Meridian College: 144 Students

144Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,735Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Meridian College

Meridian College focuses on career-ready programs in a small Sarasota setting with just 144 students enrolled. The college specializes in healthcare and business training designed to get graduates into the workforce quickly. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and hands-on. The school draws exclusively from Florida residents who want practical skills without the four-year commitment.

Students pay an average net price of $32,089, which remains steep regardless of family income. Graduates earn a median of $33,735 ten years after enrollment, making the debt load challenging to manage. With median debt at $13,000 and monthly loan payments of $138, the numbers work better than many for-profit programs. The 27.82% loan repayment rate signals financial struggles for many alumni. A 94.5% employment rate shows the school delivers on job placement promises.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 95.14%, reflecting the healthcare focus that dominates many programs. Nearly 58% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a population that needs financial assistance. The 50.80% six-year graduation rate leaves room for improvement, but those who finish typically find work in their field quickly.

Academics & Faculty

Meridian College focuses on career-oriented programs in a small Florida setting with just 144 students. The school maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its specialized programs. However, only 50.80% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in completing their programs. The college primarily serves women, with 95.14% of the student body female, suggesting a focus on traditionally female-dominated fields like healthcare or business administration. With 57.79% of students receiving Pell Grants, the institution serves a working-class population seeking practical skills training. The intimate size allows for hands-on learning but requires strong self-motivation to succeed.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,735

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$31,670
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$29,685
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$25,194

View all 10 programs →

Campus Life

This tiny campus serves just 144 students in downtown Sarasota, about an hour south of Tampa. Women make up 95.14% of the student body, creating a predominantly female learning environment focused on career-specific training. The small size means you'll know most of your classmates by name.

Sarasota's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, with beaches just minutes away. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in hands-on programs. As a commuter school with 100% in-state enrollment, students typically live off-campus and juggle work schedules around classes. Weekend life revolves around Sarasota's cultural attractions like the Ringling Museum or beach activities rather than traditional college parties.

The school attracts working adults and career changers, with 57.79% receiving Pell Grants indicating many students are pursuing education while managing tight budgets. The professional focus means less traditional college socializing and more networking within your specific program. Expect a business-like atmosphere where students are goal-oriented about completing their degrees and entering the workforce quickly.

Setting: City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 52°–72°F
July Avg: 75°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This small Sarasota campus draws Florida residents seeking specialized career training in female-dominated fields. Women make up 95% of the 144 students, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and beauty programs. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Meridian serves working-class families looking for practical skills training. The diverse student body includes significant Black and Hispanic representation. Students typically stay local after graduation, with the college maintaining strong ties to Sarasota-area employers who value hands-on training over traditional academic credentials.

Men: 4.9%
Women: 95.1%
White: 61.1%
Black: 16.0%
Hispanic: 20.1%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 57.8%

Location

Sarasota sits on Florida's Gulf Coast about 60 miles south of Tampa. The city draws 95.14% women to Meridian College with its blend of cultural attractions and coastal lifestyle. Known for its pristine beaches and thriving arts scene, Sarasota hosts the well-known Ringling Museum and numerous galleries downtown. The area attracts retirees and young professionals alike, creating a diverse community beyond the typical college town atmosphere. With 144 students enrolled, Meridian operates in this mid-sized coastal city that balances urban amenities with beach access. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Meridian College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sarasota, Florida 34240

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,735
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,104
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 27.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Meridian College?

Women make up 95.14% of Meridian College's 144 students, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and beauty programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is 61.11% White, 20.14% Hispanic, and 15.97% Black, with all students coming from within Florida.

How much does Meridian College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $32,089 annually, with 57.79% receiving financial aid including Pell Grants. Despite the high cost for a two-year program, graduates typically leave with a manageable median debt of $13,000 and monthly loan payments of $138.

What are class sizes like at Meridian College?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. With only 144 total students enrolled, classes remain small and hands-on, which is crucial for the technical training the college provides.

What do graduates of Meridian College earn after completing their programs?

Recent graduates earn a median of $35,651 in their first year after completion, with earnings rising to $38,104 by the fifth year. The college boasts a 94.5% employment rate, though the 10-year median earnings of $33,735 reflect the service industry focus of many programs.

Where is Meridian College located and what is the campus like?

The college operates in Sarasota, Florida, a small city known for its arts scene and beaches. As a small for-profit institution with just 144 students, Meridian offers an intimate campus environment focused on career preparation rather than traditional college activities.

Does Meridian College have a strong graduation rate for a for-profit school?

The six-year graduation rate of 50.80% is relatively solid for a for-profit institution, though it means half of students don't complete their programs. However, the low loan repayment rate of 27.82% suggests many graduates struggle to pay back their educational investments despite finding employment.