The College of the Florida Keys: $3,279 Tuition

$3,279Tuition

823Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,508Earnings

Public4-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About The College of the Florida Keys

Marine science takes center stage at this small public college perched at the southernmost tip of the continental United States. The College of the Florida Keys draws 823 students who want to study ocean ecosystems in one of America's most unique settings. Key West's tropical location and proximity to coral reefs make this an ideal laboratory for marine research. The student-faculty ratio of 10:1 ensures close mentorship in specialized programs that leverage the surrounding waters.

Students pay an average net price of $13,818 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a specialized education. Graduates earn a median of $42,508 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $9,500. The employment rate hits 96.6%, suggesting strong job placement in marine-related fields. Only 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a middle-class student body that can handle moderate costs.

The graduation rate of 40.8% reflects the challenges many students face completing degrees in this remote setting. Most students are Florida residents (83%), drawn by affordable in-state tuition of $3,279. The Tugas compete in NCCAA athletics with just two varsity sports and nine total athletes, keeping the focus squarely on academics rather than sports culture.

Academics & Faculty

This community college sits at the southernmost tip of the continental United States and specializes in marine science programs that take advantage of Key West's unique ocean environment. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors can provide hands-on guidance in small lab settings and field research. However, only 38.61% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. The marine science focus attracts students interested in coral reef research, fisheries management, and coastal ecology. With 823 total students, class sizes stay small enough for individualized attention in both general education courses and specialized marine programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 38.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,508

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Campus Life

Picture yourself studying marine biology while palm trees sway outside your classroom windows. The College of the Florida Keys sits at the very tip of the continental United States, where you'll need sunscreen year-round but never a winter coat. Key West maintains temperatures in the 70s and 80s most of the year, with brief "cold" snaps into the 60s.

With just 823 students and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know most of your classmates by name. The intimate campus means professors become mentors rather than distant lecturers. About 83% of students come from Florida, drawn by the $3,279 in-state tuition and the chance to study marine science in one of America's most biodiverse coastal environments.

Weekend life revolves around the water and Key West's famous sunset celebrations at Mallory Square. Students often head to nearby beaches or join the locals watching street performers as the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico. The school's Tugas teams compete in just two sports with only 9 total athletes, so campus spirit centers more around shared island experiences than traditional college athletics.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 65°–75°F
July Avg: 80°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The College of the Florida Keys draws primarily local students, with over 80% coming from within Florida. The student body reflects the Keys' diverse community, with significant Hispanic representation alongside white and Black students. Women outnumber men by a notable margin, likely drawn to the college's marine science programs where female participation has grown substantially in recent years. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families from the Keys and broader South Florida who want affordable access to specialized programs in this unique island setting.

Men: 42.0%
Women: 58.0%
White: 47.3%
Black: 10.2%
Hispanic: 31.2%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 83.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.0%

Location

The College of the Florida Keys sits in Key West, roughly 150 miles southwest of Miami. This remote island campus represents one of the southernmost colleges in the continental United States. The Florida Keys offer a unique tropical setting where students study surrounded by coral reefs and turquoise waters. Key West's laid-back island culture attracts tourists year-round, creating a active but sometimes transient community atmosphere. The college serves a small student body of 823 in this distinctive maritime environment. The isolation means limited access to mainland resources, but students gain unparalleled opportunities for marine research and water-based activities. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare The College of the Florida Keys with similar schools in the region.

Address: Key West, Florida 33040

Aerial photographs of Florida MM00034071x

Aerial photographs of Florida MM00034072x

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,508
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,819
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The College of the Florida Keys?

The College of the Florida Keys has an open admission policy as a community college, meaning they accept all applicants who meet basic requirements. With only 823 students enrolled, this small institution focuses on providing accessible education in one of the most remote locations in the continental United States.

How much does The College of the Florida Keys cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,818 annually at The College of the Florida Keys. In-state tuition is just $3,279, making it one of the most affordable options in Florida, though room and board adds $15,006 for on-campus living in Key West.

What is The College of the Florida Keys known for academically?

The College of the Florida Keys is well-known for its marine science programs, taking advantage of its unique location surrounded by coral reefs and tropical waters. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in this specialized educational environment.

What are the graduation rates at The College of the Florida Keys?

The College of the Florida Keys has a 40.80% six-year graduation rate and a 38.61% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $42,508 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the specialized nature of programs in this remote island setting.

Where is The College of the Florida Keys campus located?

The campus sits in Key West, Florida, making it one of the southernmost colleges in the continental United States. This town-remote setting offers students a unique island college experience, though 83.22% of students are Florida residents.

Does The College of the Florida Keys offer athletics?

The College of the Florida Keys fields teams called the Tugas in the NCCAA with just 2 varsity sports and 9 total athletes. The school offers no athletic scholarships, reflecting its focus on academics rather than competitive sports in this small island community.