- 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 10,318 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 42:1 is higher than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 67%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 10,318 students
- In-state tuition: $112
- Out-state tuition: $409
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student-teacher ratio: 42:1
- Minority enrollment: 59%
- 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 243 teachers has declined by 62% over five years.
Polk 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, for profit
Total Faculty
243 staff
39 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Polk State College has declined by 25% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 42:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Polk State College diversity score of 0.71 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
10,318 students
665 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
42:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
3,258 students
559 students
# Part-Time Students
7,060 students
455 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
10,318 students
661 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,258 students
552 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,060 students
482 students
% Asian
3%
3%
% Hispanic
30%
32%
% Black
18%
20%
% White
41%
33%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
2%
3%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.00
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)
33%
43%
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 $4,712. 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 $11,524. The out-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$112
$4,712
Out-State Tuition Fees
$409
$11,524
Tuition Notes
per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
77%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,750
$10,286
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,014
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
100%
90%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
BasketballCheering
SoccerSoftball
Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Golden KEt (GK)Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
Student Government Association
Arts and Music Programs:
Symphony OrchestraTheater
Source: 2025 (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 90%.
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
Workforce Pell Is Coming: Should You Wait to Enroll?
Workforce Pell Grants launch in July 2026. Learn who benefits, which programs qualify, and whether delaying enrollment makes financial sense.
The “Total Commute Cost” Test for Choosing a Community College
Tuition is only part of the equation. Learn how to calculate the total commute cost when comparing community colleges and making enrollment decisions.
How to Tell Whether a Short-Term Certificate Is Worth Federal Aid
Not all short-term certificates offer the same value. Learn how to evaluate career outcomes, ROI, and employer demand before using federal aid.
