Welcome to Rollins
We’re so glad you’re here. Think of this collection of stories as the first of what we hope will be many conversations with us as you make one of your life’s most important decisions: where you’ll go to college. In the following pages, you’ll learn how Rollins is a place that prepares you for more than your first job. A place that supports you every step of the way as you discover what drives you. A place where you’ll make friends and forge relationships that will last a lifetime. And a place that offers a wealth of opportunity in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. When you reach the end of this issue, we hope it’s just the beginning of your relationship with Rollins and the start of your fun and fulfilling future.
Fiat Lux, Zaire Lionel Dean of Admission Rollins College
NOT JUST ANY CAMPUS TOUR
When you schedule a visit to Rollins, you’ll get much more than a tour of America’s most beautiful campus. You’ll get to meet your future classmates and professors, sample our award-winning cuisine, discover how you can get involved on campus, and have the freedom to customize your visit to fit your unique needs and interests. Thanks to our prime location in Winter Park, just outside Orlando, you’ll also have the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime to one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself what makes Rollins more than a college—it’s a place where potential comes to life.
SEE FOR YOURSELF
Explore a few of the many reasons to book your dream visit to Rollins, Winter Park, and Orlando—then schedule your visit today. We can’t wait to show you around.
DESIGN A DREAM TRIP
Turn your campus visit into a dream getaway. Explore Orlando’s world-class theme parks, buzzing arts scene, and award-winning dining while discovering why WalletHub has ranked Orlando the No. 3 city for college students in the country and among the best cities in the nation for jobs.
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HAVE LUNCH ON US
Grab lunch in our main dining hall—which serves up everything from wood-fired pizza to freshmade sushi—and see firsthand why our campus dining options were recently ranked No. 11 in the nation by The Princeton Review.
TAP INTO OUR SUPPORT NETWORK
You’ll quickly see that at Rollins, you’re never alone. Meet with financial aid counselors or accessibility services staff who are here to support every aspect of your journey—from navigating academics to enhancing your health and well-being.
SEE EDUCATION IN ACTION
From hosting your very own radio show on WPRK to brainstorming ideas in the Social Impact Hub to exploring internships with our Center for Career & Life Planning, our headquarters for applied learning helps you put your knowledge and skills into practice.
FALL IN LOVE WITH OUR HOMETOWN
GLIMPSE YOUR #ROLLINSLIFE
Get an insider’s perspective on life at Rollins by meeting current students who were in your shoes not long ago. You’ll get a firsthand feel for our tight-knit community and countless opportunities to explore different interests—we’re talking club and recreational sports, Greek life, cultural orgs, arts collectives, service-based groups, and even starting your own student organization.
Stroll down Park Avenue, just steps from campus, and discover all that awaits you in our safe, welcoming community of Winter Park. From boutique shops and local eats to museums and sunny green spaces, it’s the perfect blend of small-town warmth and big-city opportunity. 5 6 4 4 5 6
MEET YOUR PROFESSORS
9 8 7 8 9
Connect one-on-one with your future professors who are as invested in your success as you are. Rollins is ranked No. 1 among regional universities in the South for our commitment to teaching undergraduates. Not only will faculty know your name—they’ll know your goals and dreams and will help you achieve them.
SIT IN ON A CLASS
Join one of our classes to discover what we mean by “personalized learning.” With intimate, discussiondriven classes—where the average size is 17 and the student-faculty ratio is 11:1—it’s no surprise we’re ranked among the nation’s top 25 for classroom experience.
CHECK OUT OUR DIGS
See what it’s like to live and learn on America’s most beautiful campus on the shores of Lake Virginia. From Lakeside Neighborhood’s resort-style amenities to Ward Hall’s cozy charm, Rollins redefines college living.
Engage, Explore, Excel
Our small, discussion-driven classes put you at the center of the conversation, where learning is up close and personal.
Stepping into some college classrooms can be overwhelming—rows of seats stretching endlessly, a professor lecturing from a distant podium. Not at Rollins. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and an average of just 17 students per class, you’re not a spectator—you’re a key player in dynamic discussions. Here, your professors don’t just lecture—they listen, challenge, and guide. Whether you’re dissecting German literature, unraveling complex mathematical theories, or analyzing Taylor Swift’s latest
promotional campaign, you’ll make connections across disciplines and develop critical skills like communication, collaboration, and problemsolving in a setting that values your perspective and teaches you how to think—not what to think. It’s no wonder that we rank among the nation’s top 25 for best classroom experience and No. 1 among regional universities in the South for our commitment to teaching undergraduates. So go ahead—take a seat, any seat. At Rollins, no matter where you sit, you’re in the middle of the action.
The future isn’t about having the right answer and memorizing a bunch of facts. The future is about asking really good questions, thinking critically, communicating your ideas well to others, building relationships, and solving problems—and that’s what an interdisciplinary liberal arts education at Rollins prepares you to do.
Jay Kirkley MPhil Candidate, University of Cambridge
The professors at Rollins put a lot of care into your future— they really want to help you succeed—and they give you a lot of attention both in and outside the classroom. The resources I gained from Rollins have helped me become a more well-rounded person, to be able to think on my feet, be in uncomfortable situations, and trust myself.”
Hayley Stoddard CRM and Marketing Analytics Analyst, Travel + Leisure Co.
“In Rollins classrooms, I developed skills I use every day in my career. Whether it was collaborating on projects, presenting ideas, or thinking critically about problems, I was always encouraged to engage and participate. Those experiences built my confidence in communicating, working with diverse teams, and solving challenges creatively.”
