About College of Central Florida
College of Central Florida serves as a career-focused stepping stone for students in horse country. The state college enrolls 4,717 students in Ocala, emphasizing associate degrees and workforce training that connects directly to local employers. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and education programs. The Patriots compete in just three NJCAA sports with only 59 total athletes, keeping the focus squarely on academics and career preparation.
Students pay an average net price of $12,310 after financial aid, with 40% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $38,203 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $13,000. The employment rate hits 93%, suggesting strong job placement in central Florida's growing economy. Monthly loan payments average just $138, making this an affordable path to middle-class careers.
Nearly 98% of students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention in technical programs. However, the 44% graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing their degrees. Only 18% of students take federal loans, indicating either strong family support or students working their way through school.
Students pay an average net price of $12,310 after financial aid, with 40% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $38,203 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $13,000. The employment rate hits 93%, suggesting strong job placement in central Florida's growing economy. Monthly loan payments average just $138, making this an affordable path to middle-class careers.
Nearly 98% of students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention in technical programs. However, the 44% graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing their degrees. Only 18% of students take federal loans, indicating either strong family support or students working their way through school.
Academics & Faculty
College of Central Florida functions as a state college emphasizing career preparation and workforce development for the Ocala region. The school maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing students with accessible instructors in smaller classroom settings. However, the 44% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college transfer students face completing four-year degrees. The college built its reputation on strong nursing and health sciences programs that feed directly into local healthcare systems. Business and education programs also connect students with regional employers. Many students use CCF as an affordable stepping stone, with in-state tuition at just $2,710 annually. The focus remains practical rather than theoretical, preparing graduates for immediate entry into Florida's job market.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 44.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,203
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,471 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,074 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,850 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,925 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,076 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The College of Central Florida sits in Ocala, about 75 miles north of Orlando and 100 miles south of Gainesville. With 4,717 students spread across multiple campuses, you'll find a mix of traditional college-age students and working adults pursuing degrees or career training. The student body is 64% women and draws almost entirely from Florida, with 98% of students coming from in-state.
Florida's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, though air conditioning becomes essential during humid summers. Most students commute to campus rather than living in dorms, creating a practical, no-frills atmosphere focused on academics and career preparation. The college emphasizes workforce development with strong connections to local healthcare systems, manufacturing, and agricultural businesses. With only 59 total athletes across three varsity sports, campus life centers more on academic programs than athletics. Students often work part-time jobs in Ocala's growing economy, which includes major employers like the World Equestrian Center and various healthcare facilities serving the region's retiree population.
Florida's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, though air conditioning becomes essential during humid summers. Most students commute to campus rather than living in dorms, creating a practical, no-frills atmosphere focused on academics and career preparation. The college emphasizes workforce development with strong connections to local healthcare systems, manufacturing, and agricultural businesses. With only 59 total athletes across three varsity sports, campus life centers more on academic programs than athletics. Students often work part-time jobs in Ocala's growing economy, which includes major employers like the World Equestrian Center and various healthcare facilities serving the region's retiree population.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–70°F
- July Avg
- 72°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The Patriots draw heavily from central Florida communities, with nearly 98% of students calling the state home. Women make up almost two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare, education, and business programs that traditionally attract female students. About 40% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working families seeking affordable pathways to careers. The diverse student body mirrors Florida's demographics, with significant Hispanic representation at over 20%. Students typically choose CF for practical career training and strong local employer connections rather than the traditional college experience.
- Men
- 36.2%
- Women
- 63.8%
- White
- 57.4%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 20.4%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 97.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.5%
Location
Ocala sits in north-central Florida, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando and 90 miles southwest of Jacksonville. The city of 63,000 anchors Marion County's horse country, where thoroughbred farms stretch across rolling hills. Students find themselves in a region known for natural springs, state forests, and equestrian culture rather than typical college town amenities. The 97.87% in-state enrollment reflects the school's role serving local communities across central Florida's rural and small-town landscape. Downtown Ocala offers historic charm with antique shops and local restaurants, while nearby Silver Springs provides outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare College of Central Florida with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Ocala, Florida 34474
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,203
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,717
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $138/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at College of Central Florida?
College of Central Florida has an open admission policy as a state college, making it accessible to most students who apply. The school enrolls 4,717 students and serves as a stepping stone for many seeking affordable higher education in central Florida.
How much does College of Central Florida cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,310 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at just $2,710. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with only $13,000 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Central Florida?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 16:1, providing reasonable access to instructors in a community college setting. The school focuses on career training programs and associate degrees that prepare students for local employment opportunities.
What do graduates of College of Central Florida typically earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $38,203 ten years after enrollment, with a strong 93% employment rate. The school maintains close ties with local employers in central Florida, helping students transition directly into the workforce.
Where is College of Central Florida located and who attends?
The college sits in Ocala, Florida, and draws 98% of its students from in-state. Women make up 64% of the student body, while the campus reflects central Florida's diversity with 57% white, 20% Hispanic, and 11% Black students.
Does College of Central Florida offer athletics?
The Patriots compete in NJCAA athletics with just 3 varsity sports and 59 total athletes. The modest athletics program receives $131,365 in scholarship funding, reflecting the school's primary focus on academics and career preparation rather than sports.
