About Polk State College
Polk State College was founded in 1964 and is a public state college. Originally named Polk Junior College and then Polk Community College, in 2009 the school started offering bachelor’s degrees and was renamed Polk State College. Polk State College’s mission is “to be a quality-driven institution that transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable degrees, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff.”
The school now offers certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees but primarily awards associate’s degrees. These degrees are available within six program departments. Several associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are available in completely online formats. Polk State College online degrees are asynchronous, allowing you to complete the online program on your own schedule.
Accreditation & Licensing
Polk State College is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, primarily associate's, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Bachelor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 13,744 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 38% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
35%Transfer Rate:
19%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$40,624Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$10,076Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
48%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$2,472Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Polk State College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Polk State College fits a start-here, move-forward timeline. It is a common place to complete core coursework, finish an associate path, and continue into a transfer route. The pace works best in self-managed classes, where steady weekly planning helps keep term-to-term progress on schedule.
Cost is a major part of the appeal. Polk State is positioned as an affordable way to get a basic education and build momentum toward a four-year goal. Time to finish can slow when advising or financial aid communication drags, so completion often depends on persistence across offices as much as course pacing.
At Polk State College, support is often easiest in person. Students say phone communication can be better, but on-site staff help guide next steps.
In classes, instructor responsiveness is a clear plus. Professors are described as kind and patient, and Canvas works well for staying on track.
Advising can take more effort to reach at times. Even so, many students describe a supportive environment with dedicated professionals.
Online classes run well on Canvas. The platform is easy to use. Classes are manageable for independent learners. The structure supports self-paced weekly planning.
This format fits adults with busy schedules. It works best if you track deadlines yourself. Support is easier in person when issues come up. Remote admin responses can move slower than class pace.
Polk State can work well for students who manage their own time. Canvas is easy to use, and many classes feel clear and practical. Professors are often described as patient, helpful, and easy to reach.
Teaching quality can vary by class and instructor. Some nursing courses use several professors, which can make the class feel less consistent. Other nursing classes feel well organized, with clear lectures and slides. Overall, many students can expect strong teaching, with some differences across courses.
Polk State is practical and goal-focused. It works well for pathway progress. Many use it for lower-cost core credits. Then they move into transfer plans.
Canvas works well for online classes. Self-managed learners tend to do better here. Professors are often kind and patient. Classroom support is usually better than office support.
Advising and aid communication can be uneven. Phone help is weaker than in-person help. Overall, Polk State offers good value and forward motion. It fits organized, cost-conscious students with clear goals.
Polk State is practical and goal-focused. It works well for pathway progress. Many use it for lower-cost core credits. Then they move into transfer plans.
Canvas works well for online classes. Self-managed learners tend to do better here. Professors are often kind and patient. Classroom support is usually better than office support.
Advising and aid communication can be uneven. Phone help is weaker than in-person help. Overall, Polk State offers good value and forward motion. It fits organized, cost-conscious students with clear goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polk State College
Is Polk State College accredited?
Yes. Polk State College is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Polk State College offer?
Polk State College offers 11 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Polk State College offer?
Polk State College offers bachelor's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Polk State College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Polk State College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Polk State College falls into GetEducated’s $ tuition tier, which points to a lower tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Polk State College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Polk State College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Polk State College programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Is Polk State College military friendly?
Polk State College shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Polk State College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Polk State College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score and Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Polk State College accept life experience credit?
Polk State College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Polk State College programs fully online or mixed?
Polk State College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Polk State College offer?
Polk State College has online program options in areas such as Math & Science, Business, Computer Science & IT, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Polk State College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Polk State College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Polk State College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Polk State College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Polk State College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Polk State College programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Polk State College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Polk State College is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Polk State College is located in Florida
Florida at a Glance:
Top Majors in Florida:
Top Incentives in Florida:
- Bright Futures Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in Florida:
- Entry Level: Healthcare Coordinator ($60,000)
- Mid Level: Practice Manager ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Executive ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE