New College of Florida
Founded 1960
President Richard Corcoran (President)
Fees USD 7,070
Acceptance Rate Selective (20–50%)
Campus Setting Suburban
New College of Florida is a public liberal arts college founded in 1960 in Sarasota, designated as Florida’s honors college for the liberal arts. Enrolling 700 students, New College is unique in US public higher education for its self-designed curriculum, contract-based learning (no traditional grades), and requirement of a senior thesis for all graduates.
Academic Model
- Self-Designed Curriculum — Students design their own interdisciplinary program of study
- Contract Learning — Narrative evaluations instead of traditional letter grades
- Senior Thesis — All students complete an original research thesis
How to Apply
- Acceptance Rate: ~71% | In-State Tuition: ~$7,070