State College of Florida

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is a public college located in Bradenton, Florida, with additional campuses in Venice and Lakewood Ranch. It offers a comprehensive educational experience, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as workforce certificates. SCF is committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to its diverse student body, which numbered nearly 9,000 college credit students as of Fall 2022.

Academics

SCF offers a diverse array of academic programs spanning arts and humanities, business, STEM, health sciences, and public safety. The college provides Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees, Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees, bachelor's degrees, and numerous workforce certificates. SCF emphasizes flexible, career-oriented education, with options for online courses and accelerated formats. Notable programs include Nursing, which is highly regarded and offers hands-on learning, and the Educator Preparation Institute for those seeking teaching certifications. The college also has partnerships with the University of Florida for its Gator Engineering program and the University of South Florida through the FUSE Transfer Program, offering seamless transitions to university degrees.

International Students

State College of Florida provides support services for international students, with a dedicated International Student Services Center. This center assists with admissions, the pre-arrival process, F-1 visa information, and navigating college policies and documentation. International students are required to maintain adequate medical insurance and a full-time course load of 12 credit hours during normal enrollment periods. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, 276 international students are enrolled at SCF, making up 3.15% of the student population. Students from 31 countries are represented, with the majority coming from Canada, Brazil, and Vietnam.

Campus & Location

The main Bradenton campus is a full-service campus located in southwest Manatee County, near Sarasota Bay. It features a café, bookstore, and numerous clubs and intramural sports activities. Bradenton offers a vibrant city life with nearby attractions and cultural resources. The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) provides convenient air travel options. While transportation information for SCF Bradenton specifically mentions bus services for collegiate school students, general public transportation options are available in the broader Bradenton area.

Career Outcomes

SCF is dedicated to preparing students for the workforce and offers a Career Accelerator, a college-wide hub for career programming and hands-on learning. This initiative focuses on career exploration, exposure, engagement, and experience, ensuring students are prepared for workforce demands. The college helps students identify career goals, build professional skills, and navigate their pathway from college to career through assessment tools and employability skills development. SCF also provides Handshake, an online platform connecting students with job and internship opportunities. The institution aims to provide degrees that lead directly to meaningful, long-term employment.