State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota

Bradenton, Florida, United States · Est. 1957 · Public University

Florida's accessible state college offering associate and bachelor's degrees across three campuses in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

  • Founded September 17, 1957, as Manatee Junior College; became State College of Florida in 2009
  • Public institution; part of Florida College System
  • Three campuses: Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice; enrollment over 11,000 students
  • Among top 100 US producers of associate degrees; nursing program has highest certification rates in Florida
  • Partnerships with University of Florida (Gator Engineering) and University of South Florida (FUSE Transfer Program)
  • LEED Gold certified Medical Technology & Simulation Center; $17.6 million Library & Learning Center opened 2018

Academics

SCF offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, College Credit Certificates, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees across diverse disciplines including business, education, health professions, engineering, arts, and STEM fields. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a charter member of the Manufacturing Institute's M-list for excellence in manufacturing education. Nursing, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, dental hygiene, and radiography programs maintain 98% licensure pass rates. SCF participates in Yale's Small World Initiative for antibiotic research and partners with Tufts University on antibiotic resistance studies.

Campus & Student Life

The college operates three modern campuses with upgraded facilities including a 100-acre Bradenton campus, 5-acre Lakewood Ranch campus, and Venice campus with nature trails. Students enjoy over 30 registered organizations, intramural sports, music ensembles (11 different groups), theater productions through Studio 84 Productions, and recreation facilities including weight rooms, fitness centers, and athletic fields. The Bradenton campus houses the SCF Collegiate School, Family Heritage House Museum, and dental hygiene clinic. A new Health and Human Performance Center is under development.

Admissions

SCF welcomes first-time college students, dual enrollment/early college participants, international students, transfer students, bachelor's degree seekers, veterans, and non-degree seeking students. The college offers flexible scheduling with 5, 8, and 12-week classes available both on-campus and online. Enrollment for fall 2026 is open, with flexible start dates through SCF FlexStart programs. Admissions contact: Admissions@SCF.edu or 941-752-5000.

Research & Innovation

SCF is one of 25 US colleges participating in Yale's Small World Initiative, engaging students in real-world antibiotic research. The college partners with Tufts University on environmental antibiotic resistance testing and participates in the Tampa Bay Bridge to Baccalaureate (B2B) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, to increase underrepresented STEM students. The 26 West Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation ($8 million facility opened fall 2021) houses a coding and IT academy, university partnership center, and technology business incubator.

Founded
1957
Type
Public University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationFlorida College System
Websitehttps://www.scf.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$40.3K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources