- The mission of Palm Beach Community College is to provide an accessible and affordable education through a dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff, a responsive curriculum and a strong community partnership, which together will enable students to think critically, demonstrate leadership, develop ethical standards and compete effectively in the global workplace.
School Highlights
Palm Beach State College serves 33,999 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 67%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 33,999 students
- In-state tuition: $2,378
- Out-state tuition: $8,612
- Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 72%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Palm Beach State College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,644 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Palm Beach State College
(FL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
1,644 staff
139 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Palm Beach State College has grown by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 19:1 over five years.
The Palm Beach State College diversity score of 0.73 is less than the state average of 0.76. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
33,999 students
646 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
13,008 students
587 students
# Part-Time Students
20,991 students
557 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
339 students
261 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
13,008 students
574 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
85 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
20,991 students
648 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
36 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
174 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
5%
% Hispanic
33%
30%
% Black
29%
19%
% White
28%
33%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
2%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.73
0.76
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
31%
40%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.4168%
0.4334%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,000
$31,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,378 is less than the state average of $3,280. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,612 is less than the state average of $10,578. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,378
$3,280
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,612
$10,578
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
65%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,000
$9,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
94%
SAT Reading
n/a
442
SAT Math
n/a
429
ACT Composite
n/a
18
ACT English
n/a
18
ACT Math
n/a
18
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Palm Beach Community College, a richly diverse comprehensive two-year institution with a history of achievement since 1933, is dedicated to serving the educational needs of the residents of Palm Beach County by providing the associate in arts and associate in science degrees, professional certificates, workforce development and lifelong learning. Presently, PBCC has over 48,000 students enrolled in over 100 programs of study including associate in arts and associate in science degrees and short-term certificates. Among more recent innovations, PBCC created a Workforce Institute, designed to train students for the high-skill, high-wage jobs of today's marketplace. Whether you plan to continue your academic studies at a senior university or pursue course work that places you directly into the job market, PBCC is ready to meet your total needs. To effectively serve its diverse student population, PBCC has established campuses at four convenient locations in Palm Beach County -- Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens. Moreover, in an era of burgeoning higher education costs, the College, as a state-supported institution, is able to provide affordable, quality postsecondary instruction. Palm Beach Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate in arts, associate in science and associate in applied science degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Palm Beach State College cost?
Palm Beach State College's tuition is approximately $2,378 for In-State students and $8,612 for Out-State students.
What is Palm Beach State College's ranking?
Palm Beach State College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Florida for: Least expensive tuition, Diversity in US community colleges, Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles
Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?
President Obama recently introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans across the country. Is it the right call?In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong for the United States. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.
Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about academic bankruptcy, its benefits and disadvantages, and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility.
