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Southwest Florida College

1685 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33907

Overview

  • OPEID/FAFSA College Code: 02278800
  • Type: Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above
  • Calendar System: Quarter
  • Highest Degree: Bachelor's
  • Local Area: Small City

Read Reviews (41)

Individuals seeking admission into the College are required to complete an Application for Admission and arrange to meet personally with an Admissions Representative. Applicants must be high school graduates or have successfully completed equivalent education as certified by state departments of education. Applicants will be required to certify this requirement on the Application for Admission.

 
Students with college-level credits from other regionally or nationally accredited institutions may apply to have credits transferred into Southwest Florida College. Students seeking transfer credits must have an official transcript of their prior work mailed directly to the College's Registrar to prevent being scheduled for classes previously taken.
 
Once the application and support materials are complete, the applicant will be given a placement assessment that is used by the College to assist with scheduling (transfer students may be exempt).
 
Applicants for whom English is not their native language or who clearly exhibit English language difficulty will be given an institutionally developed language assessment to determine whether or not their language skills are strong enough to pursue study at the college level.

 

Programs offered include:


Financial Aid
Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, work study programs and grants. Aid is applied for through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used by the school's financial aid office to determine need and aid program eligibility. Students in need of assistance regarding applying for aid may contact the school or visit the financial aid office for further assistance.

 

 

 

Student Services Offered

  • Remedial Services
  • Academic or Career Counseling Services
  • Placement Assistance For Graduates

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Distance Learning
  • Weekend / Evening Classes Available

Website:

www.swfc.edu

Campus Map

Click Here to Launch the Campus Map of Southwest Florida College

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

Facilities and Programs Offered

  • Library Available

College Carnegie Classifications

  • Basic Classification
    • - Baccalaureate/Associates Colleges
  • Undergraduate Classification
    • - Associates Dominant
  • Undergraduate Profile Classification
    • - Full-Time Four-Year, Inclusive
  • Enrollment Classification
    • - Exclusively Undergraduate Four-Year
  • Size Classification
    • - Small Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential

Degrees & Programs

Awarded Student Degrees and Programs

The following is not a comprehensive or current list of degrees or programs offered. The table below details the number of degrees or certificates that were awarded in the 2010-11 school year to graduates broken down by degree or major type. Please contact Southwest Florida College directly to learn more about what is currently being offered.

Business and Marketing Studies

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Accounting Degree-15-
Business Administration Degree-5713

Communication Technology

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects Degree-33-
Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design Degree-35-

Computer and Information Sciences

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Computer Programming Degree-11-
Computer Systems Networking Degree-46-
Information Technology Degree---
Web and Digital Design Degree-9-

Education

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Early Childhood Education Degree74110
Elementary Education Degree--7

Engineering Technology

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Drafting and Design Degree-20-

Health and Clinical Professions

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Massage Therapy Degree16-
Medical Insurance Coding Degree177--
Medical Records Administration Degree-765
Surgical Technology Degree-46-
Medical Assistant Degree155114-

Legal Professions and Studies

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Paralegal Degree-14-

Security and Protective Services

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Law Enforcement Administration Degree669121

Visual and Performing Arts

 CertificateAssociateBachelor
Graphic Design Degree-3-
Interior Design Degree63812

Reviews

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There are 41 reviews submitted for Southwest Florida College

