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Public, 4-year

The College of the Florida Keys

Key West, Florida · www.cfk.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$13,162

In-state $3,276

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,025

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is a prominent institution located in the picturesque Florida Keys, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant marine ecosystem. Established in 1991, the college aims to provide accessible, high-quality education and training to students in a diverse range of programs. Its unique geographical location allows students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, particularly in marine science, environmental studies, and hospitality management, which are crucial to the local economy and the preservation of the region's natural resources. CFK's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its programs and campus initiatives, fostering an environmental consciousness among students.

CFK prides itself on a supportive and inclusive campus culture, which encourages student engagement and personal growth. The college offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations, to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community. Additionally, the faculty at CFK is composed of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. The college also emphasizes career readiness, providing students with opportunities for internships and connections to local industries, which greatly contributes to impressive graduation rates and successful job placements in various fields. Overall, The College of the Florida Keys stands out as an institution that not only prioritizes academic excellence but also deeply values community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Analysis of Key Metrics at The College of the Florida Keys

The College of the Florida Keys presents a unique case in terms of tuition rates, student enrollment, graduation rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio. One notable observation is the tuition for in-state undergraduate students, which has remained constant at $3,276 since 2014. However, out-of-state tuition has seen a significant increase, rising from $10,726 in 2014 to $13,162 in 2023. This could potentially limit access for out-of-state students, a factor that may warrant further examination as it could impact overall enrollment numbers.

Speaking of enrollment, the total number of undergraduate students has shown a declining trend, dropping from 1,212 in 2013 to just 920 in 2023. This decline raises concerns regarding the appeal of the institution and may correlate with the increasing financial burden on students, particularly out-of-state individuals. The shift in demographics is also reflected in the gender ratio, where female undergraduates consistently outnumber male students, indicating a broader trend in higher education.

The graduation rates also tell a compelling story. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has hovered around 12.5% to 16%, which is relatively low. Although there seems to be a slight fluctuation, the figures suggest that a significant proportion of students may not be completing their degrees within the expected timeframe. This is further compounded by the retention rates, which peaked at approximately 58% in 2014 before experiencing a decline and stagnation in subsequent years. Such data point towards potential issues with student satisfaction or support services at the institution.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has varied, with a notable peak at 17 students per faculty member in 2016 and a subsequent drop to 10 in 2022. A lower ratio generally indicates more personalized attention for students, which may aid in improving retention and graduation rates. However, the fluctuating nature of this metric suggests that the institution may be grappling with resource allocation and faculty availability.

In summary, while The College of the Florida Keys maintains a stable tuition rate for in-state students, challenges in enrollment, graduation, and retention rates highlight areas needing attention. Addressing these issues may enhance the college's attractiveness and support for its students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Miami, about 130 mi
Nearest international airport
Miami International Airport (MIA), about 120 mi
Key West, Florida
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Jonathan Gueverra (President)
Phone
3052969081
City
Key West, Florida
Address
5901 College Rd, Key West, FL 33040

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1510 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's341 international (2.9%)
Top 3 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
15
Marine Sciences
11
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
8

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from The College of the Florida Keys

The graduation data from The College of the Florida Keys for 2023 reveals insightful trends about student enrollment and specialization. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with a total of 27 graduates, indicating a robust interest in healthcare fields amid the ongoing demand for medical professionals. In contrast, other programs such as Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management and Engineering Technologies show a modest output with 9 and 1 graduates respectively, which may reflect the niche nature of these fields.

Interestingly, there are no international students graduating from the bachelor or master programs, suggesting a potential area for growth in attracting global talent. The presence of international students in the associate degree track, albeit minimal, hints at a burgeoning interest in vocational training among international candidates. For instance, the Hospitality Administration and Management program produced three associate graduates, while the Criminal Justice program had one, both attracting international students.

Moreover, the data indicates that over 50% of graduates in the Registered Nursing program are domestic students, which aligns with national trends of increased enrollment in health-related disciplines due to the pandemic's lingering effects. The absence of doctoral graduates across all disciplines signifies a gap in advanced education offerings, which could be addressed to enhance the college's academic footprint.

In summary, while certain programs demonstrate strong graduation rates, the overall picture suggests potential opportunities for expansion, especially in international recruitment and advanced degree offerings. This analysis highlights the importance of aligning academic programs with market demands and student interests to foster growth in the coming years.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$70,252
Liberal arts has 52 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$39,015
Businesshas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Mechanic and repair has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Natural resources has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Marine Sciences.-
Homeland security has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Transportation has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Diver, Professional and Instructor.-
Engineering technologieshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.-

Students

1,025 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,025)

White
435 · 42.4%
Hispanic
361 · 35.2%
Black
111 · 10.8%
Unknown
58 · 5.7%
Two or more races
24 · 2.3%
International
20 · 2.0%
Asian
11 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.9%
18–19
22.7%
20–21
17.1%
22–24
15.9%
25 and over
43.4%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of The College of the Florida Keys, 2023

The student demographic data from The College of the Florida Keys for the year 2023 reveals some interesting trends in gender representation and diversity among its undergraduate and graduate populations.

Starting with the undergraduate freshmen, there are 193 students, with a notable male representation of 56% and female representation of 44%. This indicates a relatively balanced gender ratio, albeit with a slight male majority. The undergraduate seniors, on the other hand, number 595, showcasing a more pronounced female majority at 60%. This suggests that the college may be successfully attracting and retaining female students, which is a positive development in promoting gender equity in higher education.

The transfer students present a nearly equal gender distribution, with males at 48.6% and females at 51.4%. This balance signifies an inclusive environment for students transitioning from other institutions. However, the data for graduate students is limited, with only 23 individuals reported and a female majority of 56.5%.

