Students at The College of the Florida Keys benefit from exceptionally affordable education with very low debt levels, making college accessible without significant financial burden.
The institution's unique Florida Keys location provides an educational experience unlike any other public college in the United States.
The College of the Florida Keys is a small public institution serving students in one of America's most distinctive geographic settings. Located in Key West, this college provides accessible higher education with a focus on affordability and community connection. With about 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students, the institution serves a diverse population seeking educational opportunities in the Florida Keys region.
The college maintains modest tuition levels, with low-income students paying around $12,086 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of about $14,700 per year. While earnings outcomes are more moderate compared to larger research universities, graduates typically earn around $42,508 ten years after enrollment. The institution's small size creates opportunities for personalized attention and close faculty mentorship that many students value.
As a specialized institution in a unique location, The College of the Florida Keys offers something different from traditional four-year universities. Students who thrive here often appreciate the intimate campus environment, the distinctive Keys culture, and the opportunity to pursue their education in a setting unlike anywhere else in the United States.
The College of the Florida Keys operates as a small, specialized institution where detailed program-level data is limited due to the college's size and unique mission. Unlike large universities with extensive program portfolios, this institution focuses on serving the specific educational and workforce needs of the Florida Keys region.
The college's academic offerings are designed to align with local economic opportunities, including programs that support the tourism industry, marine sciences, and community services that are essential to the Keys. Students typically pursue practical, career-oriented education that prepares them for employment within the regional context rather than high-earning professional fields.
Given the institution's small scale and specialized focus, students should expect a more intimate educational experience with close faculty relationships and programs tailored to the unique geographic and economic environment of the Florida Keys. This approach serves students who value the distinctive setting and community-oriented education over the breadth of options available at larger institutions.
Graduates of The College of the Florida Keys earn a median of $42,508 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the institution's focus on practical, career-oriented education rather than high-earning professional tracks. While these earnings are more modest than those at large research universities, they represent solid outcomes for students in the Florida Keys region, where the cost of living and job market differ significantly from major metropolitan areas.
The college's small size means that detailed program-level earnings data is limited, but the institution typically serves students interested in fields that align with the local economy and regional needs. Many graduates find employment in tourism, marine sciences, education, and local business sectors that are central to the Keys' economic landscape. The college's practical approach to education helps prepare students for careers that make sense within their geographic context.
With only 25 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution clearly serves students whose career goals align with moderate-income professions rather than high-earning fields like engineering or finance. For students who value the unique educational experience and lifestyle that comes with studying in the Florida Keys, the financial outcomes represent a reasonable return on their educational investment.
The College of the Florida Keys stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $12,086 per year, well below national averages for public institutions, while middle-income families see annual costs around $14,700. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $18,412 annually, making the college accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is only $9,500, significantly lower than national averages, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages about $10,401. These modest debt levels reflect both the college's low sticker prices and the practical approach many families take to financing their education. The combination of affordable tuition and low borrowing means that most graduates can manage their debt payments comfortably even with the more moderate earnings typical of the region.
The College Of The Florida Keys Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
