Saint Joseph College
Jensen Beach, FL
Est. 1950, Closed 1972
Expanding Horizons.
Five years after establishing the novitiate in Jensen Beach, the Sisters of Saint Joseph achieved a major milestone when they were granted a charter to establish Saint Joseph College on the novitiate's property. This charter allowed the Sisters to expand their educational mission beyond spiritual formation.
A Path to Higher Learning
Initially serving as a junior college, Saint Joseph College provided academic credits that could be transferred to senior colleges and universities, benefiting both Sisters and novitiates in their educational pursuits.
Embracing Growth
Over time, Saint Joseph College evolved beyond its initial role, transforming into a Liberal Arts Catholic college that welcomed lay men and women. This expansion broadened its academic offerings to include majors in various fields such as science, business administration, fine arts, languages, and social sciences.
What did it cost?
The tuition cost, along with room and board, was approximately $2,800, reflecting the Sisters' commitment to making education accessible and affordable to many aspiring students.
Closing the College
By 1972, financial challenges necessitated the sale of the St. Joseph College of Florida campus to the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) for its Marine Science Program. This transaction also mandated the relocation of the novitiate, housed on the same property. In response, the Brown Hall Novitiate was constructed across the street from the Motherhouse in St. Augustine, as an addition to the existing Villa Flora property. Until 2024, Brown Hall and Villa Flora property was utilized as a Spiritual Retreat Center for religious and lay people.
