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Why Beacon?

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Uncommonly Visionary

As the first college in the nation accredited to award bachelor’s degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD, Beacon College remains committed to student success, offering academic and personal support services that help students achieve their goals. We are truly a community — welcoming, accepting, and supporting each member of it.

It is unmistakable when one enters the Beacon campus that something special is underway. The Beacon difference is in the energy of the place — emanating from devotion to a common purpose, an unwavering commitment to robust student outcomes, and the clear-eyed convictions of those in the community that our work is important and trail-blazing. There is an urgency in all that we do and for which we plan.

Our Mission

Beacon College is an accredited, liberal arts institution of higher education, which uniquely serves the educational needs of students with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other learning differences.

Our Vision

Beacon College is a competitive institution of higher education in the arts, sciences, business, and technology specifically devoted to the undergraduate preparation and success of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other learning differences. In the arena of our mission and focus, Beacon is recognized as one of the foremost American institutions in this undergraduate specialty.

Get to Know Beacon

We’re a close-knit community of diverse learners located in Leesburg, Florida! Here, students with learning differences navigate the academic rigor and expectations of college, gain hands-on career experiences, and build lifelong relationships with peers from around the world.

The best way to get to know Beacon is by seeing who we are and what our students have accomplished.

Beacon by the Numbers

Recognition and Accolades

#9 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional College

Beacon College remains in the top 10 for the third consecutive year ranking at No. 9 in the regional colleges’ rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Colleges.

See Rankings

#1 BestValueSchools.com for Students with Learning Disabilities

BestValueSchools.com rates universities, colleges, and degree programs for the best return on investment.

#5 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional College for Social Mobility

“Some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students.”

#1 Peterson’s Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities

Peterson’s pointed to Beacon’s flexibility in offering both “associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs designed for students who learn differently.”

Resources

Visit Us!

Schedule an individualized campus tour today!

Plan a Visit

Academic Majors

Learn more about nine bachelor degree programs!

Majors and Degrees

Summer for Success

Learn about our three week summer program for high school sophomores and juniors!

Summer for Success

Upcoming Events

Check out our virtual events schedule to learn more about college readiness options!

Virtual Events

Salon Speaker Series

Attend one of our free Salon Speaker Series presentations, our educational outreach for lifelong learners!

Salon Series

Apply Today

We’re here to make the application process easy for you!

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Our History

1989

Beacon College is founded. Marsha Glines presides as Beacon’s first president.

1990

D’Addario and Stoer Buildings are purchased. Beacon’s first commencement takes place.

1991

First Parents’ Weekend is celebrated. AA in Human Services is offered.

1992

Deborah Brodbeck becomes Beacon’s second president.

1993

General studies degree is added to the curriculum.

1995

Academic mentoring program is established.

1996

Beacon submits its first application for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

1997

Education building is purchased.

1999

Col. Jerald L. Thompson Mentoring Center opens.

2003

SACSCOC accreditation is attained. Construction of the Village Apartments is completed.

2004

Beacon celebrates its 15th anniversary.

2005

Three new majors are added. The Robert & Jane Weiner Writing Center opens.

2006

Palmetto Building is purchased. Minors in English/Literature and History are approved.

2009

Beacon celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2010

The Chopping Block makes its debut.

2012

The Student Center relocates. Majors in Business Management and Psychology are established. Beacon acquires vans through state grant.

2013

Beacon Hall opens its doors. Counseling Center is purchased. The Herlong Building is acquired. The new fitness center is housed in the former train depot. Center for Student Success relocates. Studio Arts building is leased, and Art major is approved.

2014

Beacon welcomes Dr. George J. Hagerty. The Founder’s Room is established and dedicated to the Resnick family. Beacon celebrates 25 years.

2015

The Navigator Cafe makes its debut. Beacon College launches the Compass Program in conjunction with the Prince Salman Center for Disability Research in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2016

Beacon College delegation testifies at a congressional briefing on the college and learning disabilities. Summer for Success program launches. College Magazine ranks Beacon College No. 2 among the top 10 most accommodating schools for pupils with learning disabilities.

2017

The Board of Trustees is named among five winners of the AGB John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership presented by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

2017

Beacon signs a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in the United Arab Emirates to expand the services provided by Beacon to those with learning disabilities who reside in Sharjah, the UAE, and regionally.

2017

BestValueSchools.com ranks Beacon No. 1 on its list of 20 Best Value Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities.

2017

The inaugural class of Beacon in Tuscany program begins in Prato, Italy.

2018

Resnick Alpern Plung (RAP) Hall opens. Beacon launches project discovery program in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Durand Garden Park opens.

2019

BestValueSchools.com ranks Beacon No. 1 on its list of 20 Best Value Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities. Peterson’s ranks Beacon No. 1 on its list of 20 Great Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities. Beacon becomes a charter member in the Global University Disability & Inclusion Network.

2020

COVID-19 impacts the college through closure and remote learning. U.S. News & World Report for the first time recognizes Beacon in the top tier of Southern colleges and universities in its “Best Colleges” regional rankings at No. 31.

2021

U.S. News & World Report again recognizes Beacon in the top tier of Southern colleges and universities in its “Best Colleges” regional rankings at No. 35. Beacon receives a $210K Fogg Trust Grant for career center expansion and critical scholarship support. Against the pandemic odds, Beacon College’s Class of 2021 represents the largest graduating class in the school’s history — a notable milestone during the COVID-19 crisis.

2022

Beacon College’s neurodiversity-focused television show “A World of Difference” earns a Bronze Award for Best Strategy, Health in February in the inaugural Anthem Awards. Beacon alum, Sam Finelli, hits the high notes while chasing his dreams as a contestant on American Idol. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Beacon in the top tier of Southern colleges and universities in its “Best Colleges” regional rankings at No. 10.

2023

Beacon College sports tips off a new era with membership in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The college introduces its new mascot, the Beacon Blazer. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Beacon in the top tier of Southern colleges and universities in its “Best Colleges” regional rankings at No. 3.

2024

The inaugural class of Beacon in Tokyo program begins.

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