insurance. This initiative equips graduates with the skills needed to navigate the evolving and complex demands of their industries, fostering innovation and leadership across these sectors.
HERE FOR OUR GROWING FUTURE
USF is the first in Florida—and among the first nationwide—to launch a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity with the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating AI and cybersecurity into real-world applications, along with AI-driven research for next-generation cybersecurity solutions.
The University of South Florida this year is celebrating the 70th anniversary of our founding. What started as two Florida legislators’ bold idea shared over co ee in downtown Tampa now serves approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. While some may wait to celebrate a 75-year milestone, we’ve accomplished far too much in our rst seven decades to stay quiet — a top 50 public university ranking for seven consecutive years, record-breaking research funding and a rst-of-itskind college dedicated to arti cial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing.
“At USF Sarasota-Manatee, everything we do begins with one central focus, student success. Our close-knit campus encourages collaboration and discussion. And students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships and community partnerships that allow them to apply what they are learning in meaningful, real-world ways. After all, it’s not just higher education, it’s higher purpose.”
USF’s reputation for excellence reached new heights in 2023 when it became just the second public university in Florida invited to join the prestigious Association of American Universities, recognizing its leadership in research and innovation. With programs in cybersecurity, hospitality, nursing and risk management, students develop the skills needed for high-demand careers while gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art spaces like the Bloomberg Lab, Nursing Lab and College of Education Collaboratory. We’re a place where people from all walks of life nd belonging, community and paths to success. Resilience, persistence and passion are at the core of who we are. We foster a dynamic environment of learning, growth, opportunity and the free exchange of ideas. We are USF: One community, working together to make bolder, healthier futures possible.
The University of South Florida is a hub for innovation and opportunity, elevating student success through world-class education in a collaborative environment. With programs in nursing, cybersecurity and risk management, students gain hands-on experience while developing the skills needed for high-demand careers. Strategic community partnerships connect students to maximize their potential for lifelong success. We invite you to explore USF — online or in person — and discover how you can thrive here.
Brett Kemker, Interim Regional Chancellor, USF Sarasota-Manatee
SARASOTA-MANATEE