10 Community Colleges in Florida

This Article Provides Information on community colleges in Florida. If you are interested in obtaining a two-year associate degree in a community college, then this blog post is the right one for you!

 Florida is a US state in the southeastern part of the United States, one of the I, and houses some of the best universities and community colleges in the country. While there are many community colleges in the USA, scattered across other parts of the state, this post concentrates on the community colleges in Florida

Most developed countries have community colleges designed to serve the educational and academic needs of that locality. In Canada, for example, there are community colleges in Ontario,  and in the United States, there are community colleges in Texas

Some students prefer community colleges and this is because of the lower tuition, less theory, and more practical and gaining skills you can apply to real-life situations. For example, if you love professions like carpentry, electrical repair, plumber, cosmetology, cooking, automotive repair, etc., and want to venture into the career, a community college is the right place of learning for you.

It is worthy of note that there are other programs offered in Florida for interested students to study and some of them include accelerated nursing programs as well as culinary schools in Florida and medical schools in Florida too.

You can check out the list of low tuition community colleges in the US for international students. You can find a cheap school that fits your financial requirements there.

Universities and four-year colleges don’t offer programs of this kind, only community colleges do and these colleges provide students with quality hands-on practical education that would make them start working immediately after they complete their program.

It takes at most two years to complete a degree program at a community college and earn an Associate Degree, certificate, diploma, or the necessary qualification which is recognized and accepted by employers worldwide. Additionally, the credit from your program can be transferred to a university or four-year college.

What is a Community College in Florida

Community colleges in Florida are post-secondary educational institutions designed to offer qualifications that take a few months to two years to complete. These community colleges offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees for those who cannot commit to a four-year degree program at a university.

Community colleges in Florida are equally designed to serve the community and train and equip students, through its variety of program offerings, with hands-on skills that will get them straight to start working. Community colleges do fewer theories and involve practical work more to quickly prepare the students for the workforce.

Vocational Skills are learned more in Community Colleges as students get more involved in practical work than theory. According to data from College Navigator, 94 community colleges are offering associate degrees in Florida.

Community colleges in Florida for international students

Few Community Colleges in Florida accept international students. South Florida Community College and College of Central Florida are Community Colleges in Florida for international students.

Requirements for community colleges in Florida

While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

GPA requirements

With a GPA of 3.35, Florida College accepts below-average students. It’s OK to be a B-average student, with some A’s mixed in. It’d be best to avoid C’s and D’s since application readers might doubt whether you can handle the stress of college academics.

If you’re currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.35, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements:

The average SAT score composite at Florida College is 1100 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Florida College Competitive for SAT scores.

Therefore, if your SAT super score is currently below a 930, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

The average ACT score at Florida College is 23. This score makes Florida College Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

Application Requirements

Membership Application and Fee, High school transcript, Welcome Letter, and other essential requirements.

community colleges in Florida

Community Colleges in Florida

These Community Colleges are regarded as the 10 best community colleges in Florida based on factors such as school rankings, tuition rates, and transfer rates to four-year schools. The schools listed here have high graduation rates, excellent programs, and offer financial aid to students.

1.       Florida Panhandle Technical College

This is one of the Community Colleges in Florida. Located in the city of Chipley, Florida Panhandle Technical College offers a variety of associate programs and technical training programs. Graduates qualify for careers in fields such as healthcare, corrections, and construction.

Best Florida Panhandle Technical College Programs are listed below;

  • Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program (BTRP)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN)
  • Patient Care Technician (PCT)
  • Florida Law Enforcement Academy Training Program
  • Commercial Vehicle Driving Training Program

FPTC’s programs range in length from 6-60 weeks. For instance, the school’s 60-week heavy equipment mechanics program trains students to repair and maintain diesel engines.

