8 Reasons to Go to College in Florida (Besides the Weather)

With industry leaders like Space X, Disney, and Lockheed Martin all calling Florida home—you’ll have unique access to some of the best in the business. Launch your career by gaining real-world experience at NASA’s main launch site, the Kennedy Space Center. Or level up your skills from the classroom by building video games at EA Sports. The opportunities are unique and endless.

Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, a history buff, or a thrill seeker—Florida has something to offer. Take a wild ride at one of the world’s most-visited theme parks. Cool off in one of the state’s 1,000-plus freshwater springs. Grab a bite at a Netflix-approved restaurant. With countless attractions, restaurants, and cultural sites to choose from, we promise life in Florida is never boring.

One thing you won’t have to look long for in Florida: A job. Cities across the state are ranked among the best places to start a career and the hottest job markets. From hospitality and tourism to aerospace and technology—the state’s sandy shores provide a solid foundation for a bright career.

Hit the beach before or after class (or maybe even during). With over 1,100 miles of coastline, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest body of salt water—no matter where you are in the state.

Whether you’re into Greek life, student clubs, or cultural festivals, you’ll find your crew on-campus or off with more than 100 student clubs and organizations to choose from. Keep homesickness at bay with access to some of the best student support and counseling in the nation. And if you’re worried about making friends, don’t worry we have tips for that, too.

As U.S. News & World Report's No. 1 state for tuition and fees, college in Florida is an investment with proven payoff. At Rollins, which was recently recognized as one of the top 10 best value schools in the South, more than 90 percent of students receive financial aid. Each year, Rollins students tap into nearly $100 million in combined federal, state, and institutional aid, which helps grant them full access to the college experience in Florida.

Orlando was recently ranked among the top 5 large U.S. cities to start a business, and Rollins students are known for charting new paths and changing the business world. International business grads Julia Dartmann ’20, Luisa Rivas ’21, and Laura Tafur Vidal ’20 teamed up to launch GreenWave Solutions, a sustainability business that’s now supplying sustainable solutions like bamboo flatware and to-go containers to Rollins Dining Services. Meanwhile, Adam Schwartz ’10 ’12MBA, has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to Shark Tank for his successful startup ventures Knoza Consulting and FRESHeTECH.

English majors can hang out in the Florida Keys and explore the same neighborhoods that inspired Ernest Hemingway. Marine biology students can take a deeper dive into marine life with easy access to unique aquatic environments on both coasts. And art majors curate their own exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art. With countless ways to learn beyond the classroom, Florida is a college destination full of real-world opportunities.