Broward College: A Gateway to Diverse Career Paths and Academic Excellence
Broward College, a public institution founded in 1960, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in Broward County, Florida. With a commitment to transforming students' lives and enriching the diverse community, the college offers a wide array of academic programs and career opportunities. Serving over 51,000 students annually with the support of more than 3,300 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, Broward College is one of the largest institutions within the Florida College System (FCS).
A Legacy of Growth and Service
Created by the Florida Legislature in 1959, Broward College has a rich history of providing accessible and quality education. Just 17 days after founding President Joe B. Rushing accepted his position, he was assembling staff. On September 6, 1960, the Junior College of Broward County opened its doors to its first class - 701 students. Classes were held at the former Naval Air Station Junior High on the western edge of what is now the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. A faculty of 28 and staff of 19 welcomed students on opening day. In the 1970s Broward College offered its first television-based classes and reached an enrollment of 12,000 students.
Academic Programs and Career Pathways
Broward College fulfills its mission each day, "Transforming students' lives and enriching our diverse community through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities," by offering first-time college students, adult learners, and career professionals academic programs across eight career-related pathways. Programs include specialized certificates, and two and four-year degrees. The college recognizes that finding a career you love is a journey and provides resources to help students explore their options.
Here's a glimpse into some of the diverse career paths that Broward College can help students pursue:
- Business: A business degree offers a versatile foundation for various roles, from founding a startup to leading a multinational division. Students can develop skills in finance, sales, team management, and project management.
- Healthcare: For those seeking a rewarding career with a direct impact on people's lives, healthcare programs provide the knowledge and skills to save lives, promote wellbeing, and extend quality of life.
- Law Enforcement, Corrections, Legal, Forensics and Crime Scene Technology: These programs prepare students for demanding but fulfilling careers serving and protecting the community.
- STEM: For risk takers who like to push boundaries and create change, STEM programs are the perfect fit.
Broward College encourages students to explore jobs and earnings, discover avenues to career growth or compare job requirements across a variety of prospective careers.
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Campuses and Facilities
Broward College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 29,140 (fall 2023), and the campus size is 370 acres. In the 1970s there were two campuses and two centers that opened to students in this decade. North Campus opened its doors February 27, 1972 and the Willis Holcombe Center opened October 1, 1973. South Campus offered their first classes in August 1977 in a satellite center; the campus we know today opened its doors January 17, 1978. John Payne Hall, Handleman Hall, Ferris Center, Joe B. Rushing Hall and the Meyer Hall were all named and dedicated for Broward College's 20th Anniversary in 1980.
Accessibility and Affordability
Broward College is committed to providing accessible and affordable education. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $2,830; out-of-state tuition and fees are $8,952. Sixty-five percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $13,440. Broward College has a test-blind admissions policy.
A Focus on Student Success
Broward College is dedicated to student success, offering various resources and support services to help students achieve their academic and career goals. As Broward College forges into its second half-century of service to Broward County, it does so as one of the nation's largest institutions of its type, with a reputation for the pursuit of excellence and service to its students.
Transfer Opportunities
Florida is nationally recognized for its highly effective articulation between and among institutions. Students who choose to transfer to a state university are guaranteed admission, although not necessarily to the university or program of their choice.
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