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Polk State College

Winter Haven, FL·Public·5,954 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and in-state Florida residents. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 5,954 students.

N/A
Accept
5,954
Students
$9,027
Net Price
34%
Grad Rate
$35,000
Earnings
10 yr
$6,500
Debt

About This School

Polk State College is a public institution located in Winter Haven, Florida with approximately 5,954 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $9,027 per year. The graduation rate is 34%, and the typical graduate earns $35,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Polk State College (PSC) is a public college based in Winter Haven, Florida, United States, and is part of the Florida College System. Established in 1964, PSC operates its main campuses in Winter Haven and Lakeland, with additional education centers in Bartow and Lake Wales. The college offers both associate and bachelor’s degrees.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the low average debt of $6,500 and affordable net price of ~$9,000/year make this one of the more financially sensible options for a Florida student starting out, especially for those pursuing an associate degree or transferring to a four-year school. However, the 34% graduation rate is a real concern — most students who enroll don't finish — so it's worth asking honestly whether you have a clear plan and strong support system before committing. If you're cost-conscious, have a specific program in mind, and plan to transfer, this can work well; if you need a structured environment to stay on track, consider whether additional support resources are available to you here.

Founded
1964
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions14%
Business & Marketing14%
Education3%
Computer Science2%
Communications0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$3,366
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,272
Avg Net Price
$9,027
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$6,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
34%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$6,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$6,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White42%
Black19%
Hispanic/Latino30%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,954 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Polk State College

999 Avenue H NE

Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Florida

Browse all Florida schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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