What Is It Known For?
Florida SouthWestern State College, a public institution in Fort Myers, Florida, has been an integral part of the community since its founding in 1962 as Edison Junior College, named in honor of Thomas Edison. The first campus opened in 1965, and the college adopted its current name in 2014.
Today, it serves approximately 13,797 undergraduate students annually and offers over 30 programs across schools such as the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the School of Pure and Applied Sciences. As a member of the Florida College System, the school continues to provide accessible, quality education in a suburban setting.
Degrees & Certifications
Florida SouthWestern State College offers different types of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor’s degrees. Students can choose from many options to help them reach their career goals, such as:
- Digital Art and Multimedia Production, AS
- Associate in Arts, AA
- Business Analytics, AS
- Crime Scene Technology, AS
- Early Childhood Education, AS
- Dental Hygiene, AS
- Nursing, AS/BSN
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Florida SouthWestern State College offers flexible learning options to fit your schedule. Classes are available during the day, evening, and weekends, with formats that include in-person, online, and hybrid options. For hands-on experience, the Dental Assisting Certificate program includes clinical externships as part of its core courses offered at the Lee Campus.
We recommend contacting the school directly for more details on your program’s schedule.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Florida Southwestern State College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance Rate
Florida SouthWestern State College has an acceptance rate of 88%, making it an accessible option for students looking for quality education in Florida.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For full-time Florida residents, tuition ranges from $3,461 to $4,561, depending on the program. Out-of-state residents pay between $13,039 and $23,920 for the same. However, total costs, including additional expenses, can reach up to $45,044. The final amount depends on your residency status and whether you’re pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
For more detailed estimates, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Logistics
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
- Law Enforcement
Healthcare
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Hygiene
- Medical Records Technician
- Healthcare Information Technology
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Nursing
- Paramedic
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Respiratory Therapy
Professional Services
- Architecture
Skilled Trades
- Fire
Technology
- Computer Programming
- Cyber Security
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Networking
Campus Locations
Punta Gorda 26300 Airport Rd Punta Gorda, FL
Naples 7505 Grand Lely Dr Naples, FL
Fort Myers 8099 College Pkwy Fort Myers, FL
LaBelle 1092 E Cowboy Way LaBelle, FL
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Florida SouthWestern State College has a generally good reputation, with many praising its beautiful campus and academic quality. However, a significant and persistent issue is poor administrative communication and unresponsiveness, which causes frustration for many students.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Beautiful and Clean Campus: The physical campus is consistently praised for being “beautiful,” “very clean,” and “well maintained.” Reviewers mention its lovely atmosphere and convenient location.
Supportive Academics: Many students report having good experiences with professors and advisors. The school is also noted for providing valuable benefits like one-on-one labs for academic help.
Affordable and Effective: The college is seen as an effective and affordable option that “serves its purpose well.” It is a convenient choice for many local students.
Community Focus: The campus is appreciated for hosting community events and creating a pleasant atmosphere for students and visitors.
Common Criticisms
Poor Administrative Communication: This is the most significant and recurring complaint. Students report getting “the run around” from staff, particularly in the advising, financial aid, and enrollment departments.
Unresponsive Staff: Multiple reviews, from a few months to several years old, complain that staff do not return phone calls or emails, making the enrollment and class-scheduling process a “frustrating experience.”
Limited Library Hours: A minor complaint is that the library closes too early, which limits the time students have for studying.
Excessive Homework: A current student noted that the homework load can sometimes feel like “too much.”
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct and persistent pattern. The praises for the campus’s beauty and academic quality are consistent over time. However, the criticisms regarding administrative and communication issues are also a long-standing problem, with a very recent review echoing the same frustrations found in much older ones. This suggests that while the school’s physical environment and core academic purpose are strong, the student support and administrative processes have been a major pain point for many years.