A 45-week licensed practical nurse (LPN) program prepares graduates to enter nursing as an LPN or apply their hours to a degree in nursing, and a 30-week program in digital video production readies learners for entry-level careers in the film and television industry.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts, college and career readiness test scores, and Florida residency forms. FPTC holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

The Tuition Fee is $18,884

The Graduation Rate is 82%

Visit College Website

2.       Pinellas Technical College – St. Petersburg

As one of two Pinellas Technical College campuses, the St. Petersburg campus serves approximately 5,000 full-time students. The school offers 36 full-time certificate programs, six apprenticeships, and five short courses with day, evening, and online options available. It is one of the Community Colleges in Florida.

The School’s career and technical education programs prepare students for careers in fields like auto repair, education, medical administration, and construction. Through two- to four-year apprenticeship programs, students can train as firefighters, early childhood educators, or plumbers. Learners can also benefit from PTC’s articulation agreements and apply their coursework toward an associate degree.

The students can access a host of resources, including the Pinellas County School District’s digital library. Most PTC programs feature five start dates per year. Applicants must complete an online registration form, pay applicable fees, take any necessary tests, and provide proof of residency.

Best Pinellas Technical College Programs are listed below;

  • Child Care Center Operations program (Level 1 Florida Child Care Education Director Certificate)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R)-ESOL program
  • Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (CMAA)
  • Automotive Service Technology 1 & 2

The school holds accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Tuition Fee is $15,502

The Graduation Rate is 58%

Visit College Website

3.      Lorenzo Walker Technical College

Located in the southwestern coastal city of Naples, Lorenzo Walker Technical College is one of the Community Colleges in Florida and serves students as part of the School Board of Collier County. The College offers 25 career and technical programs in areas such as veterinary assisting, drafting, dental assisting, and pharmacy tech.

Most career programs at the college take about one year — or 2-3 semesters — to complete. Students gather with their instructors two, three, or five days per week to meet their program’s required clock hours. LWTC also offers evening classes through its community education program. In evening programs, learners may train for jobs such as nail technologist or private investigator or learn other workplace skills.

Applicants must complete an online application and consult with a workplace education advisor. It holds accreditation through the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and the advanced Accreditation Commission

The Tuition Fee is $5,046

The Graduation Rate is 99%

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4.      Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater

Nestled in the Tampa/St. Petersburg metro area, Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater, is another Community College in Florida and offers 24 full-time certificate programs, five apprenticeships, and 10 short courses. Many programs include day, evening, and distance options. Students attending Pinellas County public high schools may also take classes at the college through dual enrollment.

Learners can pursue numerous career and technical programs, including automotive services, interior design, culinary arts and hospitality, and web development. Programs typically include a planned sequence of courses that teach workplace skills and may count toward an associate degree.

Through two- to four-year apprenticeship programs, students receive hands-on instruction in fields such as machining, building maintenance, or electrical contracting.

The College programs start five times per year. Applicants complete an online registration form and provide proof of residency. PTC holds accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Several PTC programs also hold accreditation through professional organizations.

The Tuition Fee is $16,169

The Graduation Rate is 67%

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5.      Emerald Coast Technical College

Located in the panhandle community of DeFuniak Springs, Emerald Coast Technical College, one of the Community Colleges in Florida, offers career and technical programs in six areas of study: transportation, information technology, architecture, and construction, manufacturing, cosmetology, and nursing/healthcare.

ECTC’s programs emphasize work-based learning that prepares learners for the demands of the workplace.

Graduates are prepared for careers in fields such as automotive service, IT, web development, welding, or practical nursing. Full-time learners generally complete program requirements in as little as 165 clock hours or up to 1,350 hours.

Many programs start four times per year and take 1-to 2 years to complete.

Applicants must complete an application packet, attend an online orientation, schedule any required tests, and submit transcripts. ECTC students can download Office 365 for free. The school holds accreditation from the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

The Tuition Fee is $8,051

The Graduation Rate is 70%

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6.      Orange Technical College- Westside Campus

Located near Orlando, the Westside Campus of Orange Technical College offers full- and part-time career preparation programs and apprenticeships as one of the Community Colleges in Florida.

As part of Orange County Public Schools, OTC’s Westside campus serves high school students through tuition-free dual enrollment and traditional students. Some Westside programs also feature online course offerings.

