The University of Florida (UF) is the state’s oldest, largest and most comprehensive university. It is recognized as one of the most academically diverse public universities in the nation. UF has 21 colleges and schools and more than 100 research, service and education centers, bureaus and institutes. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities, the prestigious higher education organization comprised of the top 62 public and private institutions in North America. UF ranks third among public universities and fifth among all universities for the number of freshmen National Merit Scholars. The university is also among the nation’s top research universities as categorized by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
Santa Fe College is a state college offering baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and at least 80 fast track career and technical degrees. More than 17,000 degree-seeking students from throughout the state and abroad attend SF and nearly 4,000 people are enrolled in community education classes. Founded in 1966, Santa Fe is a charter member of the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College and ranks among the top ten colleges annually in the number of associate degrees awarded. The main SF campus is located in northwest Gainesville, with six additional campus sites throughout the Alachua-Bradford County region. In addition to the new Perry Center for Emerging Technologies and the CIED (Center for Innovation and Economic Development), SFC is also home to a nationally recognized teaching zoo and a planetarium. It also produces the annual Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival, the largest cultural arts event in Alachua County.
City College offers Associate of Science programs as well as various vocational programs including word processing, data entry, business accounting and legal assistance. The college is accredited by the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools as a business school.
Webster University is a dynamic university offering real-world programs at more than 100 campuses worldwide, serving 20,000 students. The Ocala campus opened in 1997. Webster University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. Its programs include a Master of Arts in Business Administration and seven other graduate level programs.