College Profile: Flagler College

Flagler College, located in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, offers a unique blend of history, traditions, and a close-knit student community in a gorgeous location. I have toured this school a couple of times and the students seem highly engaged. If you are interested in a smaller school in warm weather, then Flagler might be a perfect spot to look. ​

Fun Facts:

• Historic Campus: The centerpiece of Flagler College is the Ponce de León Hall, a National Historic Landmark. Originally opened in 1888 as a luxury hotel by industrialist Henry Flagler, it now serves as a residence hall and dining facility for students. 

• Architectural Marvel: The dining hall features 79 Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows, making it one of the largest collections of Tiffany glass in its original location. ​

• Scenic Location: Flagler College is just four miles from the Atlantic Ocean, providing students with easy access to beautiful beaches and coastal activities. ​

• Modern Facilities: Beyond its historic charm, Flagler provides contemporary amenities, including six residence halls and a 19-acre athletic field, ensuring a comfortable and well-rounded student experience.

  
  

History:

Founded in 1968, Flagler College transformed the former Hotel Ponce de León into an educational institution. Henry Flagler, a key figure in Florida's development and a founder of Standard Oil, envisioned St. Augustine as a winter resort destination. His hotel, renowned for its Spanish Renaissance architecture and modern amenities of the time, set the stage for the city's growth. Today, the college preserves this rich history, offering students a chance to learn within walls that have witnessed over a century of stories.

Traditions:

• Welcome Week: At the start of each semester, Flagler hosts Welcome Week—a series of events designed to help new and returning students acclimate to campus life, discover organizations, and build connections. ​

• Flagler Fest: An exclusive spring concert for students, Flagler Fest features live music, local food trucks, and various giveaways, fostering a sense of community and celebration. 

• Glowtober: Held every October, Glowtober is a vibrant paint rave on the Commons Greens, complete with a DJ and glow-in-the-dark paint, offering students a fun and unique way to celebrate the season. ​

• Harry Potter Week: Embracing the architectural resemblance of Ponce de León Hall to the famed Hogwarts, this week-long event in November includes activities like the Sorting Hat ceremony, trivia contests, and a transformation of the dining hall into the Great Hall, delighting fans of the series. ​

  
  

Student Statistics:

• Enrollment: As of fall 2023, Flagler College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,432 students. ​

• Gender Distribution: Approximately 31.9% of students are male, while 68.1% are female. 

• On-Campus Living: About 45% of students reside in college-owned or affiliated housing, with the remaining 55% living off-campus. ​

• Diversity: Minority enrollment stands at 21%, with students representing various ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic (13%), two or more races (4%), Black (3%), and international students (3%). ​

• Academics: Flagler offers over 39 majors, 49 minors, two pre-professional programs, and two master's degree programs, providing a diverse range of academic pursuits. ​

• Post-Graduation Success: An impressive 82.95% of graduates are offered full-time employment within six months of graduation, reflecting the college's commitment to student success. ​

• Athletics: Known as the Saints, the college competes in NCAA Division II as part of the Peach Belt Conference, fielding teams in sports such as baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, track and field, softball, and volleyball. ​

  
  

Flagler College has endless charm and I can’t say enough about the fabulous location. I encourage you to visit in person, and visit the website at https://www.flagler.edu/.