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Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Reviewed on: May 03, 2013 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • I graduated two years ago and also took the HIM certificate course. I have not been able to find employment in the healthcare field. Employers are telling me I need 3 years experience with the certificate, which swfc failed to inform me. I used the job placement which did not turn out very well. Now I read the posts about so many problems and I had the same problems with the tuition increasing every time I took a class, and fees added on that were not discussed when I started the term. I have a huge student loan now and I believe the school is only out for student loan money.
  • Reviewed on: April 29, 2013 Flag Review
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  • One of the worst reputations. Look for a school that has a better reputation and a good ratio of graduates that get jobs. This school is like an infomercial, its all marketing but no substance. The administration and staff change daily which is not a good sign. Check into the accreditation, its not a good type of accreditation and only applies to certain programs.
  • Reviewed on: April 15, 2013 Flag Review
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  • The medical program is not the only program that credits will not transfer from. None of the credits are accepted by the State of Florida. Only a few credits are accepted by very few colleges(not in this area). I am fed up with the lies the admissions is so quick to speak. The instructors are great, it appears they don't know enough because they are all adjuncts and are not around enough to know. This is a terrible place, if you are reading this please find another college. In the end all of your effort will be for nothing.
  • Reviewed on: March 18, 2013 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • THIS SCHOOL IS A SCAM! It is awful to read that so many other students experienced EXACTLY what I went through. I went to this school with my plan of work and told them my intention was to transfer into the nursing program at Edison (this was prior to them having the nursing program). I was recently divorced so decided to complete my nursing degree I started a few years earlier. I told them I wanted to eventually get my nursing degree and transfer to Edison so I thought I would enroll in the Medical Assisting program and get a job doing that and then take the nursing course at Edison while I was working as an MA. They knew that Edison did not accept their credits yet they mislead me to believe they did. This makes them guilty of scamming me and all the other students who get this reply from other institutions they transfer to, "Oh, you are one of those students who come here from SWFLC with thousands of dollars of student loan debt but have nothing to show for it."! "We do not accept their credits!" NOBODY DOES!!! Because they know the education is very poor! I actually had NBC-2 do an investigative report where they came and interviewed me about my experience, however, the news story they did was about accreditation and credit transfers and they edited out that my experience was with SWFLC. I found out that this was because SWFC is one of NBC-2 news advertisers! They also spoon feed you the information for exams so their passing percentage is high in order to keep whatever accreditation they can get in order to stay open. Their only agenda is NOT to educate people but to scam them to take every dime of the government student loans they know they can get! There should be a class action suit against this institution. After reading these reviews I have decided to seek legal action. They need to be stopped before any other innocent hardworking person buys into their lies. Unbelievable that this exists. They are evil!
  • Reviewed on: March 15, 2013 Flag Review
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  • Just my 2 cents, I never had a problem with the staff, the school has issues. 58K of student loans and none of my credits transfer. What?
  • Reviewed on: March 04, 2013 Flag Review
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  • Looks like someone employed at SWFC has made a review at 5 stars. Regurgitating the same words that admissions tells us, just before a tuition increase (teacher to student ratio). Obviously placing yourself at an all time low to deceive people. Please think twice and do your research before you make the mistake of joining SWFC like I did.
  • Reviewed on: February 19, 2013 Flag Review
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  • Wow I graduated in 2004 and was nothing like this and was $200 less a credit hour. Was thinking of going back. But got there to meet up with someone and they could not locate my trnscripts. Guess I am starting fresh. Thanks all. Saved me another 64k.
  • Reviewed on: February 07, 2013 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • Don't do it, you will regret the decision to attend SWFC. The school should be shut down. If your lucky enough to finish just don't look back. Take a look at the other schools in the area that are half the price. You will be better off in the long run.
  • Reviewed on: January 31, 2013 Flag Review
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  • I'm enrolled in the Health Information Management (HIM), two year Associates degree program at SWFC. I am current into my second term. I have had a very positive college experience at SWFC, meeting great student and learning from helpful and focused instructors.

    The Port Charlotte campus is small and allows for a nice size of class to teacher ratio. All classes taken so far have been relevant to my major, and thoroughly interesting and enjoyable.

    The program manager for the HIM department is also an excellent instructor. Teachers are always willing to help out students. The workload is pretty substantial, so be prepared to work hard. I feel confident that I will pass the RHIT and CCA exams!