Nicole Edoziem Software Engineer, Samsara
60+ Paths to a Transformative Education
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
American Studies*
Anthropology*
Art (Studio)*
Art History*
Asian Studies*
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology*
Biology*
Business (International)*
Business (Management)*
Business (Social Entrepreneurship)*
Chemistry*
Classical Studies*
Communication Studies*
Computer Science*
Critical Media & Cultural Studies*
Economics*
Elementary Education*
English*
Environmental Studies* History*
International Relations*
Latin American & Caribbean Studies*
Marine Biology
Mathematics*
Music*
Philosophy*
Physics*
Political Science*
Pre-Engineering
Psychology*
Public Policy & Political Economy
Religious Studies*
Sociology*
Spanish*
Theatre Arts*
* Also offered as a minor
UNDERGRADUATE MINORS ONLY
African & African American Studies
Archaeology
Australian Studies
Cultural Anthropology
Dance
Data Analytics
Ethics
Film Studies
French
Global Health
Jewish Studies
Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Neuroscience
Secondary Education
Sexuality, Women’s, & Gender Studies
Sustainable Development & the Environment
Writing
ACCELERATED PATHWAYS
Accelerated Management Program (3/2 BA/MBA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (BA/MA)
Education (BA/MA)
Engineering (BA/BS)
Human Resources (BA/MA)
Liberal Studies (BA/MA)
Public Health (BA/MA
Strategic Communication (BA/MA)
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Allied Health
Dentistry
Law
Medicine
Optometry
Podiatry
Veterinary Medicine
START HERE TAKE THE QUIZ
HOW WILL I FIND MY FIT?
You’ll feel at home at Rollins before you know it. From 100-plus student organizations that encompass everything from intramural sports and student media to cultural clubs and service initiatives, avenues for discovery and community abound. Dedicated resources like the Center for Campus Involvement and the Center for Inclusion & Belonging ensure that you have safe, welcoming spaces on our close-knit campus to explore passions, uncover new interests, and forge lasting connections. Take this quiz to see where at Rollins you’ll find the best outlet for being you.
Soaking up creativity and culture
Where do you feel more at home?
Staying active and taking action
Expressing myself through the arts
Which activity lights you up?
Which appeals to you more?
Breaking a sweat and crushing goals
FIND YOUR STAGE
Rollins offers endless opportunities to explore passions across the arts. Whether performing with the Rollins Dance Company, joining the Rollins Singers, or getting involved with the Rollins Museum of Art, you’ll find creative outlets, build connections, and hone key skills in collaboration and communication.
Expressing myself through media
SHARE YOUR VOICE
Calling all budding DJs, podcasters, journalists, and storytellers. Rollins offers several vibrant student media outlets, including The Sandspur, our studentrun newspaper, The Independent magazine, literary arts journal Brushing, and WPRK, Central Florida’s only college radio station.
GET MOVING
Indoors, outdoors, on the water, on land—at Rollins, we have an activity to suit everyone’s individual style. From paddleboarding on Lake Virginia and yoga classes on the lawn to pickleball and esports, our recreational, intramural, and clubsports offerings make it easy to stay fit without ever leaving campus.
Finding a tight-knit squad
Helping others
Community engagement
What’s your service style?
Advocacy
SERVE OTHERS
Service is at the heart of Rollins’ mission, with students embracing community engagement through Immersion programs, service-learning courses, and campus initiatives like the Social Impact Hub and Student Support Foundation. Give back while also cultivating leadership skills and creating meaningful change locally and globally.
LEAD CHANGE
Rollins empowers students to lead and advocate through organizations like the nonpartisan Democracy Project, Rollins Democrats, Rollins Republicans, and the Student Government Association—all of which provide channels for engaging with the civic process and becoming a responsible citizen at Rollins and beyond.
Are you driven by your identity and/or specific interests?
100 percent
Not sure yet
BUILD COMMUNITY
Opportunities to find likeminded folks at Rollins are as numerous as they are diverse. From academic clubs like Model UN to cultural organizations like the Black Student Union to Rollins Greek Life, there are so many ways to broaden your worldview, connect with your identity, and make friends for life.
START YOUR OWN CLUB
Don’t see your perfect match? You can always start your own club like Joseph Pool, who founded Breaking Bread to bridge divides and inspire connection through shared meals and conversation. At Rollins, you have the freedom to dream big and the opportunity to turn those dreams into reality.
Inside a ROLLINS Res Hall
Embracing Difference
“I’ve learned so much from living in close quarters with students of many interests and backgrounds, whether it’s different races and ethnicities, genders, sexuality, religion, or academic disciplines,” shares communication major Jaheim Morris. “Living with people with distinct identities and perspectives allows us the chance to grow as global citizens and responsible leaders.”
Expert Guides
As a first-year student, you’ll live and learn in select res halls alongside classmates from your Rollins College Conference (RCC) course, a cohort-based class that acts as a roadmap for your Rollins journey. You’ll explore diverse topics and meet regularly with both your RCC professor—who acts as your first dedicated advisor—and your peer mentor, a second-, third-, or fourth-year Tar who helps you navigate college life.
We’re giving you an inside look at our livinglearning communities—purposefully designed spaces that support every aspect of college life.
Our 19 residence halls are more than just a comfy place to lay your head at night. They’re vibrant living-learning communities where you can collaborate on group projects, attend class, grab a workout, and cook dinner with your besties. Find out what it’s like to live, learn, eat, and play at Rollins.
