About Polk State College
The financial picture looks promising for students and families. Average net price runs $9,027 annually, while in-state tuition costs just $3,366. Graduates earn a median of $40,624 ten years after starting college. Students typically leave with $10,076 in debt and monthly loan payments of $107. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families.
The Eagles compete in five NJCAA sports with 92 total athletes sharing $328,453 in athletic scholarships. The student body reflects central Florida's diversity, with 42% White, 30% Hispanic, and 19% Black students. Nearly all students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Classes average 20 students per instructor, allowing for personalized attention from faculty.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 38.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,624
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,001 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,198 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,007 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,274 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,660 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 |
Campus Life
The 5,954-student campus maintains a commuter college atmosphere where most students juggle classes with work and family obligations. With 65.33% women and a diverse student body that's 29.61% Hispanic and 18.96% Black, classrooms buzz with varied perspectives and life experiences. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. Weekends often center around the five NJCAA athletic programs, though many students spend time working or studying for transfer to nearby state universities. The Eagles compete in baseball, softball, and basketball, drawing modest but loyal crowds from the Winter Haven community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 52°–73°F
- July Avg
- 74°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.7%
- Women
- 65.3%
- White
- 42.3%
- Black
- 19.0%
- Hispanic
- 29.6%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.6%
Location
- Address
- Winter Haven, Florida 33881-4299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,624
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,130
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $107/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,076
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Polk State College?
Polk State College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, welcoming students who want to pursue career-focused programs or transfer to four-year universities. With 98.17% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves the central Florida community. The diverse student body includes 42.34% White students, 29.61% Hispanic students, and 18.96% Black students.
How much does Polk State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,027 annually, with in-state tuition set at just $3,366 per year. About 32.56% of students receive Pell Grants, while only 7.68% receive institutional grants averaging $3,153. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of $10,076 and monthly loan payments of $107.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Polk State College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1 across the college's 5,954 enrolled students. Polk State operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer pathways. The college is known for providing accessible education that prepares students for immediate employment or continuation at four-year institutions.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Polk State College?
The four-year graduation rate is 33.45%, with graduates achieving a 94.5% employment rate after completing their programs. Alumni earn a median salary of $40,624 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's emphasis on career-ready training. The loan repayment rate of 35.75% shows that many graduates successfully manage their educational debt.
Where is Polk State College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Winter Haven, Florida, a small city setting that serves the broader central Florida region. With 65.33% women and 34.67% men, the campus has a female-majority student population. The Eagles compete in five NJCAA varsity sports with 92 total athletes supported by $328,453 in athletic scholarships.
How accessible is financial aid at Polk State College?
Only 6.93% of students take federal loans, indicating the college's affordability compared to traditional four-year institutions. The net price remains relatively stable across income levels, ranging from $8,377 for families earning $75-110K to $10,302 for those earning $48-75K. This pricing structure reflects Polk State's mission as an accessible community college serving working families in central Florida.