    Overall, SWFC is a great college that I highly recommend!
  • Reviewed on: January 28, 2013 Flag Review
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  • I wish I could give minus stars for the rating. This is the worst school. Praying on the ignorant and making money off the students. I will finish because I'm trapped in the student loan debt plan but if I could turn back time I would have went to another school.
  • Reviewed on: January 15, 2013 Flag Review
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  • Staff is continuously changing, nothing is steady. It appears only part time instructors work here. I'm leaving this school it feels like they only want your money.
  • Reviewed on: January 08, 2013 Flag Review
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  • I've never seen any of the students in the SWFC.edu commercials at the school. Its not a big school all the students know each other, who are they fooling?
  • Reviewed on: December 19, 2012 Flag Review
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  • After going to this school for two years I started getting charged fees that no one could explain. Not part of my student loan. I was billed for the fees separately. After talking to the dean they mysteriously went away. I'm wondering how many others have had this issue?
  • Reviewed on: December 12, 2012 Flag Review
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  • Don't even think about going here, it's all about how much money they can get from you. Their credits do not transfer, and you will find the reputation of school is horrible.
  • Reviewed on: December 02, 2012 Flag Review
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  • I am upset with myself for selecting this school. I have wasted time,money and effort on a school that should not be allowed to operate. If you are in the process of selecting a school please choose another. Recognize the pushy advertising and aggressive tactics as a bad sign. Evaluate all options before making a decision that will disappoint you. There are better colleges out there.
  • Reviewed on: November 20, 2012 Flag Review
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  • This place started to go downhill about two semesters ago. At least, that is what I noticed. From the past reviews, apparently the money scamming has been going on for a while. I guess the college takes the "for profit" to extreme. I will not be returning to this school.
  • Reviewed on: November 20, 2012 Flag Review
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  • This school is such a joke. The "teachers" have NO clue what they're doing, the programs are way expensive, they're nice at first to get you to think it's a great place, but once you're in, they could care less about you or the problems you're having with your classes, they're careless and unorganized.. I could go on and on. It's only my 1st term and I'm already planning on dropping out. Not to mention the books and uniforms are always weeks late. I'm just wasting my time, money, and effort. Find somewhere else to go.
  • Reviewed on: November 15, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • I had a great experience with my classmates, but the last two-three semesters have changed drastically. The morale of the staff is bad, they seem stressed all the time. The financial department is the worst ever. The extra fees added to each class is nothing short of pure greed. Look elsewhere for a college that will not take your money and run.
  • Reviewed on: October 27, 2012 Flag Review
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  • I can't speak for the medical program, but the college has lost the best instructors and kept the worst. From what I see happening with my financial situation and other students, the problems are true. Please take some free advice and look for a better college.
  • Reviewed on: October 18, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • If I had known that I'd be going to a trade school following graduation in order to obtain the necessary education for my field? I'd probably have skipped the miserable experience that was SWFC. The place wasted my family money with a so-called 'Smart Choices Scholarship' of which I had to pay $125 a month for. I was told it would be put into a savings account until I graduated--provided I had a certain GPA and was a full time student--and then when my course ended they'd give me the money back to do with as I pleased, though they recommended I use it to pay back loans.

    I was not given a choice at the end and there seemed to be nothing we could do about it. I later learned that for my program--Medical Billing and Coding--there was a national certification that I needed in order to be considered employable. I am 11k in debt and this certification was not mentioned, except in passing, and then when I finally got down to it and asked.. It was an extra $200 for their little prep course for it, and then the certification was $400 out of my pocket.

    Look, don't go to this school. They hire their professors off of Craigslist, they bounce prices and schedules around and even though they make statements about 'academic dishonesty' I did not see them expel even one person who cheated even if that person was caught. For billing and coding you'll get a better education as to the field from trade schools in the area like High Tech North/Central. Just say no to SWFC.
  • Reviewed on: October 11, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • Please consider other options than attending this school. The aggressive marketing, similar to an infomercial should be removed from TV. The procedures for students change daily. There appears to be no oversight on the amount of money that students can be charged, tuition, fees or other made up bills, which leave students "trapped" in a system that is shady at best. Credits from SWFC are not accepted by 99% of other colleges, which is key in the "traps" operation.