Easy Eats
In the busy life of a college student, convenience is key, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality. In Lakeside Neighborhood, for example, you can grab cinnamon French toast hot off the grill or take advantage of even quicker options like fresh fruit salad or delicious pre-made sandwiches on your way to class or a meeting with your study group.
Beyond Basic
When it comes to digs, we’ve got options—from shared rooms with spacious common areas to apartment-style suites featuring full kitchens and private bathrooms. Maybe your room overlooks our very own white-sand beach or is just upstairs from your favorite dining spot or boasts epic views of shimmering Lake Virginia. No matter where you land, you won’t be far from seizing every opportunity Rollins has to offer.
Community Connections
Searching for ways to connect and get involved? Our residence halls don’t just house students—they house offices dedicated to everything from residential life and campus involvement to accessibility services. Some of our res halls have a faculty-in-residence living alongside students, while well-trained resident assistants who facilitate in-hall programming, support, and mentorship are always just down the hall.
Wellness Wins
“For me, the gym and mental health are inseparable because being physically fit really helps my mindset overall,” says communication major Vern Andrews. “At the fitness center and movement studio in Lakeside Neighborhood, I can work out solo or join group fitness classes. I like staying active because it keeps me moving forward, wards off stagnation, and helps me focus on my holistic wellness.”
Stronger Together
At Rollins, your education is powered by relationships. All of our living-learning communities feature dedicated collaborative spaces designed to foster unity and enhance the personalized learning experience, promoting both planned and impromptu dialogue while facilitating study sessions, student organization meetings, faculty discussions, and brainstorming huddles on a daily basis.
Essential Experience
This past summer, international business major Michael Lagessie was one of only two students chosen for a highly selective internship at Universal Orlando Resort. Focused on merchandise operations, he helped manage the sales, inventory, and talent within his assigned location and supported Universal’s warehouse, purchasing, visual, human resources, and finance teams. Lagessie’s experience is one of countless examples of Rollins students who have utilized our Center for Career & Life Planning to secure some of the world’s most prestigious internships, gaining the kind of real-world experience demanded by employers across industries. For Lagessie, his internship proved to be a career-defining move that has led to a coveted finance role at Universal and launched his dream career in the hospitality and theme park industry.
“ ”
At Rollins, I’ve learned how to break up my large goals into smaller goals, and I’ve learned the importance of networking and hands-on experience. I don’t think I would’ve been able to land the Universal internship without the foundation and connections I’ve built at Rollins.
— Michael Lagessie
Where Our Grads Intern
Here are a few of the many top companies and organizations where our students are gaining real-world experience and developing a competitive advantage.
No one can predict what the world will look like four years from now. That uncertainty might shake some—but not our grads. A Rollins education equips our students to excel, no matter what the future holds.
In a world that’s changing faster than ever, you need an education that will always keep you a few steps ahead of the curve. An education that prepares you not just for your first job but for a lifetime of learning and leadership. An education like Rollins’ innovative, interdisciplinary approach to the liberal arts, which helps our students build the broad-based knowledge, deep expertise, and timeless tools they need to thrive no matter what the future throws at them.
When you leave Rollins, you won’t just be prepared for the future—you’ll be ready to help shape it. For proof, look no further than our grads who are excelling in careers and fields that were only starting to emerge when they were students.
Working in sustainability, there are no blackand-white solutions. At Rollins, I learned how to be a critical thinker, which has been foundational to all the career moves I’ve made.”
Kimberly Schlaepfer | Director of Climate Mitigation & Resiliency Planning, Lotus Engineering and Sustainability
Rollins taught me to adapt, switch topics, think through problems from a different lens, break down tough concepts, and know what questions to ask.”
Grace Marshall | Business Strategy Consultant, Energy and Minerals, Deloitte
The Ability to Adapt
Before John Schade co-founded Dry Brew, a company that produces an innovative waterless coffee product, he was majoring in economics at Rollins. And before that, he was studying biochemistry. At Rollins, the freedom Schade had to explore—and the diverse experiences he had while doing so—fostered a deep curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit that have led to his success in the startup space.
“At Rollins, I wasn’t afraid to try something new,” says Schade. “I don’t know many other schools where you have the option to pick up and try everything if you want to. That’s what I loved about Rollins, and that’s what helped me grow into a curious person.”
As a business strategy consultant for the energy and mineral sector at Deloitte, Grace Marshall is constantly vacillating between subjects and ideas and adapting unique approaches depending on the situation—an ability she credits to her time at Rollins as a history and political science double major.
“I work across multiple countries and a lot of different fields of energy,” says Marshall. “I might be talking about rare earth elements in Angola, and then later I’m talking about wind turbines in Greenland. Rollins taught me to adapt, switch topics, think through problems from a different lens, break down tough concepts, and know what questions to ask.”
Critical Connections
According to a recent survey from the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), over 90 percent of employers say it’s important for graduates to gain interdisciplinary knowledge. Our interdisciplinary general education curriculum— Rollins Foundations in the Liberal Arts (RFLA)—is designed to engage students in complex problems that cannot be solved in isolation.
“The structure of RFLA integrates multiple ways of knowing and doing so that students are more
equipped and more agile and better prepared to solve the world’s problems,” says RFLA director Lucy Littler. “We emphasize the development of information literacy—which focuses on the ability to research, to know when you need information to solve a problem, and then how to find it, evaluate it, apply it, and think critically before making an informed decision.”
