History of Daytona State College
Over 67 years, Daytona State College has evolved from a small campus into an academically superior multi-campus institution providing educational and cultural programs for the citizens of Volusia and Flagler counties.
Before becoming a college, the site of Daytona State served as the 2nd Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps Training Center during World War II, housing up to 14,000 WACs at its peak in 1943. Closed March 1944, it reopened three months later as the Welch Convalescent Center, treating wounded servicemen returning from overseas
The Florida Legislature established Daytona Beach Junior College (DBJC) in 1957 as one of the state's first comprehensive colleges. It operated in three divisions – college credit, adult education and the Mary Karl Vocational School – each functioning independently under a single president within the Volusia County School System.
In 1965, Volusia County Community College merged with DBJC. Three years later, the Florida Legislature consolidated the divisions under a single administration and an independent District Board of Trustees. In 1971, the college became Daytona Beach Community College, and in 2008, it was renamed Daytona State College to reflect its transition to a four-year institution offering workforce-focused bachelor's degrees.
Today, Daytona State offers more than 100 certificate, associate and bachelor's degree programs, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, emergency services, business, education, hospitality, engineering, project management, accounting, computer science, digital media and more. The Associate of Arts University Transfer degree provides an affordable path for students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree while saving thousands of dollars.
As a Level II state college, Daytona State offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with several options for concentrations, and seven bachelor's degrees in education: Mathematics (6-12), Biology (6-12), Earth/Space Science (6-12), Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Chemistry (6-12), Physics (6-12), and Elementary Education (K-6). Other bachelor's programs include degrees in Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Nursing, Cardiopulmonary Science and Accounting.
Committed to affordability and accessibility, Daytona State provides flexible scheduling, online learning options and some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates. Its online bachelor's programs have ranked among America’s best by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2013, and the U.S. Department of Education places Daytona State among the top 50 most affordable colleges for full-time students.
With a tradition of academic excellence and community service, Daytona State remains a key partner in regional workforce and economic development. Serving approximately 23,000 students annually, the college continues to expand its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of students and the community.