- Polk State College, established in 1964, has campuses and centers in every corner of Polk County, including Winter Haven, Lakeland, Bartow, and Lake Wales. Each year, the College serves more than 14,000 degree-seeking students and 9,000 individuals in workforce training programs. Degree offerings include the Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science. The College also offers a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. Additionally, the College operates three charter high schools. The advantages of attending Polk State include small class sizes, flexible class schedules and online options, affordable tuition, excellent financial aid, vibrant student life opportunities, and intercollegiate athletics.
School Highlights
Polk State College serves 9,044 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is same as the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 9,044 students
- In-state tuition: $112
- Out-state tuition: $409
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 14:1
- Minority enrollment: 96%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Polk State College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 654 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Polk State College
(FL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
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
654 staff
139 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Polk State College has declined by 16% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 has decreased from 17:1 over five years.
The Polk State College diversity score of 0.67 is less than the state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,044 students
818 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
3,148 students
512 students
# Part-Time Students
5,896 students
306 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
793 students
263 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,148 students
487 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
85 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,896 students
528 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
31 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
174 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
3%
% Asian
17%
19%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
26%
29%
% White
4%
5%
% Hawaiian
48%
36%
% Two or more races
1%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
1%
2%
Diversity Score
0.67
0.74
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
31%
44%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.332%
0.4241%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,000
$31,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $112 is less than the state average of $3,538. The in-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $409 is less than the state average of $10,584. The out-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$112
$3,538
Out-State Tuition Fees
$409
$10,584
Tuition Notes
per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
54%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,750
$9,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,014
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
100%
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
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Golden KEt (GK), Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Student Government Association
Arts and Music Programs:
Symphony Orchestra, Theater
Golden KEt (GK), Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Student Government Association
Arts and Music Programs:
Symphony Orchestra, Theater
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Polk State College cost?
Polk State College's tuition is approximately $112 for In-State students and $409 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Polk State College?
The acceptance rate of Polk State College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 94%.
What sports does Polk State College offer?
Polk State College offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Polk State College's ranking?
Polk State College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Florida for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
What are Community Colleges Doing with Labor Department Grants?
The article explores how community colleges are utilizing Labor Department grants, particularly the TAACCCT program, to develop workforce training programs. It highlights various initiatives across different states, focusing on industry-specific training and skill development in emerging sectors.
For-Profit Universities Looking to Partner with Community Colleges
This article examines the trend of for-profit universities, particularly the University of Phoenix, seeking partnerships with community colleges. It discusses the potential benefits and controversies surrounding these collaborations, focusing on transfer agreements and workforce training programs.
New Analysis Shows How California Community Colleges Could Cut Millions in Spending
The article discusses a California Watch analysis revealing potential savings in California's community college system through administrative consolidation. It explores the implications of such cost-cutting measures and the challenges in implementing them within the state's education system.