This approach made a big difference for students like Schade, who remembers an RFLA capstone course he took about what makes America unique.
“We focused on the combination of jazz music, baseball, and national parks and examined America from these three very different angles,” says Schade. “This is exactly what I do in my role as a business owner whether I’m interacting with a customer, managing employees, or meeting with an investor. All require wildly different approaches, and that’s something I learned at Rollins and have been able to build on throughout my career.”
This concept of understanding and embracing difference has also proved a key piece of confronting cross-functional problems for Kiefer Hurst in his role as manager of strategy and operations for AI and machine learning at DoorDash.
“Rollins gave me the ability to connect the dots— from bridging data science with customer experience to aligning AI technologies with business strategy,” says Hurst, who majored in business. “In a field that’s constantly evolving, the ability to adapt, solve problems, and think critically across disciplines has been invaluable in tackling complex challenges and driving meaningful innovation.”
Learning How to Think
Kimberly Schlaepfer, director of climate mitigation and resiliency planning at Lotus Engineering and Sustainability, majored in international relations but took courses in everything from economics and history to language and culture, which gave her a deeper understanding of public policy. As she reflects
In a field that’s constantly evolving, the ability to adapt, solve problems, and think critically across disciplines has been invaluable in tackling complex challenges and driving meaningful innovation.”
Kiefer Hurst | Manager of Strategy & Operations for AI and Machine Learning, DoorDash
on developing competencies across different fields, she points to the value of critical thinking as an edge she says continues to shape her success.
“At Rollins, I learned to think critically about the information I had, which helped me learn that there may be a solution that sounds good on paper but might not be the right fit for a community,” she says. “When working in sustainability, there are no black-and-white solutions. Through classwork as well as student-led initiatives like EcoRollins, I became a sharp critical thinker, which has been foundational to all the career moves I’ve made.”
Marshall, who works with geophysicists and engineers on a daily basis, stresses the importance of her ability to approach technical material with a critical, curious eye.
“Breaking complex concepts into simpler pieces is so helpful,” she says. “I’m able to look at a problem and then think about the multiple ways it can be tackled and solved. Understanding things like English literature and history and economics has made that possible—learning how to look at the world and really understand different viewpoints and how they can come together to create a solution.”
Learning for Life
“Rollins’ approach to education is deeply connected to civic, personal, and professional life beyond college,” says Littler. “Regardless of discipline or career path, we focus on giving
students transferable skills through in-person, interdisciplinary, experiential learning. At larger institutions, you’re lucky to get into a physical classroom, and very little attention is paid to how students are learning. At Rollins, we care about your success and want to make sure you’re showing up and taking advantage of all the resources available.”
With the foundation that Rollins provides— expertise in an area of study, broad knowledge across multiple disciplines, and the development of essential skills like adaptability and critical thinking— grads like Schade, Marshall, Schlaepfer, and Hurst are shaping the future and ready for the next sharp turn on their journey.
“I hadn’t even really heard of AI when I was at Rollins,” says Hurst. “It was my time as an undergrad, though, that grew my curiosity and pushed me toward wanting to work in a field where things are evolving. When you’re trying to stay ahead in an industry that’s constantly redefining itself, it means embracing learning as an ongoing process. That curiosity and drive to learn have helped me make meaningful contributions in a cutting-edge career that I love.”
I wasn’t afraid to try something new. I don’t know many other schools where you have the option to pick up and try everything if you want to. That’s what I loved about Rollins, and that’s what helped me grow into a curious person.”
John Schade | Co-founder, Dry Brew
Three recent Rollins grads make the case that Orlando is the best city in America to start your career.
You probably know Rollins’ hometown as one of the most fun cities on the planet, but did you know it’s also one of the nation’s top cities for young professionals? It’s true: WalletHub just ranked Orlando the second-best place in America to start your career. To find out why Orlando is such an ideal location to live and work, we caught up with Mariah Haskell, Reed Andary, and Beatriz Olivieri—three recent Rollins grads who are doing fascinating things in The City Beautiful.
THE CREATOR
From Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is best known as one of the entertainment capitals of the world. There’s so much to do that it’s basically impossible to be bored. Having some of the world’s biggest and best entertainment companies also translates to a ton of professional opportunities for grads like Mariah Haskell, who is a ride show engineer at Universal.
MARIAH
HASKELL Associate Engineer of Show Control, Universal Creative Majors: Computer Science and Theatre
What do you do as a Universal engineer? I help design and maintain the control systems that power your favorite rides and experiences. It’s a lot of project management, problem solving, and technical nitty gritty that helps ensure that our guests have a seamless, immersive experience.
What’s your favorite part of the job? It’s so cool to be part of this giant piece of art that brings so much joy to so many people. I’ve always loved the parks, and now it’s really cool to be on the other side of it—to help create all of these thrilling experiences that are going to create all these amazing memories for millions of people.
You double-majored in computer science and theatre. How did that prepare you for this role? It was that combination that landed me this job, and I genuinely don’t think I could have done something like that at another school. I needed a place like Rollins where you have the space to really figure out what you like and what you want to do—even if it’s a wild combination like computer science and theatre. Then Rollins is like, “Go for it, we’ll support you every step of the way.”
THE CHANGEMAKER
Orlando is jam-packed with thrills and adventure, but the city has a lot more going on than just nonstop fun. It’s also a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship and has been ranked among the best cities in the country to start a business. To learn more about the techy side of Orlando, we took a ride with Reed Andary, who works in business development for autonomous mobility startup Beep.
