College of Central Florida vs Santa Fe

College of Central Florida (CF) and Santa Fe College (SFC) are two well-regarded community colleges in Florida, each offering a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities. CF boasts a higher acceptance rate (100%) compared to SFC (58%), making it a more accessible option for students. SFC, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate (52%) than CF (49%). Both colleges offer popular majors such as nursing, business, and education, but CF has a stronger focus on STEM fields, while SFC excels in the arts and humanities. CF's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of Hispanic and Black students, while SFC's student body is predominantly White. To help you make an informed decision about which college is the right fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these and other key differences between CF and SFC.
College of Central Florida logo

College of Central Florida

Santa Fe College logo

Santa Fe College

Overview

Location Ocala, Florida Gainesville, Florida
Campus setting City: Small Suburb: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees $30
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $15,860

Out of state: $23,667
In state: $17,305

Out of state: $23,931
Average net price $9,396 $11,341
Tuition
In state: $1,987

Out of state: $7,947
In state: $1,872

Out of state: $7,418
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

91.0%
Average amount $5,383
64.0%
Average amount $2,713
Students receiving federal student loan 16.0%
Average amount $5,161
15.0%
Average amount $2,098
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $2,300
1.0%
Average amount $5,044

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 5,331
Men 35.8% Women 64.2%
12,830
Men 45.1% Women 54.9%
Graduate students N/A N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 1.5% 2.2%
International students 1.4% 2.0%
Campus local/setting City: Small Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity N/A N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Florida South Carolina Georgia Michigan Illinois Florida Illinois New York Georgia Alabama

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Science Technologies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 20:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 45.4% 56.0%
Dropout rate 41.6% 29.1%
Transferred out 10.6% 13.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,683
  • Year 2: $56,471
  • Year 3: $60,861
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,706
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $41,054
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,613
  • Year 2: $39,074
  • Year 3: $40,239
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,049
  • Year 2: $33,850
  • Year 3: $35,947
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,621
  • Year 2: $21,076
  • Year 3: $27,742
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,398
  • Year 2: $26,353
  • Year 3: $24,446
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,334
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,084
  • Year 2: $57,544
  • Year 3: $52,360
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,334
  • Year 2: $54,109
  • Year 3: $48,276
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,954
  • Year 2: $31,581
  • Year 3: $41,113
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,867
  • Year 2: $24,035
  • Year 3: $32,674
Animal Sciences (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $23,091
  • Year 2: $25,967
  • Year 3: $26,019
Computer Software and Media Applications (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,466
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,968
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $37,869
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,654
  • Year 2: $53,358
  • Year 3: N/A
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,622
  • Year 2: $39,009
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in the academic programs offered at College of Central Florida (CF) and Santa Fe College (SF)?

    Both CF and SF offer a wide range of academic programs, including Associate of Arts (AA) degrees designed for transfer to four-year universities, Associate of Science (AS) degrees focused on career and technical education, and various certificate programs. However, SF generally has a slightly broader selection of AS degrees and certificate programs, particularly in areas like health sciences and technology. CF often has a stronger emphasis on programs directly related to local workforce needs in Central Florida.

  • How do the tuition and fees compare between College of Central Florida and Santa Fe College?

    Tuition and fees at both CF and SF are very competitive and significantly lower than those at four-year universities. The exact costs can fluctuate slightly each year, but generally, the tuition rates are quite similar. It's always best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and any potential financial aid opportunities.

  • What are the main differences in campus culture and student life at CF and SF?

    Both colleges offer a variety of student clubs, organizations, and activities. SF often has a more vibrant campus life due to its larger student population and more extensive on-campus facilities, including a larger athletic program. CF, while also offering a good range of activities, might have a slightly more commuter-focused student body, depending on the specific campus location. Both colleges provide resources for student support, such as tutoring and counseling services.

  • Which college, College of Central Florida or Santa Fe College, is better for students planning to transfer to a four-year university?

