Polk State College serves Central Florida with comprehensive academic and workforce programs across multiple campuses. Established in 1964, this public institution has grown to serve over 20,000 students annually, offering bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and career certificates. The college's Winter Haven Campus features the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building, while the Lakeland Campus houses the Advanced Technology Center. Polk State is particularly renowned for its nursing, criminal justice, and aerospace programs, with direct pipelines to major regional employers.
The college's distinctive 'Corporate College' provides customized training for local businesses, while its 'Honors Program' offers enhanced academic opportunities for high-achieving students. Polk State maintains strong partnerships with the University of South Florida and other state universities for seamless transfers. With small class sizes and affordable tuition, the college serves as a vital educational and economic engine for the region.
Polk State College Acceptance Rate
Polk State College (Polk State) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Polk State College Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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Polk State College (Polk State) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Polk State Profile
Name: Polk State College (Polk State)
City: Winter Haven
URL: www.polk.edu/
State: Florida
Type: Public
Zip: 33881-4299
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Can I Get Into Polk State Without SAT Or ACT?: The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Polk State College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from Polk State Worth It?
Getting into Polk State can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Polk State offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Polk State is USD: 50786.53 and unemployment rate is 3.41%.
How much does a degree from Polk State Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Polk State College is USD: 12709. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Polk State College is USD: 9027
How can I get a scholarship?
32.56% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 6.93 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Polk State and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Polk State College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Polk State as your choice in the form.
How much a Polk State Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 40624. An average Polk State graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Air Transportation
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Registered Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Air Transportation
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions About Polk State College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $40624 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $12709 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Polk State College.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.