REED ANDARY
Founding Sales Development Lead, Beep Autonomous Mobility
Major: Social Entrepreneurship
Can you tell us a little bit more about Beep? Beep is the leading company in autonomous vehicle deployment. We were founded in 2019, and our headquarters in Orlando is the largest and longest-tenured autonomous vehicle network in the country.
What do you do at Beep? I’m in sales development, so every day I’m reaching out to municipalities, airports, universities, and private businesses to show them how Beep can help them reduce congestion and carbon emissions, increase road safety, and extend mobility. I love that I’m helping build something that’s going to have a positive impact in the world.
How do you think Rollins prepared you for this work? I was a social entrepreneurship
major, and that helped me develop a lot of tools around understanding challenges and building sustainable solutions to address them. There was a big focus on presentations and research, so that really enhanced my ability to tell a story and build relationships with some pretty highprofile people—from politicians to CEOs.
OBJECTIVELY AMAZING
We know what you’re thinking: “Of course you think Orlando’s great—you live there.” Well, we’re far from alone in our praise. WalletHub—a personal finance firm that specializes in expertly researched reports—has ranked Orlando among the nation’s best cities in a range of categories, from the best places to find a job to the top food scenes.
NO. 1 Best Large Cities to Start a Business
NO. 2 Best Place to Start a Career
NO. 2 Most Fun Cities
TOP 3 College Towns
TOP 3 Best Foodie Cities
TOP 10 Best Cities for Jobs
TOP 10 Best Cities for STEM Professionals
TOP 15 Most Diverse Cities
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION
Orlando’s startup credentials are undeniable, but the city is also home to some of the world’s largest companies—from Amazon to Siemens. To learn more about that side of Orlando, we caught up with Beatriz Olivieri, an environmental, social, and governance business analyst at Travel + Leisure Co., one of several major companies with headquarters in The City Beautiful.
BEATRIZ OLIVIERI
ESG Analyst, Travel + Leisure Co.
Major: International Relations
What’s your favorite part of your job? I love getting to see the impact that our work can have across this really big company. Travel + Leisure has nearly 300 resorts and provides more than 6 million vacations a year, so even small changes can trickle down and create a much larger impact.
You actually got this job because of a connection you made as a Rollins student, right? Yes. I was paired with one of my current directors, Hannah Ricci, a fellow Rollins alum, through Rollins’ Career Champions alumni mentorship program. She was already working in the field I wanted to go into, so connecting with her helped me know for sure that this was what I wanted to do. We stayed in touch after I graduated, and when I finished my master’s, she helped me land this role.
You did your master’s at a school in the Northeast. Did you always plan on coming back to Orlando? I considered moving to New York City, but the weather wasn’t for me. I grew up in Brazil, so Orlando is a much better fit. It’s kind of the best of both worlds because there’s always something going on like sports and concerts, but we also have a lot of nature so you’re able to disconnect and unwind too.
LAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Orlando is home to more than 76,000 companies, forming one of the largest business bases in the nation. Here are a few of the many companies with headquarters or regional operations right in our backyard.
AAA
AdventHealth
BNY Mellon
Darden Restaurants
Deloitte EA Sports
KPMG
JetBlue
Lockheed Martin
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Siemens
Travel + Leisure
Verizon
The Walt Disney Company
WHAT IT’S LIKE
MY FIRST SEMESTER AT ROLLINS
From move-in day to meeting professors and fellow classmates, picture your first semester at Rollins through the eyes of first-year student Ava Bartolomucci.
Having attended a small school in Virginia for high school, Ava Bartolomucci was certain she wanted a small, personalized college experience where she could explore new interests, forge meaningful relationships, and discover the opportunities of a new location in a safe and welcoming community. Hear from Bartolomucci in her own words as she reflects on her first semester at Rollins and how she’s more excited than ever to embark on the best four years of her life.
Home Sweet Home
“Leaving home, I was nervous about feeling out of place, but the tight-knit community and super-supportive professors have made the transition way easier than I expected. I love living in Strong Hall and have met so many friends through my res hall. It didn’t take long before Rollins started feeling like home.”
Kinetic Classes
“My first semester I took Intro to Communications, Voice & Speech, and Critical Media 100. I liked my communications class so much that I’m thinking about majoring in it. I love the small class sizes at Rollins. It’s easy to raise my hand and ask questions without feeling lost in a huge lecture hall.”
Roadmap to Success
“I loved my Rollins College Conference class—it’s a great way to start your Rollins experience. It’s a seminar class you take your first semester, and the professor is your first advisor. My class was Only in Florida with English professor Emily Russell. It was a great bonding experience with other first-years, and Professor Russell provided such an engaging and comfortable learning environment.”
Staying Active
“Every week, there’s Pilates and Zumba at the Alfond Sports Center, and I love going with my friends. It’s such a fun way to take a break from homework and just let loose. And with everything being so close on campus, it’s easy to drop in before or after class.”
Never Alone
“People really care at Rollins. In addition to the professors, there’s so much support available, including accessibility, the Wellness Center, student outreach services, and more. If I have any questions, people are always there to help—everyone from my peer mentors and faculty advisor to staff members and my RA.”
Trying New Things
“I joined Rollins Players, which is a theater social group, and participated in the Expressions dance concert. It was such a blast—I made a lot of friends. I also did crew for the Bike America play, helping out backstage and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the theater department works.”
