USF vs Santa Fe?

If I was in your position, I would choose Option 3. I would then apply to UF (or another Graduate Program outside of Florida that is ranked much higher than UF for Computer Science) for a Graduate Degree in Computer Science.

If money is no object, I would go with Option 1 IF I can guarantee that I would be accepted into UF after 1-2 years at Santa Fe College. BTW, are you saying that ALL applicants get accepted to UF from Santa Fe as transfer Students? I have seem many times were this fallacy fails and the student ends up returning home to attend a local 4-year Florida University or finishing the AA at a local Community College because the Student/Parent couldn’t afford the Tuition/Fees/Room & Board and/or the student did not perform well academically at the Community College of the Feeder School to merit a transfer spot at the 4-year Institution.

How much would you estimate it will cost you for Room and Board (and other Living Expenses) for say 2-years if you attend Santa Fe College? $20K?

Would you live at home if you attend USF (is that even an option given the distance from home to USF Campus?) or would you live on Campus for the 4-years?

Are you getting any type of Financial Aid/Merit Scholarship if you attend USF? The same for Santa Fe College?

What about a fourth Option?; Attending a Local Florida College for 1-2-years, while still living at home and then transferring to UF after 1-2 years?

Frankly, I don’t think ranking of a Schools Computer Science Program makes that much difference as far as your long term career success in your chosen profession. That I think is totally up to YOU! Computer Science at USF in my opinion is not appreciably different than that of UF.