Valencia is 1st among the nation's 2-year institutions in the total number of associate
degrees awarded, 2nd in degrees awarded to Hispanics and 3rd in degrees awarded to
African-Americans.(Source: U.S. Dept. of Education)
Valencia College was founded in 1967 as Valencia Junior College. It became Valencia
Community College in 1971 and in 2011 the college changed its name to Valencia College;
its president is Sanford C. Shugart, PhD.
Twice as many high school graduates in Orange and Osceola counties start college at
Valencia than at all Florida state universities combined.
One out of four UCF graduates started at Valencia.
Since Fall 2011, Valencia College began offering bachelor degree programs. Students
on a specific career track can transfer into programs that lead to a bachelor of science
in electrical and computer engineering technology, bachelor of science in radiologic
and imaging sciences and bachelor of science in cardiopulmonary sciences. Valencia
College will also offer the bachelor of science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Applied
Science (BAS) in Supervision and Management.
Disney's Touchstone Pictures filmed part of the movie "Instinct" on Valencia's East
Campus in the Student Services Building. Actors Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding Jr.
and Donald Sutherland showed up to shoot several scenes in which the East Campus appears
as a Miami medical university. Several graduates of Valencia's Film Program worked
on the film as crew members.
Full-time tuition for an in-state student is $2,972 per year; books cost more than
$1,100 a year.