Looking at the ethnic diversity, while specific figures are not fully available, the presence of various racial and ethnic groups is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational atmosphere. The college's ability to attract a diverse student body can enhance the educational experience for all students, preparing them for a multicultural society.

Overall, the data from The College of the Florida Keys indicates a positive trend toward gender balance and diversity, which are essential components of a vibrant educational institution. Further analyses and initiatives could aim to strengthen these aspects in the coming years.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at The College of the Florida Keys

The age distribution of students at The College of the Florida Keys reveals interesting insights into the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of students falls within the 18-19 age range, with 99 male undergraduates and 106 female undergraduates, making up 43.6% of the total student population. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that many students begin their higher education journey immediately after high school.

The data also shows a downward trend in enrollment as age increases. For instance, only 22 males aged 30-34 and 28 males aged 35-39 are attending, indicating that a significant portion of the student population is younger, likely pursuing their first degrees. The absence of graduate students in these age categories further suggests that older students may be less represented in this institution.

Interestingly, the 25-29 age group maintains a healthy number of students, with 65 males and 81 females. This could reflect the increasing trend of non-traditional students returning to education later in life or those completing their degrees after initial delays.

The lack of graduate students in the data might indicate that The College of the Florida Keys primarily serves undergraduate populations, which is consistent with many community colleges and smaller institutions. Overall, the age composition showcases a youthful demographic, highlighting the college's role in fostering the educational aspirations of young adults in the region.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates2.0%

20 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.9%2019: 1.2%2020: 1.3%2021: 1.3%2022: 1.7%2023: 1.7%2024: 1.9%2025: 2.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at The College of the Florida Keys

The data on international student enrollment at The College of the Florida Keys reveals significant fluctuations over the years. Starting from 2004, the number of international undergraduate students was relatively modest, with a peak of 1.58% in 2008. However, the following years showed a concerning decline, hitting a low of just 0.29% in 2015. This downward trend raises questions about the college's outreach and support for international students.

Interestingly, there has been a slight recovery in the past few years. By 2022 and 2023, the percentage of international students rose to 1.73% and 1.74%, respectively. This increase may indicate a growing interest in the college as a destination for international students, possibly influenced by broader trends in global education and the increasing importance of diversity in academic institutions.

The overall total undergraduate enrollment fluctuated as well, dropping from 1,283 in 2004 to 862 in 2019, before rising to 920 in 2023. This suggests that while the college may be facing challenges in attracting and retaining students overall, there is a potential for growth in the international student sector.

As educational institutions globally seek to enhance their international presence, The College of the Florida Keys may benefit from targeted strategies aimed at improving the international student experience, including tailored support services and robust marketing initiatives to attract more international applicants. This could help reverse the previous decline and contribute to a more vibrant, diverse academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$27,794

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$13,162
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$3,276
Room and board
$14,632
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 23% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 32%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$22.4M

Government grants and contracts
$16.4M72.9%
Tuition and fees
$2.5M11.0%
Investment return
$400K1.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$223K1.0%
Gifts and private grants
$146K0.7%
Sales and services of educational activities
$0K0.0%
Other
$2.8M12.7%

Expenses$21.4M

Instruction
$8.9M41.8%
Institutional support
$6.1M28.5%
Academic support
$2.0M9.3%
Student services
$1.9M8.8%
Scholarships
$896K4.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$363K1.7%
Public service
$1K0.0%
Other
$1.2M5.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$65,393peers $68,588
Professor
$75,335peers $79,972
Associate professor
$72,875peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$66,959peers $62,785
Instructor
$59,633peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division III MENWOMEN
Swimming43
2024
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Swimming63
2023
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Swimming33

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near The College of the Florida Keys:

  1. Florida International University - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this public research university in Miami offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its international focus.

  2. University of Miami - With a ranking of 67, this prestigious private research university is also located in Miami and offers a vibrant campus life along with a strong focus on research and academic excellence.

  3. University of Florida - Ranked 28th, this public research university in Gainesville is known for its strong academic programs and significant research contributions.

  4. Florida State University - This Tallahassee-based public university is ranked 53 and is recognized for its comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. University of South Florida - Located in Tampa and ranked 89, this public research university emphasizes innovation and has a diverse student population.

  6. New College of Florida - This liberal arts college ranks 100 and is known for its unique academic program and personalized education approach.

These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and vibrant campus experiences for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at The College of the Florida Keys

The crime data from The College of the Florida Keys over the years presents an interesting narrative about campus safety. In 2013, the average number of offenses per 1,000 students was quite low at 0.83, indicating a relatively safe environment. However, there was a noticeable increase in subsequent years, peaking in 2022 with a crime rate of 10.40 per 1,000 students. This significant rise can raise concerns regarding student safety and the effectiveness of campus security measures.

Particularly alarming is the increase in violent offenses, such as gun-related arrests and domestic violence incidents, which contribute to the overall crime statistics. The data suggests a fluctuation in crime rates, with some years like 2018 and 2023 showing minimal recorded offenses, potentially indicating effective crime prevention strategies or changes in reporting practices.

The spike in offenses in 2022 prompts further investigation into the circumstances surrounding these incidents. It raises questions about whether specific events or changes in the campus environment contributed to this rise. The reduction in crime rates in the following year could suggest a response from the administration or law enforcement to enhance safety protocols.

Overall, while the data shows fluctuations in crime rates, the increase in violent offenses is concerning and warrants a proactive approach from the college to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. Awareness and education on crime prevention, coupled with effective communication strategies, could help in addressing these issues and maintaining a secure campus environment. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.