State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota: $3,074 Tuition

$3,074Tuition

7,161Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,318Earnings

Public4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

The Manatees serve 7,161 students in Bradenton's suburban sprawl, functioning as a public state college that bridges the gap between community college and traditional four-year university. Nearly all students are Florida residents, with 99.26% coming from in-state. The campus operates on a semester system and has built a reputation as an accessible stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in the Sunshine State. Students pay an average net price of $21,433, though costs vary by family income. Graduates earn a median of $40,318 ten years after starting college. The low median debt of $9,000 keeps monthly loan payments manageable at just $95. With a 91.8% employment rate, most graduates find work, though the relatively modest earnings reflect the school's role as a regional institution serving local job markets. Women make up 63.08% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The student-faculty ratio of 23:1 means larger class sizes than you'd find at private colleges. Five varsity sports programs compete at the NJCAA level with 85 total athletes sharing $421,839 in athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

State College of Florida focuses on career-ready programs and transfer preparation, serving students who want practical education without the four-year price tag. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than private colleges, but professors remain accessible for students who seek help. With a 36% four-year graduation rate, many students take longer to finish as they balance work and family commitments common at commuter schools. The college emphasizes nursing, business, and criminal justice programs that connect directly to Gulf Coast job markets. Nearly all students are Florida residents taking advantage of the $3,074 in-state tuition. Faculty understand that most students are juggling multiple responsibilities while earning their degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 36.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,318
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	$63,005
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$60,252
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$38,289
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$35,600
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,745

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Campus Life

The Bradenton campus sits just 45 minutes south of Tampa, where Florida's Gulf Coast meets year-round warmth that demands sunscreen over winter coats. With 7,161 students spread across a large suburban setting, this feels more like a commuter school than a residential college experience. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll be in classes with plenty of classmates, though finding your professor during office hours shouldn't be too difficult.

Nearly all students are Florida residents (99.26%), creating a distinctly local atmosphere where many students already know each other from high school. Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and education programs. With only 85 student-athletes across five sports teams competing as the Manatees in NJCAA, campus life revolves more around academics and part-time work than traditional college athletics. Weekends often mean heading to nearby Sarasota's beaches or Tampa's nightlife, since most students commute from home rather than living on campus.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 52°–72°F
July Avg: 75°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

State College of Florida serves the local Gulf Coast community with nearly all students coming from in-state. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strong health sciences and education programs that traditionally attract female students. More than a third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college's role in providing affordable education to working-class families in the Bradenton-Sarasota region. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic representation at over 25 percent, mirroring the demographics of southwest Florida's growing communities.

Men: 36.9%
Women: 63.1%
White: 54.3%
Black: 8.8%
Hispanic: 25.6%
Asian: 3.9%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.1%

Location

State College of Florida sits in Bradenton, about 45 minutes south of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast. The campus serves the Manatee-Sarasota corridor, where beaches and cultural attractions draw both retirees and young professionals. With 99.26% of students coming from in-state, the college reflects the local community's diverse demographics. The Bradenton-Sarasota area combines suburban sprawl with coastal living, offering internship opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and marine sciences. Students can access both urban amenities in nearby Tampa and the relaxed beach culture of Anna Maria Island. The region's year-round warmth supports the college's five NJCAA sports programs. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bradenton, Florida 34207

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,318
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,001
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 38.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota?

The college enrolls 7,161 students, with women making up 63% of the student body. Nearly all students are Florida residents at 99.26%, creating a tight-knit community college atmosphere in the greater Sarasota area.

How much does State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota cost after financial aid?

In-state students pay $3,074 in tuition, but the average net price reaches $21,433 after room, board, and other expenses.

What is the academic environment like at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota?

Classes average 23 students per faculty member, reflecting the college's focus on accessible education rather than intensive academic support. The institution serves as both a community college and four-year degree provider, offering pathways for students at different educational stages.

How successful are graduates from State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 36%, typical for a state college serving working students and career changers. Graduates earn a median of $40,318 ten years after starting, with a strong 91.8% employment rate showing the college's connection to local job markets.

Where is State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota located and what's the campus like?

The campus sits in Bradenton, a large suburban area between Tampa and Sarasota on Florida's Gulf Coast. Students benefit from the proximity to beaches, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities in the thriving Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area.

Does State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota have competitive athletics?

The Manatees compete in five NJCAA sports with 85 total athletes sharing $421,839 in athletic scholarships. The athletic program reflects the college's community-focused mission, providing opportunities for local talent to continue competing while pursuing their education.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.