- 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 26,666 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 59%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 26,666 students
- In-state tuition: $2,378
- Out-state tuition: $8,612
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 66%
- 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
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,644 teachers has grown by 177% over five years.
Palm Beach State College
(FL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Private, for profit
Total Faculty
1,644 staff
128 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Palm Beach State College has declined by 11% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has decreased from 19:1 over five years.
The Palm Beach State College diversity score of 0.73 is more than the state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
26,666 students
2,862 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
7,907 students
862 students
# Part-Time Students
18,759 students
2,000 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
205 students
263 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
7,907 students
862 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
66 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
18,759 students
2,771 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
34 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
174 students
% Asian
3%
3%
% Hispanic
31%
29%
% Black
24%
16%
% White
34%
41%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
2%
3%
% Unknown races
4%
5%
Diversity Score
0.73
0.72
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)
16.69%
3.57%
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
80%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,000
$9,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
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: 2021 (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, Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles
How to Take Online Community College Classes for Free
Learn about programs across the country that allow students to take online community college classes for free.
A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College
Going to college is hard work but it’s even more challenging for nontraditional students who are working or raising a family at the same time. If you’re considering community college to improve your life or further your career, here’s everything you need to know.
Beyond the High School Classroom: The Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment
Explore the intricacies of dual enrollment, a growing educational trend that allows high school students to earn college credits. This comprehensive guide delves into its history, eligibility requirements, benefits, and drawbacks, offering valuable insights for both parents and students considering this path.
