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Colleges / FL / Winter Haven
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Polk State College

Public Winter Haven, FL · Urban · Southeast · 80% data reported · Agent Insights
35%
Graduation Rate
$40,624
Earnings (10yr)
$9,427
Net Price
7,180
Enrollment

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Overview

Polk State College serves over 7,100 students in Winter Haven, Florida, with a net price of $9,427, making it an affordable option for many. The college’s graduation rate stands at 35%. This figure indicates that while a significant number of students begin their studies here, a smaller portion complete their degrees within a traditional timeframe.

In terms of outcomes, graduates from Polk State earn a median salary of $40,624 ten years after enrollment. The data reflects the potential return on investment for students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as 32% of students receive Pell Grants. This financial support can be crucial for those seeking to improve their economic standing through education.

Polk State College caters to a diverse range of interests with strong programs in humanities, health professions, business, criminal justice, and computer science. The average debt for graduates is $10,076, which is relatively low compared to national averages. Students who thrive here are often those seeking practical, career-oriented education in fields with steady demand and growth potential.

Rankings

How Polk Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation35%Earnings 10yr$41KNet Price$9KMedian Debt$10KPell Grant Rate32%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$9K$30-48K$10K$48-75K$7K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1673.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1242.4%MOBILITY207.86%

Cost & Financial Aid

$2,694
In-State Tuition
$9,817
Out-of-State
$9,427
Avg Net Price
$10,076
Median Debt
32%
Pell Grant Rate
6%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,446
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,203
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,502
Family Income $48K–$75K
$7,464
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$35,602
6 Years After Entry
$37,426
8 Years
$40,624
10 Years
0.25x
Debt-to-Earnings
51%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$35,602 6yr $37,426 8yr $40,624 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

207.86%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1242.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1673.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$59,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.94
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.04
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Full-Time Faculty 39%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,338
Diversity Index 0.82
First-Gen Students 51%

Top Programs

Humanities 43%
Health Professions 18%
Business & Marketing 15%
Criminal Justice 14%
Computer Science & IT 3%
Transportation 2%
Education 2%
Communications 0%

Quick Facts

Setting Urban
Region Southeast
Accreditor Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Predominant Degree Associate's
Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female
62%
White
27%
Hispanic
30%
Black
11%
Asian
2%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →