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$2,682Tuition
18,759Students
38%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,557Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About St Petersburg College

St Petersburg College serves 18,759 students across the Tampa Bay area as one of Florida's largest community colleges. The school has built a reputation for affordable workforce training and transfer programs that prepare students for both immediate employment and four-year university study. Nearly 98% of students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community focused on local career development.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students pay an average net price of negative $52, meaning financial aid actually exceeds costs for many. In-state tuition runs just $2,682 annually. Graduates earn a median of $42,557 ten years after starting, while carrying only $16,868 in debt. The monthly loan payment averages $179. This represents strong value for career-focused education.

The student body skews heavily female at 62%, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and education programs. The Titans compete in six NJCAA sports with 97 total athletes supported by $867,682 in scholarships. With a 37.5% six-year graduation rate and 92.7% employment rate, the school prioritizes getting students into jobs quickly. Classes average 25 students per faculty member, allowing for more personalized attention than typical at large universities.

Academics & Faculty

St. Petersburg College operates as a community college serving the Tampa Bay area with a focus on career preparation and transfer pathways. The school enrolls 18,759 students with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects typical class sizes for a large community college system. SPC is particularly known for its nursing, dental hygiene, and emergency medical services programs that feed directly into Florida's healthcare industry. The 37.5% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages, where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. The college also maintains strong transfer agreements with Florida's state universities, allowing students to complete their first two years affordably before moving to four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Full-Time Faculty
25.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
37.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,557
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $65,512
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,318
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Bachelor $55,512
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $43,696
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Bachelor $43,128
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. Bachelor $42,682
Public Health. Bachelor $42,682
Education, Other. Certificate $42,363
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $42,235
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $41,565

View all 90 programs →

Campus Life

Students at this community college experience Florida's year-round sunshine with temperatures that rarely require more than a light jacket. The campus sits in St. Petersburg, part of the Tampa Bay metro area with 2.8 million residents. Women make up 61.76% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. Nearly all students commute since this is a community college without traditional dormitories.

The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year universities. Students often work while attending school, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere. With 98.03% of students from Florida, you'll mostly meet locals who know the area well. Weekends typically involve Tampa Bay beaches, downtown St. Pete's arts district, or jobs since many students balance work and education. The Titans compete in six NJCAA sports with 97 total athletes, though athletics play a smaller role than at traditional four-year colleges. The diverse student population includes 54.50% white, 19.73% Hispanic, and 13.98% Black students, reflecting the region's demographics.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
54°–69°F
July Avg
76°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
52.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

St. Petersburg College draws overwhelmingly from Florida, with 98% of students staying close to home for their education. The student body skews heavily female at nearly 62%, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services that traditionally attract more women. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families in the Tampa Bay area. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic and Black populations, mirroring the demographics of St. Petersburg and surrounding Pinellas County communities.
Men
38.2%
Women
61.8%
White
54.5%
Black
14.0%
Hispanic
19.7%
Asian
4.2%
In-State Students
98.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.1%

Location

St. Petersburg College sits in Florida's Tampa Bay area, directly across the bay from Tampa. The city of 260,000 offers students access to downtown beaches, the Salvador Dalí Museum, and a thriving arts district. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, drawn to the college's location in one of Florida's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The campus serves a diverse student body that's 62% women and reflects the region's multicultural population. Students enjoy year-round sunshine and internship opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and marine science industries that define the Tampa Bay economy. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare St. Petersburg College with similar schools in the region.
Address
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Nicole Stott v2
Nicole Stott v2
St Petersburg College campus
St Petersburg College campus
St Petersburg College campus
St Petersburg College campus
St Petersburg College campus
St Petersburg College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,557
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,194
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,700
Loan Repayment Rate
32.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$179/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,868

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at St Petersburg College?

St Petersburg College operates as an open-access community college, meaning qualified high school graduates or GED holders can enroll without competitive admissions. The college serves 18,759 students and maintains a 98.03% in-state enrollment rate. Most students begin here to save money on their first two years before transferring to four-year universities.

How much does St Petersburg College cost after financial aid?

Students at St Petersburg College pay an average net price of negative $52, meaning financial aid typically covers all costs and provides additional support. In-state tuition runs just $2,682 annually, while 33.09% of students receive Pell Grants. The college is known for being one of the most affordable higher education options in Florida.

What are the academics like at St Petersburg College?

St Petersburg College maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college offers both associate degrees and bachelor's degree completion programs in select fields. It has built a reputation as a strong transfer institution, helping students complete general education requirements affordably before moving to four-year schools.

What career outcomes do St Petersburg College graduates experience?

Graduates earn a median salary of $42,557 ten years after starting college, with a 92.7% employment rate. The college keeps student debt manageable with a median debt load of $16,868 and monthly loan payments of $179. It focuses heavily on workforce development programs that connect directly to Tampa Bay area job markets.

Where is St Petersburg College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates multiple campuses throughout Pinellas County in the Tampa Bay area. With 61.76% women and 38.24% men, the student body reflects the college's strength in health sciences and education programs. The diverse student population includes 54.50% white, 19.73% Hispanic, and 13.98% Black students.

Does St Petersburg College offer athletic programs?

St Petersburg College fields six varsity sports through the NJCAA with 97 total student-athletes competing as the Titans. The college provides $867,682 in athletic scholarships across its programs. Athletics serve as both a recruiting tool and a pathway for students planning to transfer to four-year universities with sports programs.