After painstakingly comparing all the community colleges in Florida I narrowed it down to the top 5 based on the following criteria:
· Graduation rate
· Cost of tuition and books/supplies
· Campus security
· Availability of financial assistance
· Availability of programs
This is a non-biased comparison based on facts, statistics and student testimonials.
#5 North Florida Community College
Known as a small college with big possibilities, NFCC has accommodated the counties of North Florida for over 50 years. Their talented and highly trained instructors and staff are proud to know their students by name. They offer exceptional learning opportunities with small class sizes (unusually under 25 students) and affordable tuition ($86 per credit). NFCC has a graduation rate about 40% which is one of the highest in the state (among community colleges). They also offer many out-of-classroom opportunities, tutoring programs, disability services and easy to understand financial aid assistance.
http://www.nfcc.edu/
850.973.2288
#4 South Florida Community College
This active school has eight campuses in three counties. Currently serving about 3,000 students, NFCC has an overall graduation rate of 44%. They offer degrees in many in demand fields and encourage their students to participate in decision making for the school, cultural activities, games, intercollegiate athletics and various activities. They currently offer 60 associate degrees and 13 bachelor’s degrees. SFCC also has one of the best safety records and lowest crime rate in Florida.
http://www.southflorida.edu/
863-453-6661
#3 Valencia Community College
Valencia Community College, located in Orlando, is one of the largest community colleges accommodating nearly 40,000 students. They somehow manage to keep their class sizes small (around 30 students) enough to allow every student to ask questions and get personalized attention. Valencia also has one of the leading graduation rates in the state at 41% and it won’t cost you and arm and a leg to be one of those 41%. Valencia is one of the more affordable college choices in Florida. One student reviews “I can learn so much at Valencia, and it doesn't cost that much. I have friends who complain about prices at other colleges, but thanks to Valencia's fantastic prices, I can afford to go to college. In fact, I plan on taking as many required classes as I can at Valencia because they're so inexpensive.” Valencia is a 2 year school and a great way for anyone to start their college career.
407-299-5000
#2 Brevard Community College
Brevard Community College makes the list at number two. While most of the community colleges in Florida have an average graduation rate of about 35% BCC has a graduation rate of 48%, second only to the No.1 spot. BCC is one of the most affordable colleges in Florida as well. Students review BCC “ridiculously cheap” and “the frugal choice.”
BCC offers a friendly and helpful staff that strives to make the students feel comfortable and help them know everything they need to be successful. One student says “Brevard Community College (BCC) harvests a certain kind of environment that motivates and inspires everyone to learn, even the teachers.”
http:// www.brevard.cc.fl.us
(321) 623-1111
Santa Fe College, a.k.a. the “Gateway to the Gators” is a four year college and has the highest graduation rate of any community college in Florida at 57%. It is also a very affordable college with a plethora of educational opportunities and an impressive athletic department. The class sizes are small enough to allow every student one-on-one attention and time to have all of their questions answered. The teachers here are known for their friendliness and enthusiasm. And parents need not worry, day care services are offered for the children of SFC students right on campus. If you’re hungry, but strapped for cash, the food bank makes regular trips to campus, there’s a vegetable garden that you can volunteer your time to for food along with many other opportunities for food assistance. And with the SFC police always on campus, this college has very little crime.
For their success rate, affordable classes, care and concern for the students and their well being, large number of educational opportunities, happy students, outstanding athletics, job placement and campus security Santa Fe College was a shoo-in for the number one spot.
The atmosphere
The atmosphere at Santa Fe is comfortable and accommodating. You can hang out at the game lounge with your friends between classes or join one of their many clubs. One student reviews “I love the atmosphere here. There are many clubs that you can join. People are very nice, there are places that have couches and I've seen many people sleeping and no one bothers them, I've even sat on one of the couches and slept before my class starts. It's great!”
Educational Opportunities
The educational opportunities offered at Santa Fe include: college prep, continuing workforce education, associate of science degrees, associate of arts degrees, bachelor degrees, H.S. dual enrollment, educator preparation program, fast track degrees and certificates (2 years and under to graduation), parenting classes, an honors program, distant learning, study abroad and community education.
http://www.sfcollege.edu/
(352) 359-5000
Choosing a college can be a difficult choice for anyone. Especially when knew to the whole process. I encourage you to get as much info on a college as possible before making your decision and don’t be intimidated by the whole admission and financial aid process. All colleges have staff that will walk you through the process and make it as painless as possible. In this economy, going back to college can prove to be one of the best investments an adult can make!
References:
The National Center for Educational Statistics
http://nces.ed.gov/
Students Review
College Prowler
Cappex
Community College Review
http://www.communitycollegereview.com
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