TCC vs. Santa Fe College in Gainesville?

I am a pre-computer science major who needs a few more semesters of CC pre-reqs to transfer into the major at 4-year. I do not care whether I end up at UF/FSU or a lower-ranked school. I am looking for somewhere to take some calc and physics and chemistry; at the end of the day I just want a substantive C.S. degree with a serious and resourceful department, and minimal debt. Anywhere that prepares me for the workforce and has solid foundation for a master’s is GOOD FOR ME. So it isn’t about Gators or Noles.

I have a bad home situation and just need somewhere with cheap rent, other motivated people, student resources, local activities, and a college-oriented lifestyle. Somewhere to get a part-time job but also living cost a part-time job can sustain. I am looking for the safer/warmer/more positive experience, but also a central experience where I can be a part of the college town and reap that sense of community. I want to actually finish my associate’s in one place and not have further issues. I’ve been tossed around a lot in the pursuit of my education and have lost many a GE credit hour over four (yes, 4) CCs. :-/

Any input is appreciated. Ty.

Where would you rather be?

Ty-

I am biased, of course, but I think that Santa Fe College is a fantastic community college. As the 2015 Aspen Prize winner for the top-ranked community college in the United States, SF has a long track record of their AA-degree gradates being successful after they transfer to a university. In fact, our research shows that SF graduates who enroll at UF as junior graduate from UF at the same rate as “native” UF students who enroll as freshmen and persist to their junior year.

With the common course numbering system and state-wide articulation agreement, you will not lose any general education credits when transferring from SF to UF.

Gainesville is a college/university town and is priced accordingly. Rent and food are much less expensive in Gainesville than in a larger city like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville – and probably Tallahassee, too.

Class start at SF on Tuesday, August 20, so timing is of the essence. If you have not yet applied for admission, I would encourage you to do so ASAP at www.sfcollege.edu – there is no cost to apply! After applying, use the MyStatus tool inside eSantaFe to guide you from application to registration. The SF Office of Admissions will be open bright and early on Monday to help late applicants get registered for class.

I hope to see you there. --Dan