    Class of 2011
  • Reviewed on: October 04, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • I will say I was excited about going back to school. However I think the people at this school lie more than military recruiters to get you to sign up and then screw you over from day one. I wanted to take both online and campus (morning) classes. They told me morning on campus classes would be no problem and was told they offered them once i signed up I and enrolled after my first term they told me they do not offer morning classes for my field of study and then every term I did not get the correct books and would be without a book till 5-6weeks in when we were taking midterms. needless to say my grades were not high except for the 1 class i did have a book in so they would not let me do online classes. This term has just started and I again only have 1 correct book. I am in the process of talking to another school to see about transferring to that school. and will probably change my field of study as they offer it at the other school. When i told my instructors about not having the books vice versa they told me well catch up when you get them, but when you are 6 weeks behind on assignments/readings and cannot study for midterms besides notes you took in class it makes it kind of hard to past tests and do well on midterms/final exams. I would not recommend this school to my worst enemy and they screw you over on your money
  • Reviewed on: September 26, 2012 Flag Review
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  • There are no minus stars for the rating on this school. Find another school!!! Please do your due diligence. This type of for profit school has been the subject of investigations by the US Senate. Google the US Senate report on private for profit colleges or at least read this article. http://www.npr.org/2012/07/30/157613421/senate-report-for-profit-colleges-exploit-students

