New College of Florida Wins National Torch Award for Affordability
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SARASOTA, FL — New College of Florida (NCF) has received the prestigious Torch Award for Affordability from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), placing NCF at the forefront of accessible higher education in the Southeast.
New College earned the top honor among 139 Level III and Level IV institutions, demonstrating that rigorous liberal arts education can remain both academically elite and financially attainable for students of all backgrounds.
The Torch Award recognizes colleges and universities that deliver exceptional outcomes at an outstanding value. For New College, the award affirms a deeply held mission: empowering students to lead substantive, principled lives without the burden of crippling student debt.
“This award is powerful validation that excellence and affordability can go hand in hand,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “New College students receive a world-class education while avoiding the heavy debt that prevents so many young people from pursuing their dreams. This recognition underscores what makes New College so uniquely valuable—not only in Florida, but nationally.”
New College’s affordability advantage is anchored in:
- Highly competitive financial aid
- A tuition model dramatically lower than private liberal arts peers
- Innovative pathways that reduce time-to-degree and overall cost
- A commitment to open access for Florida residents
“Our students don’t have to choose between academic excellence and financial responsibility,” Corcoran added. “At New College, they get both—and they graduate ready to lead.”
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ABOUT SACSCOC Torch Awards:
The SACSCOC Torch Awards spotlight institutions that excel in institutional effectiveness and innovation. Being selected for affordability specifically distinguishes New College as a national model for fiscal stewardship, positioning the college as an attractive option for families seeking high return on educational investment.
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Jamie Miller – Vice President of Communications and Chief Marketing Officer – [email protected]