What Is It Known For?
Santa Fe Community College recognized the growing demand for skilled trades workers in 2011 when it launched the Trades and Advanced Technology Center. This initiative responded to local industry needs by creating programs that prepare students for careers in sustainable technologies and traditional trades. The center serves approximately 12,000 students annually through a curriculum developed with input from regional employers and industry experts.
You’ll find programs that blend environmental responsibility with practical skills training. The center emphasizes sustainable practices across all disciplines while maintaining strong connections to local job markets.
Degrees & Certifications
You can pursue programs in sustainable technologies and traditional trades:
- Environmental technologies and biofuels
- Green construction and solar energy systems
- Weatherization, electronics, energy auditing
- Residential and commercial construction
- Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems
The center awards associate’s in applied science degrees and specialized certificates. Associate programs take two years, while certificates range from several months to one year.
Class Schedules
The modern facility combines traditional classroom instruction with hands-on workshops and interactive learning spaces. All courses are conducted in person, as technical trades require access to equipment and practical experience that online learning cannot provide.
Contact the school directly for specific class schedules and timing options since program formats may vary by specialization.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. As part of Santa Fe Community College, the Trades and Advanced Technology Center operates under accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The facility has earned LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, representing the highest possible standard for environmental friendly building.
Acceptance Rate
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, maintains a 100% acceptance rate. The college also houses the Trades and Advanced Technology Center.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
In-state students pay around $1,545 per year, which costs 51% less than the national community college average. This affordable pricing keeps technical education within reach without sacrificing instructional quality.
Check the school’s net price calculator for a complete breakdown of your costs, including books, supplies, and program-specific materials.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal Studies
Healthcare
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- Dental Assisting
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing
- Paramedicine
- Phlebotomy
- Psychology
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technologies
- Building Science and Construction Technologies
- Facilities Maintenance
- Fine Woodworking
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
Technology
- Information Systems and Computer Science (ISCS)
- Web Design
Campus Locations
Santa Fe 6401 Richards Avenue Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the Trades and Advanced Technology Center (TATC), part of Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), has a polarized reputation. It is widely praised for its exceptional facilities and program quality, but is heavily criticized for administrative shortcomings. The overall college rating is estimated at 3.5/5 stars based on a larger sample of reviews, with the technical programs themselves often receiving much higher praise.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Great Programs and Facilities: The Art Department receives consistent praise for its well-equipped facilities and knowledgeable, caring instructors. Other programs, such as the Controlled Environment Agriculture (greenhouse management), Paramedic program, and Jewelry Certification, are also highly recommended for their excellent instructors and hands-on experience.
Affordable Education: Many reviewers, particularly those who have attended for dual enrollment or transfer purposes, highlight the college as a cheap alternative to expensive universities.
Excellent Fitness Center: The on-campus fitness center is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, praised for being up-to-date, clean, and well-staffed.
Common Criticisms
Rude and Incompetent Staff: This is a recurring and severe complaint. Reviewers consistently mention that the staff, particularly in advisement, financial aid, and the front desk, are rude, unhelpful, and difficult to deal with. There are allegations of staff being “unwilling to answer questions” and treating students as if they are a bother.
Administrative and Financial Aid Issues: Students report significant problems with administration, including lost paperwork like transcripts and a slow, unresponsive bureaucracy. The financial aid department is specifically criticized for being “difficult to deal with” and for predatory collection practices, where they send students to collections instead of simply dropping them from classes for non-payment.
Campus Environment and Culture: Some reviews, particularly more recent ones, express frustration with the school’s atmosphere. One reviewer claims the school has become a “graveyard” and is “out of touch with what the world is advancing in.” Other reviews accuse the college of catering to a predominantly “elderly” or “senior” community and being unrelatable to younger students. A particularly serious review claims a complete lack of mental health counselors and that the staff are “strictly Caucasian and European,” with no minority representation outside of janitorial roles.
Inconsistent Quality and Policies: Students express frustration over unexpected policy changes, such as the last-minute cancellation of a commencement ceremony, allegedly to save money. Others point out inconsistent class quality, with some teachers being unmotivated, and strict, inflexible transfer policies that do not accept older credits.
Momentum
The reviews show a negative momentum, with a number of recent posts from 2022 to the present detailing highly negative experiences. While positive reviews from the past exist, more recent criticism points to a perceived decline in customer service, student support, and a lack of relevance to younger students. The school does not appear to actively respond to these specific reviews, which is a departure from the responsiveness noted in the previous review set.