Stetson University

Stetson University combines academic excellence in more than 100 areas of study with rich opportunities for experiential learning beyond the classroom. In small class sizes, students receive individual attention and develop close working relationships with esteemed faculty. They encounter life-changing experiences through study abroad, internships and research. Located near beaches and theme parks in Central Florida, this vibrant and diverse campus is home to more than 100 student organizations and 18 NCAA Division I Athletics teams.

Stetson welcomes an increasingly diverse mix of students from 45 states and 56 countries, as well as from all backgrounds and faiths.

Students are encouraged to get involved on campus and will find more than 100 clubs and organizations to join.

Stetson hosts 17 fraternities and sororities, including three historically Black Greek Letter organizations. Club and intramural sports also are popular and include E-sports, surfing, spikeball and RC Racing.

Multicultural student groups include the Black Student Association, Latinx Student Union, Jewish Student Organization, Asian Pacific American Coalition and Kaleidoscope. These groups will move into a larger Cross-Cultural Center on campus for the Fall 2023 semester.

In addition, student-athletes compete as the Stetson Hatters in NCAA Division I sports with 18 intercollegiate teams, including football, basketball, baseball, softball and beach volleyball.

Students are at Stetson because they are high achievers and want to make real change, say students. "My peers...show genuine interest in a wide variety of social justice issues and express concern for the wellbeing of others" and "are always willing to go the extra mile in and out of the classroom." Within this "goal-oriented and charismatic" group of Hatters, there is "a strong international presence in a small college community" and there are "many cultural organizations that support the many international students that come from all over the world." Students say, "it's easy to get to know people and create wonderful friendships" and one of the school's big strengths "is the sense of vibrancy, warmth, and relaxation the environment has overall." Students agree that it's good to have "a diverse and well-rounded group of individuals from all backgrounds" because given the small campus, people "are found everywhere on campus in small groups and you'll likely see your friends walking past you throughout the day." The overall impression is "that everyone is happy and taken care of here."

While students take their academics seriously, the overall environment at Stetson is "very pleasant and relaxing" and "our campus and town are so beautiful." The main campus in the college town of Deland includes an expansive green where students can often be found "studying and hammocking," and "the beach is an essential part of the Stetson experience." On the weekends, the school is "filled with events, parties, or supporting the athletes" of the school's 18 Division I sports teams, and there's a big downtown scene for those looking to get away. Not that you need to, note students of the "vibrant and close-knit community," given that "there are so many [student organizations] to choose from," and that they're "lively and very inclusive." Meanwhile, the programming board "always hosts fun events [from laser tag to arcade night to concerts] for students to attend." As for the school itself, students appreciate that "Stetson constantly brings in guest speakers which allows us to...become connected to the outside world." The opportunity of such events "provides great connections for your future."