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Studying a Postgrad Program in Florida
Florida is the third most populous state of the United States of America, with around 20 million inhabitants, and is probably best known for being a popular holiday destination. Along with its tropical climate and 1,350 mile long coastline packed full of wonderfully enticing beaches, the state plays host to a multitude of attractions from theme parks (such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld) to the iconic Kennedy Space Centre. Geographically, Florida is located on a peninsula in the south east of the USA with the Gulf of Mexico to one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, and shares a land border with the neighbouring states of Alabama and Georgia. The state's capital is Tallahassee and its largest city Jacksonville, both of which are located in the northern region.
Where Can You Study A Postgrad Program In Florida?
Florida isn't just about tourism, on the contrary, it is home to many highly rated international universities and offers the opportunity for top quality postgraduate study whilst enjoying enviable surroundings, a diverse and vibrant culture and a fabulous lifestyle. It is a particularly attractive option and destination for international students and some of the most renowned institutions in the USA are based here. These include:
Miami University Miami University is a private research university with a student population of around 16,000 students from all over the world. This university was established in 1925 and is recognised as one of the leading institutes of legal education in the USA.
Florida State University Established in 1966, Florida State University is one of the most respected research universities in America. It is a large university with around 40,000 students enrolled in any one year. Of these about 20% are postgrad students. It is based in the state capital of Tallahassee.
Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville This law school was established in 1996 and received full accreditation by the American Bar Association in 2002. This is the first law school in the USA to offer a fully online LLM degree.
Stetson University Stetson University was founded in 1883 on Central Florida’s frontier. Stetson University is a private, nonprofit university with four colleges and schools. It is a relatively small university with 4,330 students enrolled, 3,084 undergrads and 1,246 postgraduate students.
St Thomas University This is a private Roman Catholic university that was founded in 1984 and based in Miami Gardens. It is ranked number one for Hispanic students.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs In Florida
With regard to tuition costs, a postgraduate program in Florida typically costs an overseas student between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on the program and the institution – it will be considerably less for domestic in-state students, probably costing just one third of this amount.
Living costs here are not overly expensive in Florida when compared to some other parts of the United States, but you should probably budget for at least $15,000 per year to cover your food, accommodation, study materials and leisure activities etc. Should you wish to work during your time here there is ample opportunity for employment during study, although you should be prepared for competition! Also make sure you’re visa restrictions allow you to work.
Admissions & Applications In Florida
The selection process to be accepted onto a postgraduate program in Florida is undoubtedly rigorous due to the competitive nature of applications. Whilst academic achievement is obviously the main factor when determining outcomes, applicants should also pay attention to their personal statements as this can ultimately make the difference between admission and rejection. As a general rule, all foreign candidates should be in possession of a decent bachelors degree or equivalent from a recognised university. Students from a non-English speaking country will also need proof of English-language abilities. International students will also need to have proof of sufficient funds (including grants, scholarships, etc.) to cover the costs of their tuition fees and living costs.
Interesting Florida Alumni
US Senator Marco Rubio is a notable alumnus of Miami University. He famously ran for President in 2015, eventually losing out to Donald Trump. One of the most famous alumni from Stetson Law at Stetson University is the TV and radio personality, author and lawyer popularly known as 'Lionel'. Meanwhile notable alumni from the University of Florida include Reubin Askew, Governor of Florida from 1971-79 and US Presidential candidate in 1984. Florida State University counts former baseball player and manager Tony La Russa as a graduate.
Student Case Study
If you do need any additional reasons to choose Florida for your postgraduate study, this quote from a postgrad law student in Florida should be enough to whet your appetite!
"The school’s commitment to empowering its students with the tools needed to be excellent lawyers was quite appealing... I enjoyed every bit of my three years in law school"
What Can You Do In Florida When You Aren’t Studying?
Supplementing the excellent study opportunities available in the Sunshine State is the wide range of recreational activity, especially for those seeking the outdoors lifestyle. Florida has some truly fabulous beaches for those wanting to make the most of the sunshine and, if golf is your thing, you will be spoilt for choice with an abundance of world-class golf courses. The more adventurous will want to visit the Everglades National Park, which covers an area of more than 700 square miles and is just waiting to be explored. Florida is heaven for lovers of theme parks and, to name but a few, parks such as Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Busch Gardens and Animal Kingdom manage to combine entertainment, education and fun. Shopaholics are also catered for here with excellent shopping malls and you will find an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and nightclubs for your evening entertainment.
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