
The College of the Florida Keys is a public college in Key West that began as Florida Keys Community College in 1965. It adopted its current name in 2019, reflecting an academic scope that had expanded beyond the community-college name.
The college continues to offer associate degrees and career-oriented programs while also offering selected bachelor's degrees. Its history matters to applicants because it serves both students seeking a relatively short route into a profession and those planning to complete a four-year credential in the Keys. Older records may still use the Florida Keys Community College name.
The College of the Florida Keys organizes its academic offerings around degree and career programs rather than a large set of separately named schools. Students can pursue associate degrees, certificates, and selected bachelor's degrees.
Its program areas include marine science, nursing and other health fields, business, and education. Applicants should use the current academic catalog to distinguish a program's credential, campus or online availability, prerequisites, and clinical or fieldwork requirements. Admission to the college does not necessarily mean admission to a limited-access program such as nursing.
The College of the Florida Keys is based at 5901 College Road on Stock Island, immediately east of Key West, Florida. It also serves students elsewhere in the island chain through centers in the Middle and Upper Keys.
Geography can shape a student's schedule and budget. The Keys stretch across a long, narrow corridor, so a course offered at another center may involve a substantial drive; applicants should check the location and meeting pattern of each required class. Key West International Airport is nearby, but routine travel between the college's service areas generally depends on road transportation.
The college's stated purpose centers on accessible higher education and workforce preparation for the Florida Keys. Its mix of transfer-oriented, technical, and bachelor's programs reflects that regional role.
For prospective students, the practical question is how a particular program serves their goal: transfer to another institution, entry into a licensed occupation, or advancement in an existing career. A mission statement describes institutional priorities; it does not establish that every program produces the same outcome for every student.
Name of the institution
The College of the Florida KeysLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Town: RemoteInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, not primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1965The College of the Florida Keys is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Bachelor's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.