Overview of College of Santa Fe
The College of Santa Fe, formerly located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a private liberal arts institution with a history dating back to its founding in 1859. The college, known for its commitment to the arts and its unique Southwestern atmosphere, faced financial challenges and underwent various transformations over the years. In 2009, the College of Santa Fe merged with Laureate Education, Inc., and the campus was later acquired by the city of Santa Fe. The institution has evolved, and some of its academic programs and traditions have been integrated into the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. it’s important to note that the status of these institutions may have changed since then.
Historical Background: The College of Santa Fe had its origins in the St. Michael’s College, established by the Lasallian Christian Brothers in 1859. Over the years, the college underwent several transformations and changed its name to the College of Santa Fe. It became known for its commitment to the arts, humanities, and a unique Southwestern educational experience.
Academic Programs: The College of Santa Fe offered a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as fine arts, performing arts, business, humanities, and social sciences. The college was particularly recognized for its arts programs, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene in Santa Fe. Students had the opportunity to engage with a curriculum that emphasized creativity, critical thinking, and a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Campus and Facilities: The College of Santa Fe was situated on a picturesque campus with Southwestern architecture, reflecting the cultural and artistic heritage of the region. The campus featured academic buildings, art studios, performance spaces, and student residences. The unique atmosphere of Santa Fe, known for its rich history, art galleries, and vibrant cultural scene, added to the overall educational experience.
Arts and Culture: Given its location and historical emphasis on the arts, the College of Santa Fe played a significant role in contributing to the cultural landscape of Santa Fe. The college’s arts programs, including visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing, attracted students with a passion for creative expression. The institution often hosted events, exhibitions, and performances that enriched the community and provided students with opportunities to showcase their artistic talents.
Financial Challenges and Transitions: Despite its cultural contributions, the College of Santa Fe faced financial difficulties that led to a series of challenges in the early 21st century. In 2009, the college entered into a merger with Laureate Education, Inc., a global network of degree-granting higher education institutions. The merger resulted in the creation of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, which operated for a period.
Santa Fe University of Art and Design: Following the merger and transition, the Santa Fe University of Art and Design continued to offer programs in various arts disciplines. The institution aimed to build on the legacy of the College of Santa Fe and provide students with opportunities for artistic expression and creative exploration. The Santa Fe University of Art and Design also faced financial challenges and, unfortunately, closed its doors in 2018.
Legacy and Impact: The legacy of the College of Santa Fe extends beyond its physical presence. While the original institution and subsequent iterations faced challenges, the impact of the college on the cultural and educational landscape of Santa Fe is noteworthy. The emphasis on the arts, creativity, and a liberal arts education contributed to the development of a community of artists and scholars.
The College of Santa Fe holds a significant place in the history of higher education and the cultural fabric of Santa Fe. While the institution experienced challenges and underwent transitions, its legacy lives on in the artistic traditions it fostered and the contributions of its alumni to the fields of arts and culture. The story of the College of Santa Fe serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by educational institutions and the enduring impact they can have on the communities they serve.
1600 St. Michael’s Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 473-6133
Email: admissions@csf.edu
Web site: http://www.csf.edu
Rankings: College of Santa Fe
Located in Santa Fe, NM, College of Santa Fe is one of the best universities in the state of New Mexico. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for College of Santa Fe in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is College of Santa Fe.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 45 |
| Score: | 33 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.2 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 65 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 71.3% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 41.7% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 7 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): 1 | 89.4% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.5% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | N/A |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 66.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 47 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 21-27 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 12% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 40% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 82.7% |
| Financial resources rank: | 3 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 71 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 3.8% |
Essential Facts: College of Santa Fe
- In fact, the majority of SF students who apply to UF each semester are admitted, including 88 percent of students in the SF honors program .
- Since its founding, Santa Fe College has pursued its mission of educational opportunity, responsiveness to the community, economic development and innovation in the public interest.
- On the Santa Fe campus, the doubles and triples are often partitioned into multiple rooms—allowing most students to have their own private space.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 75% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 40% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, cross country, soccer, tennis |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | cross country, soccer, softball, tennis |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, student government, television station, yearbook |