Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Key West, Florida
The College of the Florida Keys — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$19,965Annual Cost
$42,508Grad Salary
30%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$13,818
Need-Based Aid
30% receive Pell
The College of the Florida Keys, founded in 1965 as Florida Keys Community College, offers unique marine-focused programs from its waterfront campuses. The 20-acre Key West campus features a marine engineering lab, dive training pool, and research vessel R/V Bellows. CFK specializes in Marine Science, Diving Business, and Hospitality programs serving about 1,000 students across the island chain.
CFK is unranked among national colleges but holds distinction as America's only college with coral reef research facilities. The college boasts a 100% job placement rate for dive program graduates and partnerships with NOAA and Mote Marine Laboratory. The Keys location provides unparalleled access to marine ecosystems for hands-on learning.
The College of the Florida Keys Acceptance Rate
The College of the Florida Keys (Key West Community College) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Key West Community College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The College of the Florida Keys's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The College of the Florida Keys (Key West Community College) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Key West Community College Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for The College of the Florida Keys is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Key West Community College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Key West Community College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Key West Community College that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
Key West Community College Profile
Full Name
The College of the Florida Keys (Key West Community College)
City
Key West
State
Florida
ZIP Code
33040
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Key West Community College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Key West Community College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Key West Community College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Key West Community College is $58,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.22%.
How much does a degree from Key West Community College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The College of the Florida Keys is $19,965. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The College of the Florida Keys is $13,818.
30% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Key West Community College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The College of the Florida Keys, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Key West Community College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Key West Community College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,508. An average Key West Community College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Key West Community College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The College of the Florida Keys →
Frequently Asked Questions About Key West Community College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,508 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $19,965 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
30.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.