Part of a Community
“SPARC Day during Welcome Week brings together all new students for a day of service in the community. My group went to a Title I school and painted walls, cleaned and organized classrooms, and sorted items for the teachers. It was one of my favorite parts of the week. I loved helping people while bonding with my RCC classmates and Professor Russell.”
Campus Cravings
“The Tex-Mex cafe has become my go-to. Even when I’m in a rush, mobile ordering makes it super easy. But hands-down, my favorite thing is the orange chicken from the main dining hall. My friends and I legit flood the dining team’s suggestion inbox asking for more, and they’re awesome about taking feedback from students.”
Disney Days & Hometown Hangs
“I love going to Disney on the weekends— it’s only about 30 minutes away. I also love grabbing coffee at one of the local cafes on Park Avenue with friends, checking out the shops, and trying out new restaurants. It’s the perfect way to vibe with new people and explore the area.”
“No matter where the future leads, I know I'm not facing it alone. With incredible new friends and the unwavering support of Rollins faculty and staff, I feel truly supported as I embark on my college journey.
At Rollins, we connect you to the right people with the right resources at the right time so you don’t ever fall through the cracks.
theSupport t Succeed
Before moving into her dorm and before walking into her first official class as a college student, Ciara Bibbs had already spent a month living at Rollins. She had connected with a handful of campus resources, completed two courses, and made critical connections. Bibbs is part of Rollins’ RISE program, which is designed to better prepare students for the academic rigor of college.
RISE is just one example of how Rollins is meeting students where they are and giving them the tools they need to thrive. Don’t just take our word for it: Rollins regularly ranks in the nation’s top 25 schools for student support, so when we say we’ve got your back, we mean it. From academics to mental health, explore a few of the many ways you’ll get the support you need at Rollins to find and fulfill your purpose.
The Right Tools
Through regular workshops and ongoing services, academic resources like our STEM Hub and Tutoring & Writing Center (TWC) are always there to give you the extra help you need navigating challenging subjects.
“I love any opportunity to tell students that not doing well on a quiz or a test doesn’t mean that you aren’t smart. It doesn’t mean you aren’t able to perform well in this class. It just means your system hasn’t lined up with what you’re being asked to do.” — Layne Porta, Director of the Tutoring & Writing Center
Professors Who Care
Thanks to our small class sizes and emphasis on human connection, our faculty get to know students individually, notice when they’re struggling, and connect them to the right resources. Look no further than Bibbs’ experience with her first faculty advisor, sociology professor Amy Armenia, who she calls Dr. A.
“Dr. A knew family-wise what had been going on the past couple of years, so I went to her and warned her: ‘I might try to come to you and say I want to leave. Don’t let me.’
She said, ‘I got you,’ and asked me to tell her what was going on. So I sat and told her everything. We’ve built that understanding where I know she’s always there for me.”
— Ciara Bibbs, Political Science Major
Staying Healthy and Well
Health and wellness are at the core of a Rollins education. In fact, The Princeton Review recently ranked the College’s health services among the top 10 in the nation. Our Wellness Center handles everything from routine exams to urgent care to mental health support, and it’s easy to stay active and fit on America’s most beautiful campus.
Getting a Head Start
Rollins offers several prematriculation programs like RISE, EMBARK, and Bonner Leaders—a
service-based cohort—that prepare students to thrive academically and socially once classes begin.
“EMBARK really helped shape my perspective, and I use the program’s principles like empathy every day in my personal and professional life.” — Carla Daza, Data Scientist, Target
24/7 Mental Health Support
Sometimes we need someone to talk to about things big and small. That’s normal and we’re here to help—whether it’s through ongoing support like individual or group counseling or our Rollins Mental Health Helpline, which is available around the clock.
Finding Your Fit
We have 100-plus student organizations on campus—from arts collectives and cultural cohorts to academic societies and servicebased groups. And if none of them spark your interest, you can always start your own. At Rollins, we give you the freedom to do you.
“Joining the dance team was such a great way to make friends, especially with older students who I could ask about professors or classes. This really helped me find my place at Rollins.” — Sydney Knight, Client Services Associate, GW&K Investment Management
11 REASONS ROLLINS EATS
1.
We give you what you want. We’re constantly listening to student feedback and designing menus that students are hungry for. Think mile-high burgers, handcrafted falafel bowls, and our legendary buffalo chicken (or tofu) salad.
2.
The Princeton Review recently named Rollins No. 11 for best campus dining, cementing the College as a dining destination that keeps bringing hungry, health-conscious students back for more.
At Rollins, you don’t have to eat the same thing every day. Or you can if you want to. See, we cater to every preference and palate with as much freedom as we give you to explore your passions and find your unique purpose. The Best Campus Food ranking is the latest in a long line of accolades for Rollins dining, which over the past several years has gained quite the culinary cachet everywhere from Niche and College Consensus to The Daily Meal and PETA2. Explore 11 of our favorite reasons the experts agree that Rollins deserves a (prime) seat at the table.
We even have a Culinary Council. It’s made up of students and members of the dining team who meet once a month to discuss menu recommendations.
4.
3. This is not your parents’ college dining hall.
Think of The Marketplace—Rollins’ main dining venue—as the food court of your dreams, with dedicated food stations for woodfired pizza, fresh sushi, pasta, sandwiches, kosher and international cuisine, plus lots more.
We have options galore.
In addition to The Marketplace, we have five more dining locations on campus, each one catering to a different taste and style.
