Colleges and Universities Near Bradenton-Sarasota: A Guide for Homebuyers and Families

The Bradenton-Sarasota area is not just a great place to raise a family with school-age children. It is also home to several respected colleges and universities that serve students pursuing higher education. Whether your family includes a high school senior looking at local options, an adult learner considering a career change, or you simply want to understand the full educational landscape of the area, here is a guide to the colleges and universities near Bradenton and Sarasota.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

State College of Florida, commonly known as SCF, is the primary community college serving both Manatee and Sarasota counties. SCF offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees in select fields, certificates, and workforce development training. The college operates campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, along with a robust online course catalog. For Fall 2026, the semester runs from August 17 through December 4 with courses available across all three campuses.

SCF is an excellent option for students looking to complete their first two years of college at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university. Transfer agreements with Florida's state universities make it easy to continue on to a bachelor's degree after earning an associate degree at SCF. The college also operates the SCF Collegiate School, a charter high school where students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously.

New College of Florida

New College of Florida is a public honors college located in Sarasota, just a short drive from Bradenton. As part of the State University System of Florida, New College provides a rigorous liberal arts education with an individualized academic plan tailored to each student's interests. The college is known for its small class sizes, close faculty-student relationships, and a unique academic contract system where students design their own course of study in collaboration with faculty advisors.

As of July 2026, New College has taken over the former University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus and facilities, expanding its physical footprint and program offerings in the region. This transition brings additional resources and classroom space to the institution, making it an even more significant presence in the local higher education landscape.

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus

The University of South Florida had long maintained a branch campus in Sarasota serving students in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The campus offered a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to earn a USF degree without commuting to the main Tampa campus. However, as of July 1, 2026, the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and its facilities were transferred to New College of Florida through legislative action. Students who were enrolled in USF programs at the Sarasota-Manatee campus should check with USF for information on continuing their degree through the Tampa campus or online programs.

Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, fully accredited college located in Sarasota that specializes in art, design, and creative disciplines. The college offers bachelor's degrees in fields including computer animation, graphic design, illustration, film, game art, photography, and fine arts. Ringling is nationally recognized for its programs and consistently ranks among the top art and design schools in the country. Graduates from Ringling have gone on to work at major studios, design firms, and creative agencies worldwide. For families with students interested in pursuing a career in the arts or creative industries, Ringling is a world-class institution right in the backyard.

Keiser University Sarasota

Keiser University operates a campus in Sarasota that offers a range of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. The university focuses on career-oriented education with programs in fields like nursing, business administration, criminal justice, and information technology. Keiser uses a one-class-at-a-time scheduling model, which allows students to focus on a single subject before moving on to the next. This approach works well for working adults and non-traditional students who are balancing education with other responsibilities.

Other Nearby Options

Beyond the institutions based directly in Bradenton and Sarasota, several other colleges and universities are within reasonable commuting distance. The University of South Florida's main campus in Tampa is approximately an hour north and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Eckerd College in St. Petersburg provides a private liberal arts education on the waterfront. Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers serves students from the southern end of the region. And for students interested in fully online programs, Florida Virtual Campus connects learners to courses and degrees from institutions across the state system.

Why Higher Education Access Matters for Homebuyers

The presence of colleges and universities in a community has a positive impact on property values and quality of life. Higher education institutions bring cultural events, athletic programs, continuing education opportunities, and a steady flow of economic activity to their surrounding areas. For families with college-bound students, living near strong institutions means lower room and board costs if students can commute from home. For professionals, nearby universities provide opportunities for advanced degrees and career development without relocating.

If you are considering a move to the Bradenton-Sarasota area and want to be near quality higher education options, John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water can help you find the right home. Whether you are looking for proximity to SCF's Lakewood Ranch campus, New College in Sarasota, or the creative energy around Ringling College, John knows the area and can guide your search. Contact John today to explore your options.