    IT Graduate
  • Reviewed on: September 06, 2012 Flag Review
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  • I wouldn't give this school any stars, take that back I would actually give them negative stars....but I didn't have that choice. At 28 years old I had 0 regrets in my life, that is until I attended and finished the surgical scrub tech program at SWFC in Port Charlotte, what a joke. When I signed up for the program I was informed that it would cost me $27,000, $14,000 of which I received in pell grants so that would make my actual loan amount that I had to pay back $13,000. Well 2 1/2 years later and I owe roughly $47,000 that doesn't include my pell money, so a worthless school with a worthless program cost me $61,000. How you ask? I can't answer that but neither can swfc. The teachers were lousy, the training laughable and not one person I know of from the surge tech program has gotten a job. The few good teachers they did hire either quit or were fired and the hospitals don't even want the swfc students, because we aren't properly trained, knowledgeable and just don't know a damnable thing. I felt so stupid going into my externship, but feel even worse now knowing I wasted almost 3 years of my life, $47,000 and I have not a damn thing to show for it. I cant even get my diploma because like the others say some how my funds got messed up and $61,000 later the school still thinks I owe them directly money, wtf!!! Words can describe the anger ans shame I have towards this school, no regrets for 28 years and who would have thought I would actually regret trying to better myself as a single mom to try ans make a better future for my child and myself. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!!!!
  • Reviewed on: August 29, 2012 Flag Review
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  • On the survey when asked about my career, it did not even have my career choice of criminal justice. I do not feel a high morale in school at this point and time. The school spirit is also lacking a high intensity. Professors are afraid to talk to students for fear of losing their jobs. Maintaining the dean's list is very difficult to acquire with actions of the personnel at the school. With new management, it can be a rocky start, but do changes really have to be contrived close to finals? It is difficult enough, then to yank a student from class on a mid-term night to go talk to financial aid when a student is supposed to receive a schedule. Then if this is not enough, a student gets distracted again in class when there is a quiz, just to sign a schedule that is pending. One works very diligently with professors each semester to maintain the correct information taught. term papers having the professor review them, and then before the papers and homework are graded, He or she receive a complete new professor who has not a clue as to what the student has done or been doing this term. The school has an organizational problem and a severe management problem. All departments are working in their own direction and do not seem to correspond with other departments. This brings us to the bookstore. Some students have waited up three weeks into class for books. The school is going off campus for sending us books before class starts, but I foresee problems arising there as well. Besides, with store closing, how do they aim to sell uniforms and other computer programs that a student can receive at a discounted rate from the school? Nevertheless, with the amount of money charged to a student just to attend, why can we not have computers that work? The computers are slow, freeze up, and are difficult to use. Speed in this case is a very large issue with these computers.
    Morale, spirit, and school clubs are another calamity at this institution. The semesters that I have attended, the only group mentioned is the rotary act, none having to do with my degree. I am really beginning to question my decision to attend this school. I had clients who informed me of accreditation problems they had transferring from this school to others and having to take classes over again at other schools because the other school would not accept Southwest Florida Colleges classes and grades. I had this problem with Southwest Florida College accepting my transcripts from another college. so I too am taking classes that I have already taken, paid for, and received passing grades. I am informed from some professors at this school and I quote, Do not worry about the grades, you are hypersensitive about grades, and to just get a passing grade, because employers do not care about the grade, as long as you passed.? Is this a new management technique? instruct the professors just get the student's money and pass them?
    I do not like uncertainty, or not having a direction, or not being able to have any say in the direction. Of course, the professors cannot talk, which does not seem to matter, because it seems that words are spoken for them. This does not help in morale or confidence of the school for the student. I am writing this and making my feelings known, and hoping it will be beneficial, but I do not feel that it will make much difference when the care is not there. I have put a lot of time and energy into this endeavor, trying to maintain a dean's list status, get an well informed education, and I seem to just wind up with uncertainty about all the above. Spending this amount money and time sure does not give me confidence that I am doing the right thing for myself or my family.
    At this time, I am monitoring the school, my decision, and the decisions of management, and then I will make my decision for my family and myself. I will not allow anyone to bring my family or myself down, if needed I will go elsewhere. It is the decision of this school now to show the students the care and that we mean something here, or we will walk.
  • Reviewed on: August 22, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • NONE of my college courses transferred. Please do not attend this school if you wish to pursue a degree in the medical field. The school is not accredited properly!
  • Reviewed on: August 13, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • Disgusting doesn't even begin to describe it. After advertising a BS Degree in Computer Science for over a year - it's gone - no students - no instructors and the program director was just forced to resign (first thing they did right in years). I have an A.S from them along with about 30K in debt yet no diploma or transcript because the financial aid department failed to notify me that student loans were not covering everythig as I had assumed they were. They never once reviewed my finances, instead sent outdated paperwork signed as "mailed to student". I have no job, no proof of my education and all from a school about to fold. Stay the $$#$#& away from Southwest Florida College. For IT training they looked like the best a couple years ago - be smarter than me - what looks the best may not be the best. And for those enrolled in medical programs, espedially nursing, find out RIGHT NOW where your practicals will be. Lee Memorial has said no, HMA is too small to take more than a couple studemts amd everything else is a long drive at YOUR expense. If it's not too late, get out - Only Edison graduates get into Lee Memorial now.
  • Reviewed on: August 01, 2012 Flag Review
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  • The school says I owe them money and I will not receive my degree or any transcripts until I pay them. No one can tell you why or where the "extra" fees come from and why they are not part of my financial aid. If you are reading this review please consider another school. Don't listen to swfc.
  • Reviewed on: July 16, 2012 Flag Review
  • Rating:
  • The school is poorly managed, the owners probably don't realize this. I am trapped there because my boyfriend talked me into joining. Please go to a regionally accredited college, not this privately owned college. They tell me I owe them money but I pay in full each term before starting. Run away from this college.
  • Reviewed on: June 20, 2012 Flag Review
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  • This college is the worst. They are on a student financial aid gravy train. I hear they will lie to you about what courses you need. After your complete them they do not count towards your degree. Racking up more of your money. Stay away from this school!!!!!!
  • Reviewed on: June 15, 2012 Flag Review
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  • All you have to do is have a personal talk with any of the current students and you will understand why you should reconsider attending this college. I rate this college with one star because a -negative rating doesn't exist. I can only speak from experience in the medical program, but I hear that the business and criminal justice programs operate the same way. Tuition has been raised 3 times since I began, and no change in the quality of education. I hope you check the other regional accredited colleges in the area. Good luck on your search!!!
  • Reviewed on: June 13, 2012 Flag Review
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  • The education here for the medical billing program is over priced. they are not accredited by AHIMA yet. The program managers have changes 3 times in the past 3 years, the new director of education is about to be terminated, they allow teachers with no knowledge of the course material to teach the classes. They do not follow the course syllabus, VERY inconsistent amount of work, and expectations. they say one thing and do another. changing things all the time. waste of time. cancel major projects after you have already started them,do not follow the syllabus, they have raised tuition on me 2 times since ive been there and require uniform that cost 40$. books are never ontime for class. i didnt get one of my books until the third to the last week of class.save yourself the frustration
  • Reviewed on: June 11, 2012 Flag Review
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  • Just piling on to the SWFC Sucks Bandwagon. Graduated December 2011 3.91 GPA. Employers find SWFC comical at best, a cross between high school and junior high. Every interview I have been on (and I have set them all up myself - the college does nothing except try and get you jobs waiting tables) has essentially stated SWFC is not the educational background they are looking for. The want a real degree from a real college. And forget about the diploma or a transcript - if they even think you owe them a dollar for a vending machine you won't get either, ever. Since the college "president" is an attorney, I have hired my own - we will see where an expensive and useless education goes in the court system. Whether you used VA, Federal Loans, Private Loans, self pay - doesn't matter - if you owe them anything you do not graduate, you do not pass go and they consider you to have never existed - I get it first hand on a routine basis because of my legal representation. Anyone in the same situation needs to hire an attorney. There are consumer protection laws and laws against predatory lending.
  • Reviewed on: June 10, 2012 Flag Review
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  • Don't make this mistake, you should never pay this amount of money for a college degree that does not have regional accreditation. Once enrolled your trapped in the finance game and are committed to stay. Do you research.
  • Reviewed on: June 08, 2012 Flag Review
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  • This college has the worst reputation. I have seen scam every once of money from people and then kick them to the curb. They own the bookstore and overcharge for books because it all comes from student loans This college is not legitimate. The turnover rate is high for a reason. Run forest run, run away from this college.

