Florida SouthWestern State College (FSWSC) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Edison State College first opened in 1962 as a higher education solution for students in Southwest Florida. The College offers undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and a number of certification programs through its three campus locations, one regional center, and online program.

The school serves over 25,000 students annually, of which nearly half are full-time or full-time equivalent students.

Some of the undergraduate degrees offered are in Education, Nursing, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Public Safety Administration, and Management. It also offers associate degrees in a number of fields and certificate programs in many different academic areas, including computer programming and crime scene technology. They also partner with other higher education institutions to offer programs in optometry, eye care, and physical therapy.

The dental hygiene program ranks in the top three percent in the country, and its cardiovascular technology program is one of just a few such accredited programs in the country. Students of these programs consistently earn higher scores than the average on national board exams.

Online Learning

The eLearning program makes it easy to earn a degree from home without sacrificing your job or your lifestyle. The available eStudio courses combine the flexibility of distance learning with a traditional classroom environment by allowing students to interact face-to-face with their professors. The comprehensive online learning system offers over 115 online courses that can be used towards an Associate of the Arts degree. The eLearning program, as well as the continuing education programs available on each campus, help nontraditional students quickly earn a degree or certificate and move forward in their careers.

Honors Program

High-achieving baccalaureate students may qualify for the Honors Scholars Program, which offers further opportunities for academic growth and stimulation through more challenging, enriched classes. Honors Scholars may be eligible for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, various donor scholarships, or opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty. To apply, interested students must fill out the Honors Scholar Program Application form available online and include a short essay and two professor recommendations.

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Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$16,371
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	32 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	N/A / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	16,556

Admissions

Admissions requirements for Edison State vary by the type of degree or certificate sought and the type of student you will be (new, transfer, returning, etc.).

For students seeking associates degrees, admissions requirements include proof of high school completion or the equivalent, or special permission to enter the Accelerated Programs for High School Students.

Students seeking baccalaureate degrees must provide a high school transcript, proof of GED completion, or a transcript from an accredited college or other higher education institution. They must also meet the program-specific requirements of the undergraduate degree program that they wish to pursue.

You can apply online by filling out the forms appropriate to your program of choice. However, you will also need to submit additional documentation and transcripts in hard copy.

Once accepted, your next step will be to sign up for any necessary assessments or placement tests. Be sure to bring a copy of your SAT or ACT scores, if you have them. Once this process is complete, you will schedule an orientation appointment and an advising appointment, then register for classes.

If you are a Florida resident, be sure to fill out the Residency Documentation form! This is necessary for tuition purposes and state resident admission to any of the College’s programs.

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Financial Aid

One in four students receives financial aid at ESC. The first step in seeking financial aid is to fill out the FAFSA, which is available for free at www.fafsa.gov. This form determines your eligibility for government-sponsored financial assistance, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. It is also often used as one of the criteria in determining eligibility for other scholarships, including ones offered by the school and by third parties.

Additional Scholarships

Once you’ve completed the FAFSA and applied for need-based federal aid, you may also want to apply for additional scholarships. The Edison State Scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic merit, and has minimum GPA and number of credit hours requirements. Submitting one application will put you in the running for all of the Edison State Scholarships offered for that year, and you will receive a notification if you have been awarded scholarship funds.

Finally, take the time to explore other scholarship and aid options by visiting the financial aid office in person or online. They offer a number of different resources to help you get started in searching for funding, including videos, links to databases, and helpful tips for applying.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6722nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Florida.

Students

Edison offers a rich and diverse student experience. The Office of Student Life organizes and manages various events for the school, including information sessions, exhibits, lectures, and special events. Each club’s events are collected on one calendar – the Upcoming Events calendar – which can be found online.

The Campus Activity Board (CAB) is made up of the presidents of each of the campus clubs and organizations, as well as any club members or general students who want to attend and participate in meetings. It facilitates collaboration between the different groups and helps to make more exciting events possible. CAB is responsible for everything from free concerts to X-Box tournaments, and is run completely by the students, for the students.

You can also participate in the Student Government Association, which helps to shape student life on and off campus. Members of the Student Government act as liaisons between the students and the administration, and they have a powerful voice when it comes to decisions about campus projects, conferences, and community service. Any student can attend the meetings, which are held weekly.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Additional School Information

ESU built a brand-new, state-of-the-art, LEED certified residence hall in 2012. The Living and Learning Center Residence Hall offers students the ability to live and work together in one comprehensive building, with over 400 living units, recreational centers, and academic centers all in the same place. The building is very eco-conscious, with energy- and resource-efficient materials that reduce the college’s carbon footprint.

In an effort to promote healthy living, the complex includes an indoor fitness center and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts. Students can also pursue academic development in the 14 study rooms located throughout the Center and the study spaces that are included in each room.

Florida SouthWestern State College