Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is a public university in Lakeland, FL ranked #202 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 1,556 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 55.7%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.4% first-year retention, and 53.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $9,899, about $7,099 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 95.8%, roughly 10.5 points higher than typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $77,545. That's about $33,857 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Florida Polytechnic University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Florida Polytechnic University graduates 53.0% of students within six years and keeps 75.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Florida Polytechnic University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $4,940 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,940 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $20,807 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.1% of Florida Polytechnic University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,261 to $14,127 depending on family income. Use Florida Polytechnic University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,621/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $14,127/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $77,545
- 10-Year Median Earnings $77,545
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $7,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Florida Polytechnic University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Florida Polytechnic University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Florida Polytechnic University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Florida Polytechnic University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Florida Polytechnic University graduates earn $77,545 median six years after enrollment, +77% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-680
- SAT Math 590-690
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,556
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.4%
- Graduation Rate 53.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Florida Polytechnic University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Florida Polytechnic University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 55.7%, Florida Polytechnic University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 55.7% acceptance rate, Florida Polytechnic University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180 and 1370 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Florida Polytechnic University undergraduates. Computer Software and Media Applications, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Engineering draw the most students.
- Computer Software and Media Applications 55.3%
- Mechanical Engineering 20.8%
- Computer Engineering 14.3%
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee 5.8%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 2.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 1.0%
See more majors
- Computer Science 0.0%
- Engineering Physics 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $70,375
- 2. Computer Engineering $65,126
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $62,595
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Software and Media Applications $61,197
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $70,375—15% more than Computer Software and Media Applications ($61,197). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Florida Polytechnic University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degree, 162 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 61 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree, 9 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (12 programs)▼
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,556
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 81.0%
- Female Students 19.0%
- Caucasian 55.8%
- Asian 5.6%
- Hispanic 25.2%
- Black 5.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Florida Polytechnic University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Florida Polytechnic University's undergraduate population. Women make up 19.0% of the student body, while men represent 81.0%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida Polytechnic University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida Polytechnic University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 81.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida Polytechnic University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida Polytechnic University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Florida Polytechnic University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #202 nationally with a 95.8% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $9,899 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $77,545 median earnings. The 53.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 75.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Florida Polytechnic University's Strengths
Ranked #202 with a A- grade, Florida Polytechnic University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Florida Polytechnic University excel at providing affordable education ($9,899 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Florida Polytechnic University's 75.4% retention and 53.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($77,545 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Florida Polytechnic University's 95.8% ROI and $9,899 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 53.0% six-year graduation rate sits 9.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.4% first-year retention is 1.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 95.8% return on investment is 10.5 points above the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $77,545 run about 77% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $9,899 is roughly $10,010 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 95.8% ROI outruns the national average by 10.5 points, rewarding diligent borrowers.
- Pell participation at 33.1% trails the national share by 0.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Florida Polytechnic University—a public university in Lakeland, FL—at A- overall. It appears at #202 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 75.4% retention and 53.0% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is 95.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,899 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $20,807.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,908 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $7,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $77,545 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 77% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
The ROI comes in near 95.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
55.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Florida Polytechnic University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Florida campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Lakeland, FL 33805-8531
- Website floridapoly.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$3.5M