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$2,563Tuition
11,133Students
52%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,631Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College has built its reputation as a stepping stone to four-year universities across north central Florida. The community college serves 11,133 students in Gainesville's suburban setting, focusing heavily on transfer programs that prepare students for bachelor's degrees. Most students use Santa Fe as an affordable pathway to complete their general education requirements before transferring to universities like the University of Florida.

The financial equation works strongly in students' favor here. With an average net price of $11,154, students graduate with a median debt of just $11,310. That translates to monthly loan payments of only $120. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,631 ten years after graduation, making the debt burden manageable. In-state students pay $2,563 in tuition, while the college keeps costs low for families across income levels.

The student body reflects Florida's diversity, with 22.58% Hispanic students and 12.04% Black students. Nearly all students (96.49%) come from within Florida. The Saints compete in five NJCAA sports with 88 total athletes. With a 93.6% employment rate after graduation, students find work quickly in the region's growing economy.

Academics & Faculty

Santa Fe College built its reputation as a transfer pathway to Florida's universities, particularly the University of Florida just down the road. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that helps explain why 52% of students graduate within six years. This community college excels in nursing, dental hygiene, and automotive technology programs that lead directly to careers. Many students use Santa Fe as an affordable stepping stone, paying just $2,563 for in-state tuition before transferring to complete bachelor's degrees. The college serves as north central Florida's primary community college, with strong partnerships that guarantee admission to state universities for students who complete their associate degrees with qualifying GPAs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
41.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
51.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
52.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,631

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,544
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $54,109
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $53,358
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Bachelor $39,009
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $31,581
Animal Sciences. Associate $25,967
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,035

View all 56 programs →

Campus Life

Santa Fe College sits in the heart of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida and a active college town atmosphere. With 96% of the 11,133 students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from north central Florida communities. Students experience typical Florida weather year-round, meaning shorts and sunscreen are daily essentials while winter coats stay in storage.

The community college culture revolves around academics and transfer preparation rather than traditional campus life. Most students commute to the suburban campus, creating a focused classroom environment during the day that empties by evening. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel personal despite the size. The Saints compete in just 5 NJCAA sports with 88 total athletes, so athletic events draw modest crowds. Weekends find many students working part-time jobs or studying, as 27.5% receive Pell Grants and balance school with financial responsibilities. The campus serves as a stepping stone, with many students planning transfers to nearby UF or other four-year institutions after completing their associate degrees.
Setting
Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
43°–67°F
July Avg
70°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
55.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Santa Fe College draws students from across north central Florida, with 96% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the region's growing diversity, with Hispanic students making up nearly a quarter of enrollment and Black students comprising 12%. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges focused on health sciences and transfer programs. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees. The local draw demonstrates Santa Fe's reputation as the go-to stepping stone for University of Florida transfers.
Men
46.5%
Women
53.5%
White
50.5%
Black
12.0%
Hispanic
22.6%
Asian
3.9%
In-State Students
96.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.5%

Location

Santa Fe College sits in Gainesville, Florida, home to the University of Florida and about 130 miles north of Orlando. The campus serves a college town atmosphere where 96.49% of students come from in-state. Gainesville blends small-town charm with big university energy, featuring tree-lined streets, local cafes, and a active arts scene. The area offers outdoor recreation at nearby state parks and natural springs. Students experience Florida's interior landscape of rolling hills and canopy roads rather than coastal beaches. The town revolves around higher education, creating opportunities for internships and part-time work. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Santa Fe College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Gainesville, Florida 32606-6210
Gainesville FL SFC main campus pano02
Gainesville FL SFC main campus pano02
Gainesville FL SFC main library01
Gainesville FL SFC main library01
Joe and Jill Biden meet with Jackson N. Sasser
Joe and Jill Biden meet with Jackson N. Sasser

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,631
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,475
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,100
Loan Repayment Rate
35.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$120/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,310

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Fe College?

Santa Fe College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. The school serves 11,133 students with 96.49% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.

How much does Santa Fe College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,154 annually at Santa Fe College. In-state tuition is just $2,563, while out-of-state students pay $9,189. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $10,251 with financial aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Santa Fe College?

Santa Fe College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on transfer preparation. Students benefit from smaller class sizes typical of community colleges compared to large universities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Santa Fe College?

Santa Fe College achieves a 52.10% six-year graduation rate and 51.34% four-year rate. Graduates earn a median of $41,631 ten years after enrollment with a 93.6% employment rate. The school's strong focus on career preparation and university transfer helps students achieve their goals.

Where is Santa Fe College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Gainesville, Florida, in a midsize suburban setting. Students experience a diverse campus with 53.47% women and 46.53% men. The location provides access to both college town amenities and career opportunities in north central Florida.

Does Santa Fe College offer athletic scholarships?

Santa Fe College competes as the Saints in NJCAA athletics with 5 varsity sports. The school provides $581,692 in athletic scholarships across 88 total athletes. This represents a significant investment in student-athlete success for a community college program.