Polk State College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Polk State College
Set between quiet lakes and citrus country, Polk State College offers a practical, down-to-earth path to a degree. The college is known for approachable faculty, small-college feel, and course work that blends classroom learning with hands-on labs and studios. Academic strengths span the arts and sciences, business and technology, public service, and health-related fields, with a steady emphasis on clear writing, problem solving, and teamwork.
On campus you'll find updated classrooms, study lounges, a quiet library, and spaces for labs, performance, and fitness. Support runs deep, from tutoring and advising to career coaching, veterans resources, wellness and accessibility services. Student life leans active yet laid back: clubs, service projects, intramurals, and time on nearby trails and lakes. The culture has a come-as-you-are vibe, with many students balancing work and school. Career prep shows up in internships, employer visits, and practical projects, reinforced by ties to local businesses and public agencies. And Winter Haven's arts, recreation, and small-business scene gives students real ways to plug in and build experience.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Polk State College offers 37 degree programs across 11 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,841 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 794 graduates), Health (10 programs, 327 graduates), Business (5 programs, 271 graduates), Security & Safety (5 programs, 260 graduates) and Computer & IT (4 programs, 53 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 794 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 794 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Health (10 programs, 327 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 202 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 42 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Health Administration and Management | 17 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0701 |
| Radiologic Technology | 17 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Medical Insurance Billing | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0714 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0908 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0910 |
| Cardiovascular Technology | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0901 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0803 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
Business (5 programs, 271 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 192 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0299 |
| Business Administration and Management | 58 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 13 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Transportation and Mobility Management | 7 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0209 |
| Small Business Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
Security & Safety (5 programs, 260 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 138 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 57 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0102 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 32 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0103 |
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0201 |
Computer & IT (4 programs, 53 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network and System Administration | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.1001 |
| Web and Digital Multimedia Design | 15 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0801 |
| Computer Programming | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0201 |
| Information Technology | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0103 |
Transportation (3 programs, 41 graduates)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Science and Technology | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
49.0101 |
| Airline and Commercial Pilot | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
49.0102 |
| Aviation Management and Operations | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
49.0104 |
Education (3 programs, 40 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Early Childhood Education | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1210 |
| Education, General | 7 |
|
Residency
|
13.9999 |
Human Sciences (2 programs, 29 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 22 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
| Child Care Management | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0708 |
Eng. Technologies (2 programs, 13 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0613 |
| Automation Engineer Technology | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0406 |
Communication (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
09.0702 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Polk State College
How much does it cost to attend Polk State College?
The annual tuition at Polk State College is $3,366 for in-state students and $12,271 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $5,366 for in-state students and $14,271 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,339 (off-campus) and books and supplies $2,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Polk State College offer?
Polk State College offers 37 academic programs across 11 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (10 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (5 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Polk State College?
Polk State College provides financial aid to 7% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,253 and average loans of $2,922.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $2,811
- State/Local grants: $1,095
- Institutional grants: $2,858
- Federal loans: $2,922
The university supports 448 students with grants and 23 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Polk State College graduates?
Polk State College graduates earn a median salary of $35,602 after 6 years and $40,624 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $23,502 (25th percentile) to $60,243 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $63,100 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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