  • Reviewed on: May 31, 2012 Flag Review
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  • I agree to you all Southwest Florida College SUCKS! I am currently a student going on 2 years in Aug 2012. I asked them if they could fax me unofficial transcript they won't release it due to the balance I own them. Let me say this I used VA 911 GI bill they pay for my school. But yet I still own them. These people are nuts.

    For people out there who are looking for a good further please Southwest Florida College is NOT a right place! Don't make a mistake like me!!!!
  • Reviewed on: May 02, 2012 Flag Review
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  • Too bad you cannot give less than one star. When you enroll you are told about the lifetime placement assistance. You put up (or borrow) the $30,000 required for a "state of the art" degree and then hope for a night job at 7-11, because for most students, that is all a degree from Southwest Florida College is worth. Almost all adjunct instructors who really are only doing it for a few extra bucks and will admit it as well, program directors never available. a registrar's office that won't take phone calls and makes you sit in the lobby until you give up and leave. And the financial office, better known as the business office is more like organized crime than a college. Excess charges, charges for non-existent items, over charging and so forth. Owners and operators, something called SFC Acquisitions (or similar, belong on trial and not running a non regionally accredited college with a bad reputation. This "college" will be gone soon. They expanded into medical fields they cannot support with instructors, students or practice/externship sites. They have nowhere for the nursing program to obtain practicals, the lab program is not NAACLS approved and so on. A few more quarters and they will max out what they can steal from this area and go back and focus on Texas where they came from. Yes, Edison has had problems, but it will recover and lead you to a legit degree that can be parlayed into a bachelors nearby at Florida Gulf Coast University (or any other state school). See what you can do with the education from Southwest Florida College - for 80% or more graduates, it's nothing but a new monthly loan expense to pay on that 7-11 wage.
  • Reviewed on: March 10, 2012 Flag Review
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  • Good God, don't do it. You graduate, you still owe some money (not a lot, compared with the total cost), they refuse to release your diploma or your transcripts (even to employers). They ignore email for job placement assistance, they ignore anything financial except accepting payments. If you drive over to the Ft Myers campus and try to see someone they are always "in a meeting" (even though you made the appointment a week earlier). They have recently had a lot of turnover in instructors and students. If you stay, remember, once you graduate, they are gone (unless they want money from you). And their accreditation, the, "Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools" can be achieved in a garage with two folding chairs - it is not regional accreditation that requires academic standards and the credits earned will be difficult to impossible to transfer even in general studies courses. Please don't do it - don't listen to the sales pitch lies - program director lies unless you just have way too much time and money to burn.
  • Reviewed on: August 02, 2011 Flag Review
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  • I am attending Southwest Florida College now for interior design. I transferred from another school due to my family moving across state and I was very unhappy about how they did not transfer a lot of classes that I had already taken. The whole office is very unorganized, not helpful, and unprofessional. The school is a joke. I feel like I'm in high school again. I take that back, junior high. I want a degree so that is why I'm sucking it up, and finishing up here for a few more months since there are no other schools within two hours for my major. If you are thinking about going to this school, don't! If you want to actually learn something and and get your moneys worth look into other schools. If you want an easy degree where you learn nothing, this school is perfect for you!
  • Reviewed on: June 18, 2011 Flag Review
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  • Don't do it !! Not a regionally accredited college - No connections with employers other than the occasional "friend of a friend". You will graduate 30-40K in the hole, no job, no job prospects and SWFC will claim they never heard of you. Happens to 98% of graduates - only good news is most of those enrolling figure it out, withdraw, and never see graduation.
  • Reviewed on: May 14, 2011 Flag Review
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  • Really think twice before enrolling at Southwest Florida College and their Medical Billing and Coding program. I completed the program with a 3.92 GPA and dean's list, all semesters. When I enrolled I was sold on that premise that it was an excellent school to do a career change. Upon graduation, there was no information on how to take the national certification test - told that professionals should find that out themselves. The Graduate Career Placement office has been of no assistance. Met with them and given the standard sales pitch on the economy and how I need to volunteer to get my foot in the door. Apparently, they do not have all of the relationships in the community that they say they do. Thankfully, I was able to find employment on my own in another field (not what I went to school for). When this employer did a background check, SWFC had "impounded" my records and would not verify that I had attended school there to my potential employer. This school is just interested in getting their $$$ and that's it. They don't care anything about the student and their success after school. I met a lot of good people their, including instructors - but the administration has a lot to be desired. There are other schools out there that will help you if you are thinking about going into the Medical Billing and Coding Field.
    But, think twice - the market is saturated and it is very difficult to get into. Unless you have a medical background.

