Florida Polytechnic University: 56.0% Acceptance Rate

56.0%Acceptance

$4,940Tuition

1,556Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University is the state's newest public university, founded in 2012 with a laser focus on STEM education. The university serves 1,556 students on a rural-fringe campus in Lakeland, specializing in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Students here don't dabble in liberal arts - this is pure technical training designed to meet Florida's growing demand for tech professionals. The acceptance rate of 56% suggests selective but accessible admission, with incoming students averaging 1280 on the SAT.

The financial picture looks promising for a STEM-focused education. Students pay an average net price of $9,899 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $62,037 in their first year out. That translates to a monthly loan payment of just $151 on median debt of $14,250. For in-state students, tuition runs only $4,940, making this one of Florida's most affordable paths to a technical degree. The employment rate of 93.8% suggests employers value what students learn here.

The student body skews heavily male at 81%, reflecting the engineering focus that dominates campus culture. With 95% of students coming from Florida, this feels like a tight-knit community of future engineers rather than a traditional college experience.

Academics & Faculty

Florida Polytechnic focuses exclusively on STEM fields, offering only engineering, technology, and applied science degrees. The university's 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in hands-on technical programs. Students graduate with strong job prospects, earning a median salary of $62,037 one year after graduation. The 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of engineering coursework and the fact that many students complete internships or co-ops that extend their timeline. Florida Poly emphasizes practical application over theory, with state-of-the-art labs and industry partnerships. The school's laser focus on technology means students won't find traditional liberal arts courses, but they'll graduate job-ready in high-demand fields.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 86.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 49.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.0%
Retention Rate: 75.4%
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Florida Polytechnic sits about 30 miles east of Tampa, giving students access to internships and jobs without the distractions of a major city. The futuristic campus features a striking dome-shaped Innovation, Science and Technology Building that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. With housing capacity for 1,381 students and total enrollment of 1,556, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose.

The male-heavy student body (81% men, 19% women) creates a tight-knit tech community where collaboration on engineering projects is the norm. Florida's year-round warmth means students spend time outdoors between classes, though you'll want air conditioning more than winter coats. The 75% retention rate reflects students who thrive in this STEM-focused environment. Weekends often involve hackathons, robotics competitions, and gaming sessions in residence halls. The Phoenix nickname fits a university that emerged in 2012 as Florida's newest public institution. Students here are building careers in emerging tech fields, with 93.8% finding employment after graduation.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 1,381 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 2012

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 51°–72°F
July Avg: 75°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Florida Polytechnic attracts a predominantly male student body, with men making up over 80% of enrollment. This heavy gender skew reflects the university's laser focus on STEM fields like engineering and technology, which traditionally draw more male students. Nearly all students come from Florida, showing the school has built a strong regional reputation since opening in 2012. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students and families seeking affordable tech education. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation, mirroring Florida's changing demographics.

Men: 81.0%
Women: 19.0%
White: 55.8%
Black: 5.6%
Hispanic: 25.2%
Asian: 5.6%
In-State Students: 95.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.1%

Location

Florida Polytechnic sits in Lakeland, roughly 30 miles east of Tampa in central Florida's rolling hills region. The campus draws 95% of its students from within Florida, reflecting its role as the state's designated technology university. Lakeland offers a small-city atmosphere with about 115,000 residents, positioned between Tampa and Orlando along the I-4 corridor. The area features numerous lakes and citrus groves, giving it a distinctly Florida feel without the coastal crowds. Students benefit from internship and job opportunities in nearby Tampa's growing tech sector while enjoying lower living costs than major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida Polytechnic with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lakeland, Florida 33805-8531

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Monthly Loan Payment: $151/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Florida Polytechnic University?

Florida Polytechnic accepts 56% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1280. As a specialized STEM university founded in 2012, it attracts students focused on engineering and technology programs.

How much does Florida Polytechnic University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $9,899 annually, with in-state tuition at just $4,940. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $6,261 on average, making this tech-focused education remarkably affordable.

What academic programs is Florida Polytechnic University known for?

The university specializes in STEM fields with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. As Florida's designated polytechnic university, it focuses exclusively on engineering, technology, and applied sciences rather than offering traditional liberal arts programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Florida Polytechnic University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $62,037 one year after graduation with a 93.8% employment rate. The tech-focused curriculum prepares students for high-demand STEM careers, though the 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of the programs.

Where is Florida Polytechnic University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Lakeland on a rural-fringe setting with housing for 1,381 students out of 1,556 total enrollment. The retention rate of 75% suggests students adapt well to the focused academic environment and close-knit community feel.

Does Florida Polytechnic University have a diverse student body?

The student body is 81% male and 19% female, reflecting typical gender patterns in engineering and technology fields. With 56% White, 25% Hispanic, and 95% in-state students, the university serves primarily Florida residents seeking specialized tech education.