5.
Our Tex-Mex cafe rivals Chipotle.
It’s true. The Cornell Cafe serves made-to-order burritos, fresh salads and bowls, homemade tortilla chips, and some of the best guacamole you’ll ever taste.
6.
Former Ritz-Carlton
chef Mark Kaba leads our dining team.
Since his arrival, Kaba has elevated our campus cuisine with a focus on freshness, quality, and innovative flavor profiles.
7.
Rollins’ signature personalized approach extends to our dining services. Being vegan or vegetarian, keeping Kosher, or having other dietary restrictions doesn’t mean you miss out on options or flavor. Favorites like vegan jambalaya and lentil shepherd’s pie go way beyond a salad bar (although our salad bars are fire).
8.
We’re a Fair Trade campus.
In fact, we became Florida’s first Fair Trade campus back in 2013. All seafood on Rollins’ campus is certified sustainable.
9.
Our grab-and-go game is on point.
Between the Bush Cafe, The Grind, Fox Lodge Grill, and our market-style C-Store, you can grab your daily Starbucks, an acai bowl, a power smoothie, or a pre-made sandwich on your way to class.
10.
Our leisure game scores big too.
Got a little time before your study session? Grab a made-to-order Cuban sandwich, our famous Angry Bird chicken sandwich, or a buffalo chicken flatbread, and enjoy it poolside or overlooking Lake Virginia.
11.
Top-notch cuisine isn’t confined to campus.
Our hometown of Winter Park is a foodie scene unto itself, with everything from epic brunch fare and Michelin-starred chefs to classic comfort food and epic sweet treats. Some spots offer discounts to Rollins students, which makes a night out with friends even more fun.
Ask Us Anything!
Rollins admission counselors and current students answer the questions they receive most frequently.
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From applications to financial aid, navigating the college decision process can be a journey. We get it—that’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. As a sample of that support, we asked a few of our admission counselors and students to answer the questions they most often receive at college fairs, on campus visits, and during video chats. At Rollins, we’re always ready to answer your questions—no matter how big or how small they may seem.
HOW DO I MAKE MY APPLICATION STAND OUT?
Admission counselors like it when we can tell that a student has put effort and care into their application. That can be as simple as proofreading your essay and utilizing each section of the application to help us get to know you better. Demonstrating your interest is also big because we want students who really want to be at Rollins. You can show interest by visiting campus or meeting us at a local event at your school. Since we know that’s not an option for everyone, showing interest could be as simple as reaching out to your admission counselor and introducing yourself. Authenticity is also important. Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear—we want you to be true to who you are. — Fran Vanegas, Associate Director of Admission
HOW DO I APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? All you have to do is submit your application because at Rollins every applicant is automatically considered for academic and merit-based scholarships.
Students who apply Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) receive priority consideration for scholarships, so applying by the November 15 deadline can really pay off. Scholarships range from $15,000 to $33,000 per year and can be renewed annually. Rollins is also very good about stacking outside scholarships, and all students should complete the FAFSA to be considered for state and federal need-based aid as well as Rollins grants. — Anne Miller, Admission Counselor
WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ROLLINS? I HAVE AN IEP (504 PLAN, ADHD, ETC.). WILL I HAVE SUPPORT AT ROLLINS?
Around a fifth of Rollins students are registered with our Office of Accessibility Services. Their team works with students privately and individually to transition their high-school 504 or IEP plan to college. Typical accommodations include testing adjustments, note-taking assistance, alternative textbooks, and course substitutions, and they’re tailored to each student’s course schedule and personal goals. — Frank Thomas, Senior Assistant Director of Admission
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT A PRIVATE INSTITUTION VS. PUBLIC? Private colleges are generally smaller and provide easier access to resources, fostering a close-knit community where students can form strong connections. These strong connections with faculty, for example, are not only helpful within the classroom, but are also important for references,
mentorship, and job opportunities. However, private colleges receive less federal funding, which often results in higher tuition costs. Public universities tend to have more students, leading to bigger class sizes and more competition for support and resources. The choice really depends on a student’s preference for a more intimate academic setting or a larger university experience. — Mayra Villamizar, Assistant Director of Admission
DO I HAVE TO DECLARE MY MAJOR WHEN I APPLY? No. You can indicate major preferences when you apply, but you don’t need to declare your major until you’re ready—usually after your first year. In fact, the first-year experience at Rollins is designed to help you explore. I indicated an interest in international business when I applied to Rollins, and I was able to take a class that focused on the basics of international business my first semester. That experience really solidified that this was the right major for me. — Paige Petty, Admission Diplomat, International Business Major
DO I HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING IN PLACE (TEST SCORES, TRANSCRIPT, ETC.) BEFORE I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION? No, you don’t need to wait until you have every last thing ready. In fact, you should submit your application as soon as possible to take advantage of the priority consideration for admission and scholarships that comes with applying by the ED and EA deadlines on November 15. Think about your application as a work in progress because things like test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation can—and inevitably will—be submitted after your initial application. — Sydney Moy, Admission Diplomat, Biology Major
IF I APPLY WITHOUT TEST SCORES, WILL IT AFFECT MY SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES? No, students who apply test-optional are eligible for all levels of merit scholarship, including the Alfond Scholars Program, which covers tuition, room, and an unlimited meal plan. Generally, I tell students that test scores can only help you, especially if your test scores are near our median range (1240–1330) or anywhere in the high 1100s. That said, a little more than half of Rollins applicants apply without test scores. Minus that piece, we rely a bit more on the other pieces of your application (essay, letters of recommendation, service, etc.). Regardless, every Rollins applicant is automatically considered for scholarships, and students who apply ED or EA receive priority consideration for both admission and scholarships. — Hannah Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Admission
DO STUDENTS DO RESEARCH AND INTERNSHIPS WHILE AT ROLLINS?
