Florida Gateway College: $3,100 Tuition

$3,100Tuition

2,231Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,894Earnings

Public4-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College trains students for careers while keeping costs remarkably low. This public community college serves 2,231 students in Lake City, providing workforce training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The campus sits in a small town setting in north-central Florida, where nearly all students (99%) come from in-state.

The financial picture here is strongly student-friendly. The average net price is just $2,915, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $960 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $37,894 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of just $6,992. Monthly loan payments average only $74, making this education highly affordable. With 90.5% of graduates finding employment, the return on investment is solid.

Women outnumber men here, making up 68% of students. The campus offers limited housing for just 75 students, reflecting its commuter-focused mission. Six varsity sports teams compete as the Timberwolves in the NCCAA, with 83 total athletes receiving $108,375 in athletic scholarships. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention as students work toward certificates, associate degrees, or prepare to transfer to universities.

Academics & Faculty

Florida Gateway College focuses on workforce training and transfer preparation for students across north-central Florida. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring as students work toward associate degrees or career certificates. With a 60% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their programs on schedule. The college excels in nursing, automotive technology, and criminal justice programs that connect directly to local job markets. Many students use Florida Gateway as a stepping stone to four-year universities through articulation agreements with state schools. Career-focused programs dominate the curriculum, reflecting the college's mission to train workers for regional employers while keeping costs low for rural students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 60.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,894
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,401
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$37,424
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$33,993
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$32,162
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$30,228
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$14,627

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 99% of Florida Gateway's 2,231 students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community college atmosphere in the small town of Lake City. The campus sits about 60 miles west of Jacksonville and 90 miles north of Gainesville, surrounded by rolling hills and canopy roads lined with live oaks. Students experience Florida's humid subtropical climate year-round, meaning shorts and t-shirts dominate the dress code with occasional light jackets for winter lows in the 40s.

With only 75 housing spots available, just 3% of students live on campus, making this primarily a commuter school. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know most students by name, especially in the college's popular nursing and automotive technology programs. Women make up 68% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong health sciences offerings. Weekends often revolve around the six varsity sports teams competing in NCCAA athletics, though many students work part-time jobs or spend time with family since most live locally. The Timberwolves create school spirit despite the small athletic program of just 83 total athletes.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 75 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–63°F
July Avg: 70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Florida Gateway draws overwhelmingly from north-central Florida, with 99% of students staying close to home. Women make up 68% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. The student population is 37.6% Pell Grant eligible, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. Most students are white and Black residents from rural communities around Lake City. This demographic mix fits perfectly with Florida Gateway's mission as a regional workforce development center that keeps local talent in the area while providing practical job skills.

Men: 31.6%
Women: 68.4%
White: 68.9%
Black: 17.8%
Hispanic: 9.0%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 99.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.6%

Location

Lake City sits in north-central Florida, about 60 miles west of Jacksonville and 45 miles east of Gainesville. The town serves as the Columbia County seat with a population around 12,000 people. Florida Gateway College draws 99% of its 2,231 students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local community anchor. The area blends small-town charm with outdoor recreation opportunities, including nearby state parks and the Suwannee River. Lake City maintains a quiet, rural atmosphere while offering access to larger metropolitan areas within driving distance. The college's tight-knit campus houses just 75 students in on-campus housing. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida Gateway College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lake City, Florida 32025-2007

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,894
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,251
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $74/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,992

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Florida Gateway College?

Florida Gateway College has an open enrollment policy as a community college, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. With 2,231 students enrolled and 99.01% coming from in-state, the college serves as an accessible entry point for north-central Florida residents seeking higher education or workforce training.

How much does Florida Gateway College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is just $2,915 per year, making it one of the most affordable college options in Florida. Students from the lowest income families pay only $960 annually, while in-state tuition starts at $3,100 before any aid is applied.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Florida Gateway College?

Florida Gateway maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention than many larger institutions. The college is known for its strong transfer pathways to four-year universities and workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Florida Gateway College?

The college achieves a 60.29% four-year graduation rate and an impressive 90.5% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $37,894 ten years after graduation, with relatively low debt burdens averaging just $6,992.

Does Florida Gateway College offer on-campus housing?

The college has limited on-campus housing with a capacity of only 75 students, reflecting its role as primarily a commuter school. Room and board costs $6,700 annually for those who do live on campus, serving the small percentage of students who need residential options.

What athletic programs does Florida Gateway College offer?

Florida Gateway College fields 6 varsity sports with 83 total athletes competing as the Timberwolves in the NCCAA. The college provides $108,375 in athletic scholarships, offering opportunities for student-athletes in this small but competitive program.