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$3,227Tuition
11,790Students
42%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,733Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Seminole State College of Florida

Seminole State serves 11,790 students in the heart of Central Florida's small city atmosphere. This community college has built its reputation as a practical stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education and career training. The school operates on a semester system with strong ties to the local workforce, preparing graduates for immediate employment in growing Central Florida industries.

Students pay remarkably little out of pocket, with the average net price hitting just $3,119 annually. Low-income families pay only $974 per year, making this one of Florida's most accessible education options. Graduates earn a median of $41,733 ten years after starting, while carrying modest debt loads of $11,047. The monthly loan payment averages just $117, creating a manageable path to economic mobility. With 93.3% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off quickly.

The student body reflects Florida's diversity, with 31.52% Hispanic students and 15.56% Black students joining a campus that's 57.38% women. Nearly all students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Raiders compete in five NJCAA sports with 66 total athletes, though athletics take a back seat to academics and career preparation at this practically-minded institution.

Academics & Faculty

Seminole State College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing associate degrees and workforce certifications in central Florida. The college's 26:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the reality of community college education, where students often balance work and family responsibilities. With a 42% six-year graduation rate, the school successfully serves part-time and returning adult learners who take longer to complete degrees. Seminole State has built a reputation for strong nursing and health sciences programs that feed into Florida's healthcare industry. The college also offers robust transfer pathways to four-year universities, helping students save money on their first two years while staying close to home in the Orlando metropolitan area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Full-Time Faculty
35.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
42.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,733
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,554
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $52,663
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $40,896
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $39,369
Legal Support Services. Associate $38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $36,336
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $35,060
Design and Applied Arts. Bachelor $33,993
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $31,581
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $30,554

View all 81 programs →

Campus Life

Sanford sits 30 miles northeast of Orlando, putting students close enough for weekend trips to theme parks and city attractions. The subtropical Florida climate means shorts and t-shirts year-round, with occasional light jackets during brief winter months. With 11,790 students and a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more personal than at large universities despite the substantial enrollment.

As a community college, Seminole State has no on-campus housing, so students commute from throughout Central Florida. The 98.60% in-state population creates a local feel where many students already know each other from high school. Weekends often involve trips to nearby Lake Monroe or Wekiwa Springs State Park. The Raiders compete in five NJCAA sports with 66 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics for most students. Many work part-time jobs while completing their associate degrees before transferring to four-year universities. The suburban Sanford location offers chain restaurants and shopping centers rather than a traditional college town atmosphere.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
49°–71°F
July Avg
74°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
49.6"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Seminole State draws overwhelmingly from Central Florida, with 99% of students calling the Sunshine State home. The college serves a diverse working-class population where more than one in four students receives Pell Grants. Hispanic students make up nearly one-third of enrollment, reflecting the changing demographics of the Orlando metro area. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, drawn to the college's strong nursing and health sciences programs. The student body represents families looking for affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training without leaving their communities.
Men
42.6%
Women
57.4%
White
40.8%
Black
15.6%
Hispanic
31.5%
Asian
3.8%
In-State Students
98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.0%

Location

Sanford sits 20 miles north of Orlando in central Florida's lake region. The city of 61,000 residents offers a historic downtown district along Lake Monroe, where students can explore antique shops and waterfront restaurants. Central Florida's year-round warm climate attracts outdoor enthusiasts to the area's numerous lakes and parks. The St. Johns River flows through Sanford, making it a popular spot for boating and fishing. Orlando's theme parks, entertainment venues, and job opportunities remain easily accessible by car. The region blends small-town charm with proximity to major metropolitan amenities. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Seminole State College of Florida with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sanford, Florida 32773-6199
Seminole State College Lake
Seminole State College Lake

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,733
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,463
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,700
Loan Repayment Rate
32.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,047

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Seminole State College of Florida?

As a community college, Seminole State maintains an open enrollment policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The school serves 11,790 students across Central Florida with accessible admission standards. This approach reflects the college's mission to provide educational opportunities to a diverse student body.

How much does Seminole State College of Florida cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,119 annually, making it one of Florida's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $3,227 before aid, while families earning under $30,000 pay only $974 net. The school keeps costs low with median debt of $11,047 and monthly loan payments of $117.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Seminole State College of Florida?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on serving large numbers of students efficiently. Classes tend to be larger than at private institutions, but the college emphasizes practical, career-focused programs. Faculty often bring real-world industry experience to their teaching.

What are the employment outcomes at Seminole State College of Florida?

Graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong ties to Central Florida employers. Median earnings reach $41,733 within 10 years of graduation, competitive for a community college. The school excels at preparing students for immediate workforce entry in growing regional industries.

Where is Seminole State College of Florida located?

The main campus sits in Sanford, a small city between Orlando and Daytona Beach along the St. Johns River. Nearly 99% of the 11,790 students come from in-state, primarily from the greater Orlando metropolitan area. The location provides access to internships and jobs in tourism, healthcare, and aerospace industries.

Does Seminole State College of Florida offer athletic scholarships?

The Raiders compete in NJCAA athletics with 5 varsity sports and 66 total athletes. The college awards $471,491 in athletic scholarships annually, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their sports careers. The athletic programs serve as a pipeline to four-year universities for transfer students.