Yes, Rollins puts a real emphasis on applied learning. All students have the opportunity to participate in the Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program, where students partner with professors on original research projects. I know the research I’ve done at Rollins has given me a leg up as I head to grad school. For internships, our Center for Career & Life Planning does a great job of connecting students to opportunities and making sure they have everything they need to land those positions. I’ve done two internships, and both helped me understand what I want to do professionally and gave me experience that I know will pay off down the road. — Evan Link, Admission Diplomat, Public Policy and Political Economy and International Business Double Major
MORE QUESTIONS?
From campus visits to chats with our counselors and students, scan here or head to rollins.college/visit to discover all the ways you can learn more about Rollins.
60+
Areas of study
100+ Student clubs and organizations
11:1
17 Average class size
90+ International programs
SELECT AWARDS & RANKINGS
No. 1 Private Regional University in the South
U.S. News & World Report, 2019–2025
No. 1 Regional University in the South for Commitment to Teaching Undergraduates
U.S. News & World Report, 2019, 2021, 2025
Top 20 in the Nation for Student Support
The Princeton Review, 2024
Top 10 Best Value School
U.S. News & World Report, 2023
Top 25 Best Classroom Experiences
The Princeton Review, 2023–2025
ACCESS TO AID
Student-faculty ratio 94% percentage of students who receive financial aid
21 NCAA Division II Athletic Teams Finish in Four
Learn more about Rollins’ four-year graduation guarantee: rollins.college/finish-in-four.
Top Producer of Fulbright Students
U.S. Department of State, 2013–2017, 2019–2025
Top 5 Nationally for Academic and Athletic Excellence NCAA, 2011–2025
Top 15 Best Campus Food
The Princeton Review, 2025
Top 10 for Percentage of Students Who Study Abroad Institute for International Education, 2013–2024
Investing in your education is a proven payoff, and we can help you maximize your returns.
$98M amount students receive annually in state, federal, and Rollins resources $40K average aid package for enrolling first-years with demonstrated need $15K$33K annual range for partial merit scholarships
Scan here or visit rollins.college/finaid to learn more about your financial aid options at Rollins.
NO LIMITS
Rollins first gave Juliette Bennie the opportunity and support she needed to leave her home of South Africa and then to see just how far she could go.
When Juliette Bennie was looking for a school in the United States, she was searching for more than just a college—she was looking for a community. She found one at Rollins. Committed to human connection, personalized attention, global education, and interdisciplinary study, the community at Rollins opened a world of possibilities for Bennie, who is now the associate director of the STEM-PERL lab at Yale University, where she’s focused on education and psychology research.
“The liberal arts foundation at Rollins was exactly what I needed—it helped me find my majors, prepared me for different fields, and kept me open-minded,” she says. “I don’t think I would’ve been as prepared for my career had I gone to another school. I built a home at Rollins, and it gave me a foundation that will guide me for life.”
Personalized Attention
“I took a class with [English professor] Jill Jones, and she saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue it as a major. Had I been in a huge lecture hall, a professor might not have recognized my strengths in the same way. Then my advisor, [English professor] Matthew Forsythe, encouraged me to double-major in economics to merge my interests and skill sets. Thanks to these professors, I earned a degree that prepared me for many different career paths.”
Borderless Education
“In the future, I’m interested in exploring how education policy can support students from different backgrounds, especially cross-cultural students. I wouldn’t even have those interests if I hadn’t been exposed to so many international classmates at Rollins and learned about the challenges they face.”
Competitive Advantage
“My time in the English department helped develop me as a writer and taught me how to convey strong arguments. In my current role, I’ve had the opportunity to work on an academic manuscript and will be the first author on it. This is a huge feat for someone just a few years out of undergrad. I credit Rollins for giving me the confidence and skills to achieve that.”
Interdisciplinary Thinking
“At Rollins, I took classes where I was doing things outside my major and outside my comfort zone. I took a biology class and an ethnographic research class. These experiences gave me the ability to draw from other disciplines. In my job now, that ability to make connections across fields and perspectives has been invaluable.”
Associate Director, STEM-PERL Lab, Yale University Majors: English and economics
Juliette Bennie
Rollins College Admission
1000 Holt Ave. — 2720
Winter Park, FL 32789
Your Future Starts Here.
Now that you’ve glimpsed what your life at Rollins could look like—finding your purpose, making lifelong friends, harnessing the fun and opportunity of Orlando—it’s time to take a closer look at all of the reasons Rollins is right for you.
Visit Us In
Person
There’s no better way to experience Rollins than to visit America’s most beautiful campus IRL. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore our hometown and find out firsthand why Orlando is a dream destination.
Chat with a Student
Get the inside scoop on life at Rollins from those who know it best: your future classmates.
Chat with a Counselor
Schedule a one-on-one video chat with your admission counselor to get your Rollins questions answered.
Take a Virtual Tour
Explore nearly 20 campus locations through interactive 360-degree photography and immersive video.
Scan here or visit rollins.college/visit to explore all the ways you can experience Rollins both in person and virtually and reserve your spot.