Educational Institutions
The following colleges and universities enjoy national and international reputations, and play significant roles in workforce development and the transfer of new technologies and innovation to the private sector.
University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee
This upper-division regional campus provides junior, senior, and graduate-level coursework, offering baccalaureate and graduate degrees as well as certificate programs. It offers the prestige of a national research 1 university, with the convenience of a hometown campus – including classes in south Sarasota County at MCC Venice.
New College of Florida
The honors college of the state of Florida, where students earn bachelor’s degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences plus individually arranged multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and special topic majors. In 2005, New College was ranked the nation’s No. 3 value for liberal arts education by U.S. News & World Report and deemed the sixth best value in public higher education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine in 2004.
State College of Florida
Offering a university-parallel associate in arts degree for students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, select four -year degrees and associate in applied science and associate in science degrees that combine core college coursework with technical skills for jobs in engineering, technology, health care, education and business. SCF maintains full-service campuses in Bradenton and Venice; a satellite campus, the Center for Innovation and Technology at Lakewood Ranch; and an extensive distance-learning environment.
Ringling School of Art and Design
Offering a bachelor of fine arts degree with specializations in computer animation, fine arts, graphic & interactive communication, illustration, interior design, and photography & digital imaging. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 visual art and design schools in the Americas.
Florida State University - Regional Medical School Campus
The Sarasota regional campus of Florida State University College of Medicine provides medical students third and fourth year clinical training with local physicians, ambulatory care facilities, and hospitals.
Florida State University Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training
A three year training program for graduate students preparing for professional acting careers.
Argosy University
Offers degree completion programs in business and psychology, and graduate degree programs in business, education, and psychology. Programs are specifically designed to help working professionals achieve their academic goals without interrupting their professional progress.
Eckerd College
Offers bachelors’ degrees for adults in an accelerated format in Sarasota, More than 14 majors available, including several related to business management, leadership, and organization. Credit may be awarded for prior learning.
Keiser University
A regionally accredited, private, career university that provides educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels for a diverse student body in traditional, nontraditional and online delivery formats. The main campus is located in Fort Lauderdale with campuses located throughout the State of Florida and internationally. Through quality teaching, the University is committed to provide all students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary for successful employment. Committed to a student's first philosophy, Keiser University prepares graduates for careers in business, criminal justice, health care, technology, hospitality, education, and career-focused general studies. Inherent in Keiser University's Mission is service to the community. This service includes community partnerships, involvement with various constituencies and various continuing education programs..
Webster University
Offers master’s degree programs in counseling, human resources, management and leadership, and business administration for students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Sarasota County Technical Institute
Offering technical training and continuing education to persons who need to upgrade or learn new skills for today’s workplace. SCTI strives to meet the demands of the local workforce through active participation with business, industry, and health employers.
For a list of additional colleges and universities in the state, click here.
