- 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 11,417 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 67%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 11,417 students
- In-state tuition: $112
- Out-state tuition: $409
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 55%
- 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
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
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 grown by 5% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has decreased from 21:1 over five years.
The Polk State College diversity score of 0.68 is less than the state average of 0.76. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,417 students
646 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
4,441 students
587 students
# Part-Time Students
6,976 students
557 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
114 students
261 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,441 students
574 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
85 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,976 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
28%
30%
% Black
18%
19%
% White
45%
33%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
1%
5%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.76
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)
0.3289%
0.4334%
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 $3,280. 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 $10,578. The out-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$112
$3,280
Out-State Tuition Fees
$409
$10,578
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: 2024 (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
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
