Below are answers to common questions students and their families have about the Gator Engineering at Santa Fe program. These cover scholarships, financial aid, academics, housing, and what to expect from the program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Yes. While at Santa Fe, you may apply for Santa Fe College scholarships. Once admitted to UF, you can apply to the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship Program.
Your financial aid will be processed by Santa Fe College for your first fall term. After confirming your spot by May 1, UF will send your info to Santa Fe, allowing their Financial Aid office to determine your eligibility. This process can take several weeks.
You can use Bright Futures at Santa Fe just like at any Florida institution. Visit Santa Fe’s Financial Aid website and see the section for “Incoming UF@SF Students.”
Include both schools on your FAFSA:
- UF: 001535
- Santa Fe College: 001519
No. Just complete the online confirmation form by May 1.
Academic Experience & Registration
- eSantaFe: Mid to late May, once your record is created at Santa Fe.
- GatorLink: After you’re officially admitted to UF.
Registration begins after your Santa Fe record is created, usually mid to late May. You’ll be contacted about advising and placement tests before registration opens.
You’ll pay Santa Fe tuition for Santa Fe courses, and UF tuition for UF courses. Costs vary based on how many credits you bring in. Refer to the course plans to estimate.
No. Your confirmation and consent allow UF to share your info with Santa Fe, which will serve as your application.
Not if you meet the program’s critical tracking and GPA requirements.
Housing & Student Life
No. First-year students must secure off-campus housing. On-campus UF housing is available once you’re admitted to UF.
Explore local options via UF Off-Campus Housing.
You’ll have a unique experience—smaller classes at Santa Fe, close advising, and access to some UF resources (clubs, study abroad, design teams, etc.). However, UF housing, dining, and gyms are not available until you’re admitted to UF.
Program Requirements & Path
You’ll be a Santa Fe student during your first fall semester. If you meet critical tracking requirements, you’ll become a UF student starting in spring.
Because admission to UF is contingent on your first fall semester performance at Santa Fe.
Yes. Santa Fe credits count toward your UF engineering degree. UF credits will be shared with Santa Fe so you can earn your A.A.
- 2.0 UF cumulative and term GPAs
- 2.5 GPA in all critical tracking courses
- Minimum grade of C in tracking courses
- No more than two attempts (including Ws) per course, with a max of three double-attempts total
Critical tracking courses typically include:
- Calculus 1, 2, and 3
- Differential Equations
- Chemistry 1
- Physics 1 and 2 with Calculus
Check the UF Undergraduate Catalog for major-specific details.
Major Changes & Program Fit
Maybe. You must first complete the critical tracking for your original engineering major. Changing to another engineering major may be possible but is not guaranteed. Switching to a non-engineering major means leaving the program and applying to UF as a traditional transfer student later.
This program is designed for students committed to engineering. If you’re unsure, consider whether a different path might better suit your goals. Changing majors within or outside engineering at UF may require reapplying as a transfer student.
Additional Info
Yes. Virtual sessions are held each spring for invited students. See the Invited Students page for registration info.
It’s a one-of-a-kind partnership offering smaller classes, dual advising, and early connections to UF Engineering while starting at Santa Fe. You’ll build a strong academic foundation, develop support networks, and join a close-knit cohort on your path to becoming a Gator Engineer.