About Indian River State College
Indian River State College serves as Florida's Treasure Coast gateway to higher education, drawing most of its 11,571 students from within state borders. Nearly 98.80% of students call Florida home. The Pioneers compete in seven NJCAA sports programs. This state college balances career-focused training with traditional academics in Fort Pierce's suburban setting.
Students pay an average net price of $5,202 after financial aid, making this one of Florida's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $2,764 annually. Graduates earn a median of $38,315 ten years after starting college. Monthly loan payments average only $85 for those who borrow. With median debt of $8,023, most students avoid the crushing loan burdens seen elsewhere. The employment rate hits 92.8% for graduates.
The student body reflects Florida's changing demographics, with 47.85% Hispanic enrollment leading all ethnic groups. Women make up 59.75% of students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating significant low-income enrollment. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year universities. Athletic scholarships total nearly $1.2 million across 137 student-athletes, providing opportunities for competitive players seeking affordable college paths.
Students pay an average net price of $5,202 after financial aid, making this one of Florida's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $2,764 annually. Graduates earn a median of $38,315 ten years after starting college. Monthly loan payments average only $85 for those who borrow. With median debt of $8,023, most students avoid the crushing loan burdens seen elsewhere. The employment rate hits 92.8% for graduates.
The student body reflects Florida's changing demographics, with 47.85% Hispanic enrollment leading all ethnic groups. Women make up 59.75% of students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating significant low-income enrollment. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year universities. Athletic scholarships total nearly $1.2 million across 137 student-athletes, providing opportunities for competitive players seeking affordable college paths.
Academics & Faculty
Indian River State College serves as Florida's Treasure Coast gateway to higher education, with nearly half its 11,571 students identifying as Hispanic. The college maintains a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, reflecting its role as an accessible community institution rather than an intimate academic setting. Students graduate at a 42.50% rate within six years, typical for state colleges serving working adults and first-generation students. The Pioneers excel in career-focused programs like nursing, criminal justice, and marine technology that connect directly to regional industries. With 98.80% of students coming from Florida, the college specializes in affordable workforce development and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,315
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,461 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $48,432 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,909 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,523 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,769 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 |
Campus Life
Indian River State College sits in Fort Pierce, about 45 minutes north of West Palm Beach on Florida's Treasure Coast. With 11,571 students spread across multiple campuses, this feels more like a commuter school than a traditional college experience. Nearly 99% of students are Florida residents, and most live off-campus since housing options are limited.
The student body is 48% Hispanic and reflects the diverse communities along Florida's coast. You'll need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, especially in popular programs. Weekends often revolve around the nearby beaches and outdoor activities rather than campus events. The Pioneers compete in seven NJCAA sports with 137 total athletes, but athletics don't dominate campus culture. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere. The suburban setting offers internship opportunities in healthcare, marine industries, and agriculture that align with the college's strong technical programs.
The student body is 48% Hispanic and reflects the diverse communities along Florida's coast. You'll need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, especially in popular programs. Weekends often revolve around the nearby beaches and outdoor activities rather than campus events. The Pioneers compete in seven NJCAA sports with 137 total athletes, but athletics don't dominate campus culture. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere. The suburban setting offers internship opportunities in healthcare, marine industries, and agriculture that align with the college's strong technical programs.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 53°–72°F
- July Avg
- 74°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Indian River State College draws students from across Florida's Treasure Coast who want affordable higher education close to home. Nearly 99% of students come from Florida, reflecting the college's strong ties to local communities. Women make up 60% of enrollment, which aligns with the school's popular nursing and health science programs. Hispanic students represent the largest demographic group at 48%, mirroring the region's growing Latino population. One-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking career training and transfer opportunities without crushing debt.
- Men
- 40.3%
- Women
- 59.8%
- White
- 31.6%
- Black
- 12.9%
- Hispanic
- 47.9%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 98.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.0%
Location
Fort Pierce sits along Florida's Treasure Coast, about 120 miles north of Miami and 60 miles southeast of Orlando. This mid-sized coastal city of roughly 47,000 residents offers students access to Atlantic beaches and the Indian River Lagoon system. The area blends suburban development with natural preserves and citrus groves that once dominated the region. Fort Pierce maintains its identity as a historic port town while serving as the St. Lucie County seat. With 98.80% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Florida's eastern coastal communities. The setting provides both small-town accessibility and proximity to major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Indian River State College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Pierce, Florida 34981-5596
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,315
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,522
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $85/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Indian River State College?
Indian River State College operates with open admission policies typical of Florida state colleges. Nearly all applicants who meet basic requirements are admitted, making it accessible to students seeking affordable higher education on the Treasure Coast.
How much does Indian River State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,202 annually after aid. In-state tuition runs just $2,764, while 33% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families in the region.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Indian River State College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 27:1 across the college's 11,571 students. This reflects IRSC's role as a comprehensive state college offering both associate degrees and select bachelor's programs to serve diverse educational needs.
What do graduates of Indian River State College typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $38,315 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $8,023. The college emphasizes career-focused programs that prepare students for jobs in Florida's growing healthcare, technology, and marine industries.
Where is Indian River State College located?
The main campus sits in Fort Pierce, a mid-sized coastal city between Orlando and Miami. Nearly 99% of students come from Florida, drawn to programs that connect directly to the region's marine science research and citrus agriculture heritage.
Does Indian River State College have strong athletic programs?
The Pioneers compete in 7 NJCAA sports with 137 total athletes receiving $1.2 million in athletic scholarships. The college has built a reputation for competitive baseball and softball programs that often send players to four-year universities.
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