Admissions

Disclaimer

The admissions information is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent current or future admissions policy.

Admissions Summary

Prospective students should view the admission and application details below to get a better idea of the candidates Southwest Florida College accepts. Some of the details provided may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college credits that may be accepted.

The Southwest Florida College admissions office phone number is (239) 939-4766. This is the last updated number we have on file, please contact us if incorrect.

Application Fees

  • Undergraduate Application Fee: $25.00

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credit
  • Life Experience Credit
  • AP Credit

Considerations for Admission

  • Open Admission Policy
    • - Accepts Any Student Who Applies

Enrollment Data

Overall Student Enrollment

  • Total Student Enrollment: 2,316

    • - Undergraduate: 2,316

Student Gender

  • Total Student Gender

    • - Male: 625

    - Female: 1,807

    - Ratio of Men to Women: 0.3 : 1

  • Undergraduate Gender

    • - Male: 625

    - Female: 1,807

    - Ratio of Men to Women: 0.3 : 1

Student Attendance

  • Total Student Attendance

    • - Full-Time: 2,170

    - Part-Time: 262

  • Undergraduate Attendance

    • - Full-Time: 2,170

    - Part-Time: 262

Student Race Breakdown

 NumberPercent
Non-Resident Alien10.04%
American Indian90.4%
Black34715%
Asian301%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander20.09%
Hispanic48021%
White1,41461%
Unknown271%

Student Age Breakdown

 NumberPercent
Age Under 1860.2%
Ages 18-192179%
Ages 20-2131613%
Ages 22-2440817%
Ages 25-2948720%
Ages 30-3429312%
Ages 35-392169%
Ages 40-4932113%
Ages 50-651627%
Age Over 6560.2%

Graduation Rates

Disclaimer

The data listed below is for informational purposes only. Although graduation, transfer, and retention rates should be included in determining the performance of a school, it is only one of many factors to consider and may not provide a clear representation of the school's performance. These figures are based on a cohort or subset of students.

Retention Rates

The retention rate figures represent the percentage of first time students (full-time or part-time) that complete the first year and return the following year.

  • Full-Time Students: 36%
  • Part-Time Students: 100%

Overall Graduation Rates

 (%) of Entering Class
All Students32%

Graduation Rates By Gender

 (%) of Entering Class
Male31%
Female33%

Graduation Rates By Race

 (%) of Entering Class
Non-Resident Alien100%
American Indian-
Black32%
Asian67%
Hispanic35%
White31%
Unknown13%

Tuition & Fees

Disclaimer:

The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition and Fees Quick Facts

Alternative Tuition Plans Offered

  • Tuition Payment Plan

    - Allows tuition to be paid in installments over an agreed upon period of time.

