About Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College serves as a stepping stone for students across South Florida's diverse communities. The college enrolls 20,532 students on its suburban campus, drawing heavily from the region's working families seeking affordable higher education. Founded in 1933, PBSC has built a reputation as a practical choice for career training and university transfer preparation.
Students pay an average net price of $9,832 annually, making this one of Florida's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $3,050 per year before financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $41,923 ten years after enrollment, while carrying modest debt loads of $7,081. The monthly loan payment averages only $75, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible. With 38% of students receiving Pell Grants, PBSC clearly serves those who need financial support most.
The student body reflects Florida's changing demographics, with 35.5% Hispanic students, 30.3% Black students, and 24.6% White students. Nearly 99% come from within Florida, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 60% of enrollment, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and education programs. The Panthers compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA, though academics remain the primary draw for most of the 87 student-athletes.
Students pay an average net price of $9,832 annually, making this one of Florida's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $3,050 per year before financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $41,923 ten years after enrollment, while carrying modest debt loads of $7,081. The monthly loan payment averages only $75, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible. With 38% of students receiving Pell Grants, PBSC clearly serves those who need financial support most.
The student body reflects Florida's changing demographics, with 35.5% Hispanic students, 30.3% Black students, and 24.6% White students. Nearly 99% come from within Florida, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 60% of enrollment, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and education programs. The Panthers compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA, though academics remain the primary draw for most of the 87 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
Palm Beach State College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in South Florida. The college operates with a 29:1 student-faculty ratio across its 20,532 enrolled students, reflecting the large-scale nature typical of community colleges. Students can complete associate degrees and certificates in popular fields like nursing, business, and criminal justice. The 41% four-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages, where many students attend part-time while working. The college has built a strong reputation for its health sciences programs, particularly nursing and dental hygiene. Students often transfer to four-year universities after completing their general education requirements at lower costs than traditional universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 29:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,923
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,997 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $55,770 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,151 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,829 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,424 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,674 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,132 |
Campus Life
Palm Beach State's sprawling suburban campus sits in Lake Worth, just 10 minutes from West Palm Beach's downtown scene. With 20,532 students and a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll navigate large classes on a commuter-heavy campus where 98.94% of students are Florida residents. The Hispanic student population makes up 35.50% of enrollment, while Black students represent 30.31%, creating one of Florida's most diverse community college environments.
Students pack sunscreen year-round in this tropical climate where winter coats gather dust in closets. Most students commute from across Palm Beach County, so weekends empty out as people head home or to nearby beaches. The 87 student-athletes across 5 varsity sports bring some school spirit to campus, though with $572,784 in athletic scholarships spread thin, most Panthers focus on academics and work. Students often grab lunch between classes at the student center, then head to jobs or internships in the area's growing healthcare and hospitality industries. Beach trips to nearby Lantana or Lake Worth provide weekend escapes.
Students pack sunscreen year-round in this tropical climate where winter coats gather dust in closets. Most students commute from across Palm Beach County, so weekends empty out as people head home or to nearby beaches. The 87 student-athletes across 5 varsity sports bring some school spirit to campus, though with $572,784 in athletic scholarships spread thin, most Panthers focus on academics and work. Students often grab lunch between classes at the student center, then head to jobs or internships in the area's growing healthcare and hospitality industries. Beach trips to nearby Lantana or Lake Worth provide weekend escapes.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1933
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 57°–74°F
- July Avg
- 76°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Palm Beach State draws heavily from Florida's diverse communities, with nearly 99% of students coming from in-state. The college serves a predominantly working-class student body, with over one-third receiving Pell Grants. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strong programs in nursing, education, and healthcare fields. The student population mirrors South Florida's demographics, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities at 30% and 36% respectively. This community college attracts students seeking affordable career training and transfer pathways close to home.
- Men
- 40.0%
- Women
- 60.0%
- White
- 24.6%
- Black
- 30.3%
- Hispanic
- 35.5%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.1%
Location
Palm Beach State College sits in Lake Worth, Florida, about 65 miles north of Miami and 10 miles south of West Palm Beach. The college draws 98.94% of its students from within Florida, reflecting its role as a regional institution. Lake Worth offers a coastal suburban environment with access to beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The area combines residential neighborhoods with cultural attractions and is part of the larger Palm Beach County region known for its mix of retirees, working families, and seasonal residents. The subtropical climate and proximity to both urban centers and natural areas create a distinctive South Florida college experience. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Palm Beach State College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lake Worth, Florida 33461-4796
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,923
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,727
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $75/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,081
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Palm Beach State College?
Palm Beach State College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they accept nearly all applicants who meet basic requirements. With 20,532 students enrolled across multiple campuses, the school serves as a key entry point for higher education in South Florida.
How much does Palm Beach State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,832 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,050. The school keeps costs manageable with 38.11% of students receiving financial aid and graduates carrying a median debt of only $7,081.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Palm Beach State College?
Classes average 29 students per faculty member, reflecting the college's focus on accessible education for working adults and transfer students. The school emphasizes practical training and workforce development programs that prepare students for immediate employment or university transfer.
What are the graduation rates at Palm Beach State College?
The four-year graduation rate stands at 41.44%, with graduates earning a median salary of $41,923 ten years after enrollment. The college serves many part-time students balancing work and family responsibilities, which affects traditional completion timelines.
Where is Palm Beach State College located?
The main campus sits in Lake Worth, Florida, serving the diverse Palm Beach County region. With 98.94% in-state enrollment, the college draws heavily from local Hispanic (35.50%), Black (30.31%), and White (24.61%) communities.
Does Palm Beach State College offer athletic programs?
The Panthers compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA with 87 total athletes. The athletic program distributes $572,784 in scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this community college setting.
