Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lakeland, Florida
55.7% Acceptance Rate
Florida Polytechnic University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
55.7%Acceptance Rate
3.53Avg GPA
1294Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$20,807Annual Cost
33.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
55.7%
Avg GPA
3.53
Avg SAT
1294
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1180–1370
ACT Middle 50%
24–30
Avg Net Price
$9,899
Need-Based Aid
33.1% receive Pell
Florida Polytechnic University, established in 2012 in Lakeland, is the state's only public STEM-only university. Ranked for engineering and technology innovation.
The futuristic campus features labs for robotics, nanotechnology, and augmented reality. Industry partnerships with tech firms provide hands-on experience.
Florida Polytechnic University Acceptance Rate
Florida Polytechnic University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Florida Polytechnic University is 55.7%. This means that 56 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 55.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.08
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Florida Poly GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Florida Poly is 3.53. Florida Poly is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.73-3.93 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.23 and 3.53, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Florida Poly GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Florida Poly utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.53, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.13 – 3.32
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.12
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Florida Poly, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Florida Poly
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Florida Polytechnic University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) 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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Florida Poly Without SAT or ACT?
Florida Polytechnic University requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. 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 multiple times to improve their scores.
Florida Polytechnic University Average SAT Score: 1294
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Florida Polytechnic University is 1294 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1294 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1294 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1370 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Florida Polytechnic University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1180, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Florida Poly. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 640 | 590 | 690 |
| SAT Reading | 635 | 590 | 680 |
| SAT Composite | 1294 | 1180 | 1370 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1180 then you are below most of the admitted students at Florida Poly and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1370 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) are good but the admission staff at Florida Poly tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Florida Poly is 27.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive
This score makes Florida Polytechnic University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 30 |
| ACT English | 27 | 22 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 24 | 30 |
Can I get into Florida Polytechnic University with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Florida Polytechnic University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Florida Polytechnic University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Florida Polytechnic University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Florida Polytechnic University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 30 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Florida Poly
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Florida Poly is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Florida Poly to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Florida Poly Profile
Full Name
Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly)
City
Lakeland
State
Florida
ZIP Code
33805-8531
Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Florida Poly Degree Worth It?
Getting into Florida Poly 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. Florida Poly 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.
How much does a degree from Florida Poly Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Florida Polytechnic University is $20,807. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Florida Polytechnic University is $9,899.
33.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 25 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Florida Poly and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Florida Polytechnic University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Florida Poly as your choice in the form.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Florida Polytechnic University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Florida Polytechnic University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Florida Polytechnic University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Florida Poly
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Florida Polytechnic University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Poly Admissions
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20,807 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
33.1% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Florida Polytechnic University is 55.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.53. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.23, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.23, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.13 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.53, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Florida Polytechnic University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1294 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1180–1370.
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.
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.