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South Florida State College is a four-year, public college founded in 1965. It’s located in Avon Park, which is part of Central South Florida roughly equal distance from Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers. The college is filled with collegiate wonderment and advantages for each of the nearly 3,000 students. At South Florida State, students have access to a variety of educational opportunities including certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Graduate degrees are not available; however, many students do choose to pursue master’s degrees upon graduation at other notable higher learning institutions.


Overview of South Florida State College


The college is focused on providing exceptional life and educational experiences through top career-development degree programs, local partnerships throughout the community, and cultural opportunities. All classes center around an environment that supports freely exchanging ideas, diversity, ethical leadership, inclusivity, fairness, innovation, accountability, flexible learning, and honesty. Students will have access to an advising and counseling center to help stay on the path toward personal, academic, and career aspirations.

They have four campuses including Lake Placid, Hardee, Highlands, and DeSoto. You can also choose from several distance learning programs. All programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which is the same as the large state schools, such as the University of Florida and Florida State. South Florida State has a diverse student body with almost 40% of students being first-generation college students, over 65% part-time students, 20% take online courses at an 85% success rate and nearly 60% transfer successfully to a university.

General Information


School Type Primarily associate's, Public
Campus Setting Rural: Fringe
Campus Housing No
Student Faculty Ratio 17:1
Graduation Rate 42%
Year Founded 1965

Student Enrollment


Total Students2,910

Undergraduate
2,910
Graduate
NA

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,077
1,077
Female 1,833
1,833

Graduate Student

Male NA
NA
Female NA
NA

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Admissions


APPLICATIONSNA

Male    NA
Female NA

ACCEPTANCENA

Male    NA
Female NA

Acceptance RateNA

Male    NA
Female NA

Enrollment NA

Male    NA
Female NA
Admissions
Application Fee $15
High School GPA NA
High School Rank NA
High School Transcripts NA
College Prep Courses NA
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT NA
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) NA
Application Deadline NA
Common Application Accepted NA

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


South Florida State College is in line with the state of Florida’s initiative to keep the cost of higher learning affordable with an in-state tuition of $3,165 and out-of-state tuition of $11,859. Those who attend in-person classes can expect to pay for another $12,000 or so for room and board, supplies, books, and more. Students who wish to explore the region, take day trips, and participate in fun events and activities should budget even more funds.

As a way to reduce expenses and pay for programs, nearly 85% of students secure financial aid in some way such as through student loans, grants, and scholarships. Forty-five percent of students receive Pell Grants in federal aid. This aid helps to lower the net price average to $4,531. The college helps students find the right aid and also offers work-study programs.

Average net price 2017-2018
Net Price $5,873
Average Total Aid $4,258
Students Receiving Financial Aid 79%
Room & Board $5,920

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $3,165
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $11,859
  • Books and Supplies - $1,220
  • Room & Board - $5,920
  • Other - $4,239

Academics


The flexibility of South Florida State’s degree and certificate programs allow students to work while they take courses. And many students take advantage of this flexibility through online classes, as well as by attending classes at any one of the four campuses. From the beginning, students work with the Advising and Counseling Center to determine the right degree to best meet their career goals. Students can select certificate programs, as well as a variety of associate and bachelor’s degrees or take professional, non-degree courses.

Many students enroll in college prep courses, change majors, or participate in the state’s transient programs. Those who successfully complete an AA become eligible for admittance to four-year colleges and universities throughout Florida at a junior level, including acceptance to South Florida State bachelor’s degree programs. Many technical programs are at the diploma and certificate level. The type of programs available range greatly including accounting, business, electronics, hospitality, agriculture, automotive, IT, fire science, health sciences, office administration, and many others.

To help improve the success rates of students, the college offers a number of academic and personal support systems including tutoring, guidance, job skill training, and mentoring. Additional programs are also available such as adult literacy, corporate education, leadership, performing arts, STEM, welding, and more. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1 and this may directly contribute to the 49% graduation rate, which is a bit below the national average, but solid. This rate looks even better when you consider that a large number of students work while they participate in degree programs.

Student Population Total


Student Population 2,910

Undergraduate
2,910
Graduate
NA
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 36 Total Graduates / 56%
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other 36 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 15 Total Graduates / 24%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 15 Graduates
All Education Majors 13 Total Graduates / 20%
Elementary Education and Teaching 13 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 0%

Outcome & Salary


Upon completing degrees and programs, students at South Florida State will go on to have thriving careers while others will continue their education at other Florida schools such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and others. Many students will also go on to pass licensure exams in a variety of fields including dental hygiene, cosmetology, corrections, nursing, radiography, law enforcement, and more.

The Career Development Center is available to help students find employment and prepare for specific aspects of career development. These services help to pair student interests with relevant careers to help students enjoy their professional lives over time. Students will also receive assistance with cover letters, resumes, training, internships, interviews, and much more. A dress for success program also exists to help make a positive, lasting impression during job interviews.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $40,200
College Grads Average Salary $60,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $61,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $600,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,210,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $23,492
10 Year Projected ROI $576,508
20 Year Projected ROI $1,186,508
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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