Through the school’s career programs, graduates gain eligibility for jobs such as massage therapist, HVAC technician, veterinary assistant, or welder. Career programs can last as little as two months or as long as more than one year, while employer-sponsored apprenticeships can last up to five years.

Students may earn career certificates and college credits and gain valuable work experience. Some programs may be eligible for federal financial aid or GED preparation.

Prospective students should submit a completed application on campus. All OTC campuses hold accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council on Occupational Education

The Tuition Fee is $17,696

The Graduation Rate is 56%

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7.      Manatee Technical College

Located south of Tampa-St. Petersburg in Bradenton, Manatee Technical College which is a Community College in Florida, offers career and technical programs that students can complete in 6-12 months.

The school’s flexible programs include full- and part-time options, day and evening classes, and express classes that meet on evenings and weekends. Online classes typically start each month and last six weeks.

Program areas at The College include architecture and construction, manufacturing, digital technology, business administration, health sciences, and hospitality/tourism. Students can also train for careers as firefighters, paramedics, or personal trainers. The school offers an additional express class in optometry.

The College features more than 80 self-paced, noncredit online career training programs, such as wind energy professional, certified paralegal, and digital marketing specialist.

Students can pursue these six- to 12-month programs through open enrollment.

Manatee Tech holds accreditation through the Commission on Occupational Education

The Tuition Fee is $5,953

The Graduation Rate is 54%

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8.      RIVEROAK Technical College

Founded in 1966, RIVER OAK Technical College offers technical training and education through Suwannee County Schools. The school features a 20-acre campus located in Live Oak. It is one of the Community Colleges in Florida.

The College’s 19 career and technical programs train students for careers in automotive services, masonry, cosmetology, early childhood education, and practical nursing, among other fields.

Programs range in length from a few months to 1-2 years. Additionally, learners can complete a pharmacy technician or digital design program in just one year.

While many programs require full-time enrollment, some offer part-time options. RTC also offers online career training programs that start each month as well as community education classes.

Interested students must complete an application and schedule form and meet with student services. Check program descriptions for prerequisites. RTC holds accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education.

The Tuition Fee is $15,101

The Graduation Rate is 47%

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9.      Orange Technical College – Orlando campus

Located in downtown Orlando, Orange Technical College’s Orlando campus opened in 1981 and now offers career training programs and a two-year childcare apprenticeship.

Operating under the authority of Orange County Public Schools, the College provides courses for high school students through tuition-free dual enrollment.

The school also offers flexible and online courses for other learners. The School is a Community College in Florida

Through The College’s 18 career training certificate programs and two licensure programs, students prepare for careers in the arts, communications, business, education, and health services.

Career training programs last anywhere from a few months to more than a year. Learners may take courses such as fashion technology and production, accounting, surgical technology, and baking. Prospective students should bring a completed application to campus.

Those who qualify may receive federal financial aid for some programs. OTC holds accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council on Occupational Education.

The Tuition Fee is$ 12,608

The Graduation Rate is 38%

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10. Marchman Technical Education Center

Located outside Tampa-St. Petersburg in New Port Richey, Marchman Technical Education Center as one of the Community Colleges in Florida offers career certificate programs to high school graduates.

The College also provides dual-enrollment courses to students at Wendell Krinn Technical High School, including classes in commercial arts, welding, culinary arts, and electricity.

Career training programs range from 600 hours to 1,800 hours and begin in August and January. Program areas include the service industry, information technology, construction, manufacturing, and automotive technology.

While most programs run during the day, The School offers some evening programs, such as cosmetology and electricity. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, and some programs translate into college credit toward an associate degree.

Students interested in a career training program must complete the career certificate program application available online. MTC holds accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education

The Tuition Fee is $6,306

The Graduation Rate is 48%

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Community Colleges in Florida – FAQs

How Many Community Colleges are in Florida?

The Florida Community College System comprises 28 Public Community Colleges. The 28 member colleges of the Florida College System respond quickly and efficiently to meet the demand of employers by aligning certificate and degree programs with regional workforce needs.

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