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Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Ad Astra Per Scientiam (Latin)("To the stars through science")

1958
Founded
Private research university
Type
4,152
Undergrad
5,711
Graduate
$106M
Endowment
(2024)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: John Nicklow

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech: Powering the future from the heart of the Space Coast.

Nestled in Melbourne, Florida, Florida Institute of Technology stands as a premier private research university with an unparalleled connection to the cosmos. Established in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College, its very foundation was dedicated to supporting the U.S. space program, providing advanced education for professionals driving innovation at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Today, its strategic location on Florida's Space Coast continues to offer students unique opportunities at the forefront of engineering, science, and aeronautics.

Florida Tech is recognized as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution, reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking discovery. The university is structured into four dynamic academic colleges: Engineering & Science, Aeronautics, Psychology & Liberal Arts, and Business. A significant portion of its student body, approximately half, is enrolled in the College of Engineering & Science, underscoring its deep expertise in these fields. Students benefit from an environment that fosters critical thinking and hands-on application, preparing them for impactful careers across various industries.

The vibrant 174-acre primary residential campus offers a close-knit community experience. The university honors its pioneering spirit, with seven residence halls dedicated to the memory of the fallen astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. With a diverse student body of over 5,100 on-campus and nearly 4,800 online students as of 2024, Florida Tech continues its mission to provide a transformative education, blending rigorous academics with real-world relevance, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1958 specifically to support the U.S. space program and NASA.
  • Strategically located near the Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base.
  • Designated as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution.
  • Comprises four academic colleges: Engineering & Science, Aeronautics, Psychology & Liberal Arts, and Business.
  • Boasts an on-campus student body of 5,101 and 4,762 online students as of 2024.
  • Features specialized facilities including the Ortega Observatory with a 32-inch telescope and the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training.
  • Seven residence halls are dedicated to the memory of the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts.

Timeline

1958
Founded as Brevard Engineering College by Dr. Jerome P. Keuper.
1961
Moved to its current location in Melbourne; awarded its first associate degree.
1964
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
1966
Officially changed its name to Florida Institute of Technology.
1967
The School of Aeronautics was created.
1972
Launched its first off-campus program at the request of the United States Navy.
1997
Received a significant $50 million grant from the F.W. Olin Foundation.
2003
Seven new residence halls completed and dedicated to the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts.
2009
The College of Business became the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business; online degrees also began.
2020
Broke ground for the new Health Sciences Research Center at the Olin Quad.
🏛️
68 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Florida Institute of Technology

🏫

School of Aeronautics

Created in 1967, it provides comprehensive education in aviation, flight, and aerospace sciences, further strengthened by a merger with Aerospace Technical Institute.

💼

Nathan M. Bisk College of Business

Established as the College of Business, it was renamed in 2009 in recognition of a significant contribution, offering diverse programs in business administration and management.

Leadership

John Nicklow
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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