Overview
New College of Florida Offers Intellectually Rigorous Degree Programs in an Intelligent, Progressive Academic System
New College of Florida's liberal arts degree programs place the onus of education squarely on the students who choose to enroll. While many schools maintain a traditional grading and course-credit earning system, New College of Florida has created a grade-free narrative evaluation of students' performance. This evaluation is based on what is termed a 'contract' or scheduled agreement between students and teachers. Students can graduate once the contract is approved and fulfilled. The thrust of this intellectually rigorous school and programs is for its students to achieve independent thinking and operation, while gaining true understanding and concrete accomplishments in their fields.
New College of Florida provides the dedicated faculty and infrastructure to support over thirty areas of undergraduate study that fall into the three academic categories of social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Those so inclined and motivated can pursue combined, special, or double majors. Additionally, several courses are available for those who choose direct professional paths, such as those in the medical and legal fields that can work with virtually all concentrations. Areas of study include chemistry, economics, history, literature, marine biology, political science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and many more.
The High-Quality Faculty Members and Low Student-Teacher Ratio Ensures Intimate and Productive Learning Interaction
The nearly eighty full-time faculty members teaching at New College of Florida are dedicated to the firm belief that their calling is not only to teach students, but also to act as personal and educational mentors who help shape their students' life paths. With a student body of about 800, New College of Florida has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios in the country at close to 10:1.
Virtually all of those who teach at New College have doctoral or other equivalent degrees. Several key and noted faculty include the multi-published and award-winning Dr. Gordon Bauer, Professor of Psychology and Chair of Social Sciences Division; Douglas C. Langston, of Philosophy and Religion, who has published three books and dozens of articles for such professional publications as the "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy"; and Jocelyn C. Van Tuyl, Ph.D., professor of French Studies and author of "Andre Gide and The Second World War: A Novelist's Occupation." Notable alumni of the College include U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart; William Dudley, the Federal Reserve Bank president; and William Thurston, winner of the prestigious Fields medal in mathematics.
New College of Florida Ranks Among the Top of the Country's Liberal Arts Colleges
Among both private and public institutions of higher education in the United States, New College of Florida consistently ranks highly as a top liberal arts college. The College also ranks in the Top Twenty of schools producing Fulbright Scholars.
Many Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities Are Available to Students
Almost every student enrolled at New College of Florida receives some form of financial assistance every year. There is a guaranteed scholarship program available to all eligible freshman applicants who complete their admissions applications by February 15. Other scholarships are available to National Scholar Finalists.
Proximity to the Gulf Shore and Sarasota Enables Connection to Nature and Many Extracurricular Activities
New College of Florida in Sarasota, Florida, is a relatively small-sized, public, coeducational college, with a beautiful campus laid out on more than 110 acres of southwestern Florida coastline that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. For those who love the sea and surf, there are over a half-dozen nearby islands, or "keys," that provide white sand beaches, seemingly endless sun, and literally "oceans" of water to enjoy. Known internationally as the home and headquarters of the famous Ringling Bros. Circus, this land that once belonged to Charles and Edith Ringling became today's campus of New College of Florida.
There is a wide variety of things to do in and around the Sarasota campus and beyond. Nearby are the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, featuring over twenty separate lush tropical gardens. Highly popular is Myakka River State Park, featuring airboat trips throughout the park, and the South Florida Museum that provides a comprehensive cultural and geologic history on the surrounding areas dating back thousands of years. Those who enjoy professional sports can attend Spring Training for the Pittsburgh Pirates and many other teams nearby. Roughly an hour away are the Tampa Bay Rays (baseball), Buccaneers (football), and Lightning (hockey). If restaurants are to be the destination, Sarasota has no shortage of them. Diverse palettes can enjoy cuisine ranging from Yoder's Amish Restaurant, to the award-winning Columbia Restaurant, to Tropical Thai.
