Seminole State vs Polk State

Seminole State College of Florida and Polk State College, both esteemed institutions in the heart of Florida, offer a wealth of opportunities for higher education. While they share a commitment to academic excellence, they also possess distinct characteristics that cater to diverse student needs. Seminole State boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Polk State maintains a slightly more selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, Seminole State enrolls a larger student body, fostering a vibrant and diverse campus community. Polk State, on the other hand, offers a more intimate learning environment with a smaller student population. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Polk State College	Seminole State College of Florida
Overview
Location	Winter Haven, Florida	Sanford, Florida
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	67.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $17,401 Out of state: $26,307	In state: $14,199 Out of state: $22,524
Average net price	$8,227	$3,481
Tuition	In state: $2,483 Out of state: $9,933	In state: $2,393 Out of state: $9,494
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	54.0% Average amount $5,400	62.0% Average amount $5,910
Students receiving federal student loan	7.0% Average amount $4,728	17.0% Average amount $4,894
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	0.0% Average amount $3,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,044 Men 34.4% Women 65.6%	15,315 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.3%	1.5%
International students	1.4%	2.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida California Georgia Iowa Mississippi	Florida New York Texas Arizona Connecticut

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Education	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	26:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	33.2%	44.9%
Dropout rate	51.4%	41.9%
Transferred out	11.2%	9.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,310 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $68,291 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $57,694 Year 2: $53,001 Year 3: $52,096 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $39,742 Year 2: $48,198 Year 3: $49,605 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,427 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $40,565 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $47,233 Year 2: $41,007 Year 3: $40,265 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,616 Year 2: $34,660 Year 3: $39,777 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $23,837 Year 2: $24,035 Year 3: $29,385 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $21,337 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $17,510	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,723 Year 2: $52,663 Year 3: $61,002 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $53,313 Year 2: $56,554 Year 3: $60,763 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,761 Year 2: $40,896 Year 3: $41,292 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $40,346 Year 2: $36,336 Year 3: $40,522 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $36,980 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $39,957 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,554 Year 3: $38,376 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,623 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $37,092 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $24,994 Year 2: $27,048 Year 3: $30,383 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,581 Year 3: $29,617 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,703 Year 2: $24,267 Year 3: $26,334

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Seminole State College and Polk State College?

Seminole State College, located in Seminole County, Florida, offers a broader range of bachelor's degrees and specialized programs, including engineering technology and health sciences. Polk State College, situated in Polk County, Florida, is known for its strong aviation and logistics programs, as well as its accelerated degree options. While both offer associate degrees and certificate programs, their areas of specialization and campus environments differ.
Which college is larger, Seminole State College or Polk State College?

Seminole State College generally has a larger student population compared to Polk State College. This can translate to a wider variety of course offerings and student activities at Seminole State.
How do the locations of Seminole State College and Polk State College differ?

Seminole State College has multiple campuses and centers throughout Seminole County, offering convenient access to students in the Orlando metropolitan area. Polk State College is primarily located in Polk County, with campuses in Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Bartow, serving students in Central Florida.
What types of degree programs are offered at Seminole State College?

Seminole State College offers a comprehensive range of programs, including Associate in Arts (AA) degrees for university transfer, Associate in Science (AS) degrees for career training, Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees, Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, and various certificate programs. They have strong programs in areas like business, information technology, and healthcare.
What types of degree programs are offered at Polk State College?

Polk State College provides Associate in Arts (AA) degrees for university transfer, Associate in Science (AS) degrees for career training, Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees, and certificate programs. They are particularly well-regarded for their programs in aviation, logistics, and nursing.
How do the tuition costs compare between Seminole State College and Polk State College?

Tuition costs at both Seminole State College and Polk State College are generally comparable, as they are both part of the Florida College System. However, specific costs may vary depending on the program, residency status, and fees. It's best to check the official websites of each college for the most up-to-date tuition information.
What student life and extracurricular activities are available at Seminole State College?

Seminole State College offers a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. Students can participate in student government, honor societies, intramural sports, and various cultural and social events. The college also has a strong focus on community involvement.
What student life and extracurricular activities are available at Polk State College?

Polk State College provides opportunities for student involvement through clubs, organizations, and activities. Students can participate in student government, honor societies, and various academic and social clubs. The college also emphasizes student leadership development.
Does Seminole State College or Polk State College offer on-campus housing?

Neither Seminole State College nor Polk State College currently offers on-campus housing. Students typically commute from home or find off-campus housing options near the campuses.
Which college is better for students interested in aviation?

Polk State College is generally considered the stronger choice for students specifically interested in aviation. They have a well-established aviation program with flight training and related degrees.
Which college is better for students interested in a broader range of bachelor's degrees?

Seminole State College typically offers a wider selection of bachelor's degree programs compared to Polk State College, making it a potentially better fit for students seeking more diverse options at the four-year level.
How do I apply to Seminole State College or Polk State College?

The application process for both colleges is similar. You'll need to complete an online application, submit your high school transcripts or GED scores, and potentially take a placement test. Check the admissions section of each college's website for specific requirements and deadlines.
Are there any specific programs that one college is known for over the other?

Yes. Polk State College is particularly known for its aviation and logistics programs. Seminole State College is recognized for its engineering technology, health sciences, and digital media programs.
Do both colleges offer online courses?

Yes, both Seminole State College and Polk State College offer a variety of online courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely.

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