- 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 25,916 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 46:1 is higher than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 67%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 25,916 students
- In-state tuition: $2,378
- Out-state tuition: $8,612
- Student-teacher ratio: 46:1
- Minority enrollment: 73%
- 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 561 teachers has declined by 65% over five years.
Palm Beach State College
(FL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's 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
Year Founded
1933
Total Faculty
561 staff
39 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Palm Beach State College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 46:1 has increased from 19:1 over five years.
The Palm Beach State College diversity score of 0.72 is less than the state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
25,916 students
1,014 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
46:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
8,295 students
559 students
# Part-Time Students
17,621 students
455 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
25,916 students
661 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
8,295 students
552 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17,621 students
482 students
% Asian
3%
3%
% Hispanic
34%
32%
% Black
29%
20%
% White
27%
33%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
2%
3%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.72
0.74
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
31%
56%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
42%
45%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,000
$30,800
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $2,378 is less than the state average of $3,280. The in-state tuition has declined by 22% 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 declined by 21% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,378
$3,280
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,612
$10,578
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
71%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,000
$10,286
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$5,500
Sports
Colors
Green and Gold
School Mascot
Panthers
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
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.
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