    Both CF and SF have excellent transfer programs and strong relationships with Florida's state universities. Both colleges offer AA degrees specifically designed to prepare students for seamless transfer. The choice often comes down to personal preference, such as the specific programs offered or the location of the campus. Consider which college offers the specific courses you need for your intended major and which campus is most convenient for you.

  • How do the locations and campus environments differ between CF and SF?

    CF has multiple campuses spread across Central Florida, including Ocala, Citrus County, and Levy County. SF is primarily located in Gainesville, Florida. The campus environments vary depending on the specific location. CF campuses tend to be more spread out, reflecting the geographic area they serve. SF's main campus in Gainesville is a more centralized and bustling environment. Consider which location best suits your needs and preferences.

  • What are the athletic programs like at College of Central Florida and Santa Fe College?

    Santa Fe College has a more established and comprehensive athletic program, offering a wider range of sports and competing at a higher level within the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). CF also offers athletic programs, but they may be more limited in scope. If you are a student-athlete, SF might offer more opportunities.

  • How do the student-to-faculty ratios compare at CF and SF?

    Both CF and SF generally have favorable student-to-faculty ratios, meaning students typically receive more individualized attention from instructors compared to larger universities. The exact ratio can vary by program and course, but both colleges are committed to providing a supportive learning environment. You can often find specific ratios listed on the college websites or in their course catalogs.

  • Are there any specific career services or resources that differ significantly between the two colleges?

    Both CF and SF offer career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance. The specific resources and the depth of services may vary slightly. It's recommended to explore the career services websites of both colleges to see which one aligns better with your career goals and needs. Consider which college has stronger connections to your desired industry.

  • Which college is better for someone seeking a more hands-on, career-focused education?

    Both CF and SF offer excellent career-focused programs, including AS degrees and certificate programs. SF might have a slightly broader selection of programs, but CF often tailors its programs to meet the specific workforce needs of Central Florida. The best choice depends on the specific career path you are interested in. Research the programs offered at each college and compare their curriculum and industry connections.

  • How accessible are the campuses of CF and SF for students with disabilities?

    Both College of Central Florida and Santa Fe College are committed to providing accessible campuses and resources for students with disabilities. They both offer services and accommodations to support students with diverse needs. You can find detailed information about accessibility services on each college's website, including contact information for disability services offices.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Eastern Florida State College Eastern Florida State College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Broward College Broward College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Chipola College Chipola College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Daytona State College Daytona State College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Florida SouthWestern State College Florida SouthWestern State College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Florida State College at Jacksonville Florida State College at Jacksonville
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs The College of the Florida Keys The College of the Florida Keys
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Indian River State College Indian River State College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Florida Gateway College Florida Gateway College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs University of Miami University of Miami
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Pasco-Hernando State College Pasco-Hernando State College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs St Petersburg College St Petersburg College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Santa Fe College Santa Fe College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Seminole State College of Florida Seminole State College of Florida
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs South Florida State College South Florida State College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Valencia College Valencia College
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Rasmussen University-Florida Rasmussen University-Florida
College of Central Florida College of Central Florida vs Central Wyoming College Central Wyoming College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Feather River Community College District Feather River Community College District
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Rio Hondo College Rio Hondo College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Solano Community College Solano Community College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Eastern Florida State College Eastern Florida State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Daytona State College Daytona State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Florida SouthWestern State College Florida SouthWestern State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Florida State College at Jacksonville Florida State College at Jacksonville
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs The College of the Florida Keys The College of the Florida Keys
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Hillsborough Community College Hillsborough Community College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Lake-Sumter State College Lake-Sumter State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Palm Beach State College Palm Beach State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Polk State College Polk State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs St Petersburg College St Petersburg College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs East Georgia State College East Georgia State College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Bellevue College Bellevue College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Olympic College Olympic College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs Central Wyoming College Central Wyoming College
Santa Fe College Santa Fe vs DeVry University-Florida DeVry University-Florida