Campus Vibe
Known for computer science — excellent value
Florida Polytechnic University is a public institution in Lakeland with particular strength in computer science and engineering. With an average SAT of 1294, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.6K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
53% of students graduate within four years. Net price after aid averages $9,899.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Florida Polytechnic University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1294
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
75.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$7,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (17)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
- •75% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Eastern side of the IST Building The University of South Florida opened a satellite campus in Lakeland – University of South Florida Lakeland – in 1988.
- •By the 2000s it had grown to enroll around 4,000 students, and the local business owners secured state funding for a separate campus in 2008.
- •The same year, USF's trustees renamed the campus University of South Florida Polytechnic, reflecting a new focus on STEM education.
- •In 2009 Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was selected to design the campus' first building.
- •In 2011 Alexander proposed a 2012-13 state budget that provided $33 million for the move.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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