10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Lakeland, FL

The largest city in Polk County, Lakeland, Florida is known for its unique collection of architecture at Florida Southern College and its closeness to even larger popular cities like Tampa and Orlando.

These areas have some of the best colleges in Florida.

Just like the architecture of Florida Southern College, many colleges near Lakeland, Florida, have unique takes on education that residents of the city can take advantage of. Check them out below to learn more.

Featured Colleges Near Lakeland, FL

For students looking to study in Lakeland and the surrounding area, here are some great options.

1. Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College (FSC) is a private college in Lakeland, Florida that's known for being the home of the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

It's affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

FSC offers more than 50 undergraduate degrees, as well as graduate and post-graduate programs in nursing, business, education, and physical therapy.

All programs are taught to help students make a positive and consequential impact on society after graduation, which is the college's mission.

2. Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University (FPU) is a public university in Lakeland, Florida that's part of the University System of Florida and focuses solely on STEM education for students.

It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

FPU offers hands-on STEM education in the form of undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects like computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and mechanical engineering.

It prides itself on being able to offer the one-on-one educational experience that's normally only available at private schools.

3. Polk State College

Formerly called Polk Community College, Polk State College (PSC) is a public college in Winter Haven, Florida that's part of the Florida College System. Winter Haven is only 15 miles from Lakeland, Florida.

PSC supplies Associate in Arts and Science, Applied Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science degrees, as well as certificate and workforce training programs, to young students in the area.

Students can take advantage of small class sizes, flexible online classes, and hands-on learning opportunities from a dedicated supportive faculty to achieve their desired degree and career.

4. Hillsborough Community College's Plant City Campus

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is a public community college in Hillsborough County that's part of the Florida College System and is accredited by the SACSCOC.

HCC has multiple campuses throughout the county, including one in Plant City, Florida, a town only 10 miles away from Lakeland, Florida.

This campus is home to networking and academic clubs, the Armwood Collegiate Academy, and more, so students have plenty of options for both study and extracurriculars.

Degrees offered by HCC at this campus include:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Business Administration
• Biological Sciences
• Computer Science Engineering
• Finance
• Human Resource Management

5. Warner University

Warner University is a private Christian university in Lake Wales, Florida that's affiliated with the Church of God.

Lake Wales is just under 30 miles from Lakeland, Florida, and is considered the midpoint between Tampa and Orlando.

In addition to on-campus associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, Warner University also offers these five graduate degrees completely online for students who want to get their degree while on the move:

• Master of Business Administration: Concentrations in accounting or human resource management
• Master of Science in Management: Concentration in criminal justice leadership
• Master of Arts in Education: Concentrations in curriculum and instruction or elementary education
• Master of Ministry
• Master of Business Ministry and Management

6. The University of South Florida

The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university in Tampa, Florida that's one of the 12 members of the State University System of Florida.

Tampa is just under 45 minutes away from Lakeland, Florida by car.

As the first public university in the state to be a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), USF prides itself on the quality education it provides to students.

It's home to 14 colleges that offer more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral degree programs.

7. The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa (UT) is a private university in Tampa, Florida that's accredited by the SACSCOC to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees to students in the area.

UT offers more than 200 programs, most notably its 22 master's degrees, and also provides certificates for graduate students and people attending pre-professional programs.

By combining historic buildings with modern amenities and constructions, UT has made itself the center of a vibrant urban community that provides all the enrichment a student needs during their education.

8. Strayer University's Tampa East Campus

Strayer University is a private university with its headquarters in Washington, D.C. that's accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Despite being based in D.C., it has campuses in 15 states, including Tampa, Florida.

Strayer University's Tampa campus helps students with their admission and financial aid and provides a student services coach to assist students from the end of their first quarter until they graduate.

Areas of study that students can take advantage of at this campus include business, criminal justice, IT, education, health services, and public administration.

9. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private research university with a main campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and other campuses throughout the state.

The closest campus to Lakeland, Florida is located in Tampa, Florida.

NSU's Tampa campus offers these 12 bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs on campus in these subjects:

• Anesthesia
• Cardiovascular Sonography
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• International Dental Program
• Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• School Counseling
• School Psychology

10. South University, Tampa

South University is a private university with a main campus in Savannah, Georgia that also has campuses throughout the states, including one in Tampa, Florida.

South University has a School of Pharmacy, College of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Professions, College of Business, College of Theology, and College of Arts and Sciences to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees to students.

The Tampa campus has classrooms, labs, library resources, and support staff that help on-campus students complete their degrees promptly.

What Is the Biggest School Near Lakeland, Florida?

As the fourth largest school by enrollment in the state, the University of South Florida is the biggest college near Lakeland, Florida.

It enrolls just under 50,000 students from more than 145 countries, all U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia each year.

How To Choose the Right College Near Lakeland, Florida

When you're choosing the right college near Lakeland, Florida, you need to check these factors:

• Make sure the institution is accredited.
• Find out what majors are available.
• Consider tuition cost versus financial aid awards.
• Check out the housing and job situation in the area.
• Look for community engagement and clubs you want to be a part of.

If you can find a college that meets all the requirements related to the above points, you know you'll have found the best college for you.

Paying for Your Degree Near Lakeland, Florida

Financing your college education in Florida involves using scholarships, federal grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans accessible through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Merit-based scholarships and grants offer valuable support without having to be repaid.

Financial need-based loans require eventual repayment, and work-study positions require a consistent effort to maintain.

All of these can be found through the FAFSA, but you can also apply for scholarships offered by companies in the community or get private loans.

Start Your Degree Near Lakeland, Florida Today

Now that you've learned about all the great colleges near Lakeland, Florida, as well as how to choose the right one for you among them, it's time for you to start earning your degree today so you can start a fulfilling, impactful career in the field of your choice tomorrow.