At $9,027/yr net price, Polk State College graduates earn $40,624/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,624/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,027 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,624/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,624/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,076 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,439/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,826/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,302/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,377/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $14,022 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,001 | $9,750 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,198 | $13,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,007 | $10,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $12,998 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,660 | $16,561 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | $6,599 |
The Risk Factor
34.0% of students at Polk State College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Polk State College delivers strong returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing programs stand out with graduates earning $53,000 to $70,000 annually while carrying manageable debt loads under $15,000. Allied health fields also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment professionals earning around $41,000.
The college's overall financial picture reveals significant weaknesses. With a 34% graduation rate, two-thirds of students leave without completing their degree, making debt without credentials a major risk. The median earnings of $40,624 after ten years barely justify the investment for non-healthcare majors. Criminal justice graduates face particularly poor prospects, earning just $35,274 while carrying nearly $13,000 in debt.
You should consider Polk State only if you plan to enter nursing or allied health programs. These career-focused tracks provide clear employment pathways in Florida's growing healthcare sector. The low net price of $9,027 makes the gamble more reasonable, but only if you can handle to graduation in a high-paying field.
Avoid Polk State if you're interested in liberal arts, business, or other general programs where job prospects remain unclear. The low graduation rate suggests academic support may be insufficient for students who need extra help. Only 33% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited scholarship opportunities beyond standard federal programs.
This college works best for local students seeking specific healthcare credentials who can commute to keep costs minimal. If you're unsure about your major or need extensive academic support, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polk State College worth the money?
Polk State College offers solid value for nursing students, with graduates earning around $70,456 annually, but other programs show weaker returns with overall graduate earnings of $40,624 after 10 years. The low net price of $9,027 and manageable debt of $10,076 help offset the modest earnings for most programs.
What are the best paying programs at Polk State College?
Nursing programs at Polk State College provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $53,001 to $70,456 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at around $48,198, while criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $35,274.
How much debt do Polk State College graduates have?
Polk State College graduates leave with a median debt of $10,076, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially for students in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Polk State College?
Only 34% of students graduate from Polk State College, which is concerning for ROI since non-graduates still accumulate costs without earning a credential. Students should have a clear plan and strong commitment before enrolling.