College of Central Florida - Best Trade Schools

What Is It Known For?

Founded in 1957, the College of Central Florida started as Central Florida Junior College, offering two-year degrees and certificates. Today, this non-profit institution has grown to include six campuses and now provides four-year baccalaureate degrees in select workforce programs.

The college is also known for focusing on practical training for careers that need professional and vocational training, offering courses in robotics, electrical work, and forklift operation. This growth allows it to continuously meet the evolving educational needs of its students.

Who Owns the College of Central Florida?

Being a public college, the College of Central Florida is owned by the state of Florida.

Degrees

The school provides a wide selection of academic opportunities, spreading across seven distinct fields of study and encompassing over 150 educational paths. Students have the opportunity to pursue different levels of education, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and non-credit courses tailored to their individual goals.

Available fields of study include:

Arts and Sciences
Business and Technology
Criminal Justice and Public Service
Digital Media Technology
Health Sciences
Teacher Education
Welding Technology

Class Schedules

The school presents courses that stretch beyond traditional classroom settings. Students can select from fully online degrees or opt for a blend of online, live streaming, face-to-face, and hybrid formats. Online classes typically last six weeks. The institution schedules classes during the day, in the evening, and online to accommodate diverse needs. Note that evening classes are available only during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Although the programs do not specifically include externships, the school does provide career services to help connect students with potential employers.

Is it legit?

Yes. The College of Central Florida is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The school also has programmatic accreditations from institutions like:

Acceptance rate

According to U.S. News & World Report, the College of Central Florida’s acceptance rate stands at 41%. On the other hand, various sources indicate that the college operates on an open admissions policy. The college hasn’t provided clear information on this subject.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to reach out to the admissions office directly.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

For in-state students at the associate level, tuition costs $112.92 per credit hour. This amounts to about $2,890 per year if you take 12 credits each semester. Out-of-state students can expect to pay a bit more.

For a detailed breakdown of the total cost to attend, please contact the school directly.

Programs & Courses

Business

Accounting
Agribusiness
Business Admin
Engineering
Human Resources
Office Admin
Office Management
Supply Chain

Education

Child Care
Early Childhood

Healthcare

BSN
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygiene
EMT
Healthcare Management
LPN
Medical Office Assistant
Paramedic
Physical Therapy
Radiography
Respiratory Care
RN
Surgical Services

Media

Graphic Design
Web Design

Legal

Correctional Officer
Law Enforcement
Paralegal

Skilled Trades

Welding

Technology

Computer Programming
Data Security
Network Security
Networking

Campus Locations

Ocala 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala, FL 34474-4415

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, the College of Central Florida (CF) Ocala Campus has a highly polarized reputation. While many students praise the quality of professors and the campus environment, a significant and long-standing pattern of criticism points to major issues with administrative departments.

Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars

Common Praises

High-Quality Professors and Education: Many reviewers laud the instructors for being knowledgeable, patient, and caring. Students in specific programs, such as engineering and the equine program, praise the level of education and opportunities provided.

Supportive and Well-Maintained Campus: The campus is frequently described as “beautiful,” “well kept,” and “safe.” The library and its staff receive specific praise for being wonderful. The college is also seen as a good starting point for a college education, with some reviewers noting its focus on student mental health.

Value and Convenience: The college’s affordability and convenience, including free career academies for high schoolers, are mentioned as significant positives.

Common Criticisms

Major Administrative and Communication Issues: This is the most frequent and severe criticism, spanning from old to very recent reviews. Students report rude, unhelpful, and unprofessional staff in admissions, financial aid, and advising. It is described as a “nightmare” to get in touch with anyone, with calls and emails going unanswered for weeks.

Financial Aid and Advising Problems: These departments receive numerous specific complaints. Students report being given incorrect information, receiving delayed or mismanaged financial aid disbursements, and being advised to take unnecessary classes.

Inconsistent Program Quality: Some reviewers state that professor quality is “hit or miss” and that many online courses lack engagement, with professors who seem indifferent to student success.

Organizational Issues: The college is criticized for being unorganized and having computer systems that are unreliable and prone to crashing, which complicates the admissions and online learning processes.

Momentum

The momentum for the College of Central Florida is mixed but leans negative due to the deep-seated nature of its administrative issues. The most detailed and strongly-worded negative reviews from the last few months mirror complaints from years ago, focusing on the same core problems of poor communication and professionalism. While recent positive reviews for the campus and certain staff exist, the lack of resolution for the persistent administrative issues is a recurring theme in the feedback.