To get a personalized estimate for the cost of attending Southwest Florida College, visit their online calculator by clicking the following link: http://

Estimated Cost of Attendance or "Net Price" for Full-Time Beginning Students

The "Net Price" figures apply to undergraduate students beginning full-time enrollment who have paid the in-state/district tuition and were awarded grants or scholarships.

 2010-112009-102008-09
Average Net Price$16,327$14,923$16,600
$0 - $30,000$16,374$15,004$16,734
$30,000 - $48,000$17,516$15,904$17,974
$48,001 - $75,000$18,109$17,604$19,119
$75,001 - $110,000$21,427$19,437$19,794
More Than $110,000$21,815$19,979$19,132

Undergraduate Student Tuition, Fees, and Expenses

2011-122010-112009-10
In-District Tuition and Fees$13,500$11,880$11,340
In-State Tuition and Fees$13,500$11,880$11,340
Out of State Tuition and Fees$13,500$11,880$11,340

Undergraduate Housing Expenses

2011-122010-112009-10
Off Campus
Room and Board$7,533$7,047$7,011
Other Expenses$3,276$3,537$4,086
Off Campus with Family
Other Expenses$3,276$3,537$3,519

Undergraduate Total Expenses

2011-122010-112009-10
On Campus
In-District$13,500$12,990$12,450
In-State$13,500$12,990$12,450
Out of State$13,500$12,990$12,450
Off Campus
In-District$24,309$23,574$23,547
In-State$24,309$23,574$23,547
Out of State$24,309$23,574$23,547
Off Campus with Family
In-District$16,776$17,202$15,969
In-State$16,776$17,202$15,969
Out of State$16,776$17,202$15,969

Financial Aid

Disclaimer

The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and does not represent current or future financial aid details. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Financial Aid Quick Facts

Financial Aid Office Phone Number

The Southwest Florida College financial aid office phone number is (239) 939-4766. This is the most up to date contact information we have, please contact us if incorrect.

Financial Aid Breakdown 2010-11

 # Receiving Aid% Receiving AidAverage Amount
Any Financial Aid39293%-
Any Grant or Scholarship Aid34281%$5,424
All Federal Grants33279%$5,034
Pell Grants33179%$4,926
Other Federal Grants22453%$182
State/Local Grants & Scholarships10826%$918
Institutional Grants & Scholarships4410%$1,925
All Student Loans36687%$6,445
Federal Student Loans36587%$6,413
Other Student Loans31%$6,088

Federal Loans - Student Repayment Default Rates

This table shows the number and percentage of students who received federal student loans but had problems paying them back. A high default rate may represent a lack of quality instruction or a poor hiring climate for graduates of a school.

 200920082007
Default Rate (%)13.3%10.1%11.6%
Number in Default179125149
Number in Repayment1,3441,2331,283

Crime & Safety

Criminal Offenses Per Year

This table reports the number of criminal charges per year that took place both on and off campus. These figures were reported by the institutions themselves and have not been subject to independent review.

 2010-112009-102008-09
On Campus
Robbery1--

Faculty & Instructors

Employee Type Breakdown

 TotalFull-TimePart-Time
Total Employees333174159
Faculty Status17639137
Instruction, Research and/or Public Service17639137
Primarily Instruction17639137
Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial3333-
Other Professionals86824
Technical and/or Paraprofessional382018
Clerical And Secretarial291613
Service and/or Maintenance945

Full-Time Faculty Average Salary Breakdown

 TotalMaleFemale
11/12 Month Contract
All Faculty$51,122 (39)$52,250 (18)$50,155 (21)
Instructor$51,122 (39)$52,250 (18)$50,155 (21)
Equated 9 Month Contract
All Faculty$41,828 (39)$42,751 (18)$41,036 (21)
Instructor$41,828 (39)$42,751 (18)$41,036 (21)
Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2011: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
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