South Florida State College
Out-of-state tuition
$11,859
In-state $3,165
Peer median $11,384
Undergraduates
2,880
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 19 : 1
“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a prominent institution located in the heart of Florida, specifically in the charming city of Avon Park. Established in 1965, SFSC has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to providing accessible education and fostering student success. The college emphasizes a student-centered approach, offering a variety of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its community. As an institution dedicated to lifelong learning, SFSC provides numerous associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs, making it a valuable resource for both traditional and non-traditional students.
One of the defining characteristics of South Florida State College is its vibrant campus culture, which promotes a sense of community and engagement among its students. SFSC encourages involvement in various extracurricular activities, from academic clubs to athletics, allowing students to explore their interests and develop leadership skills. The college's strong emphasis on student services, including academic advising and career counseling, ensures that students receive the support they need to achieve their educational and professional goals. Moreover, the college's facilities are designed to enhance learning experiences, featuring modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas. With a dedicated faculty that is passionate about teaching and mentoring, SFSC creates an environment where students can thrive academically and personally, preparing them for successful careers in a rapidly changing world.
Analysis of Key Metrics at South Florida State College
The data from South Florida State College presents several noteworthy trends, particularly in tuition costs, student demographics, and the student-to-faculty ratio. Over the years, the in-state undergraduate tuition has remained remarkably stable, consistently recorded at $3,165 since 2016. This stability is crucial as it suggests the college's commitment to affordability, especially for local students. In contrast, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has remained at $11,859, highlighting a significant financial barrier for non-residents seeking education at this institution.
Another critical aspect is the gender ratio among undergraduate students. The proportion of female students has shown a steady increase from 58.5% in 2013 to approximately 66.1% in 2023, indicating a shift towards a more female-dominated student body. This change may reflect broader societal trends in higher education, where female enrollment has been on the rise across many institutions.
Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio has been consistently recorded at 17 since 2019, suggesting a stable faculty presence relative to the number of students. This ratio is significant as it can impact the quality of education and personalized attention students receive. A lower ratio typically allows for more interaction between students and faculty, which can enhance the learning experience.
Overall, while the college maintains affordability through stable tuition rates, the increasing female enrollment and consistent student-to-faculty ratio provide insights into the evolving educational landscape at South Florida State College. These factors are essential for prospective students and can influence their decision-making process when selecting a college.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a small city
- Nearest major city
- Lakeland, about 45 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 60 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Fred Hawkins (President)
- Phone
- 8634536661
- Address
- 600 W College Dr, Avon Park, FL 33825-9356
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at South Florida State College
The graduation data from South Florida State College for 2023 reveals several notable patterns across various disciplines. Notably, the highest number of graduates in the associate degree category is found in Registered Nursing, with 64 graduates. This aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing, which has been underscored by the ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The significant number of graduates in this field suggests that the college is successfully addressing workforce needs in healthcare.
In contrast, disciplines such as Business Administration and Education show a lack of bachelor's degree graduates, with only 36 and 13 respectively. This discrepancy may reflect broader trends in employment or student interest, as the job market for business and education graduates can fluctuate based on economic conditions and educational reforms. Additionally, it is noteworthy that several fields, particularly in engineering and technology, reported no graduates at the bachelor's or master's level, which could indicate a need for enhanced recruitment strategies or curriculum adjustments to attract and retain students in these critical areas.
Moreover, the absence of international students graduating from these programs may point to barriers in attracting foreign talent, which is increasingly important in a globalized economy. The college might consider implementing more robust support systems for international students to diversify its graduate pool and enrich campus culture. Overall, the data reflects both opportunities and challenges for South Florida State College as it navigates the evolving educational landscape and workforce demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $34,065 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | - | ||
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | ||
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $57,542 | ||
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $57,542 | ||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $57,542 | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $75,431 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $46,265 | ||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $46,265 | ||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - | ||
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General. | - | ||
| Biomedical Technology/Technician. | - |
Students
2,880 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 33:67
- Continuing undergraduates 1,396
- First-year undergraduates 305
- Transfers and others 1,179
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,880)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at South Florida State College in 2023
The data from South Florida State College for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body. The undergraduate newcomers account for 557 students, with a notable 64.5% being female and 35.5% male. This gender ratio indicates a prevalent trend across many higher education institutions, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males, reflecting broader societal shifts towards higher education among women.
In contrast, the undergraduate continuing students, numbering 1,512, show an even more pronounced gender disparity, with females making up 69.5% of the population. This trend raises important questions about retention rates and the experiences of male students in higher education.
The undergraduate transfer students are a small group, with only 29 individuals, maintaining a similar female majority at 69%. The low number may suggest challenges in transferring between institutions or may reflect a broader national trend regarding the mobility of students within the education system.
Moreover, the overall diversity of the student body could be further explored through the various subcategories of students. The data indicates a significant representation of white students, but additional insights into other ethnic groups would provide a more comprehensive view of the college's demographic landscape.
As colleges strive for inclusivity and diversity, understanding these demographics is crucial for developing programs that support all students, particularly in engaging male students who may feel marginalized in this educational environment. Overall, South Florida State College exemplifies the evolving dynamics of student enrollment, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and resources tailored to diverse student needs.
Age Composition of Students at South Florida State College in 2023
The age distribution data from South Florida State College reveals interesting insights into the demographic makeup of the student body for 2023. A significant portion of the students, particularly those under 24 years of age, constitutes the majority, highlighting the institution's appeal to younger individuals. Notably, the age group under 18 has the highest number of students, with 250 male undergraduates and 403 female undergraduates, making up a substantial 38.3% of the total student population.
As we analyze the data further, the trend continues with the 18-19 age group, where male and female undergraduates are 245 and 431, respectively. This pattern demonstrates that younger students predominantly pursue higher education, aligning with national trends where college enrollment rates are highest among recent high school graduates.
However, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment as students age, particularly for those in the 22-24 age range and older. For instance, only 107 males and 185 females fall into the 22-24 category, and the numbers continue to dwindle in subsequent age groups. This trend raises important questions about the barriers older students might face in accessing higher education, such as financial responsibilities or life commitments.
Overall, the data indicates a strong emphasis on attracting younger students, which is crucial for institutions seeking to bolster their enrollment figures. As educational institutions adapt to changing demographics and societal needs, understanding these trends will be vital for future planning and resource allocation.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
43 in 2025 · 1.6% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at South Florida State College
The data reflects a notable trend in the enrollment of international students at South Florida State College over the years. Starting from 2004, the number of international undergraduate students has experienced an overall increase, albeit with fluctuations. In 2004, the college had only 20 international students, a figure that rose to a peak of 59 in both 2009 and 2010, representing a significant growth in international representation.
The percentage of international students among undergraduates also saw a steady rise, reaching a high of 2.02% in 2009. However, by 2023, this percentage had dropped to 0.97%, indicating a decline in the proportion of international students relative to the total undergraduate population. This trend could be indicative of various factors, including changing global dynamics, shifts in immigration policies, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel and education.
Furthermore, while the data does not provide figures for graduate students, the absence of this information does raise questions about the overall appeal of the college’s graduate programs to international students. With the increasing competition among higher education institutions to attract global talent, South Florida State College may need to explore strategic initiatives to bolster its international enrollment, not just at the undergraduate level but also in postgraduate offerings.
Overall, the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment remains crucial, especially in today's interconnected world. Addressing the challenges highlighted by the data could enhance the college's appeal to international students in the future.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$17,779
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $11,859
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $3,165
- Room and board
- $5,920
Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 0% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 0%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$54.0M
Expenses$57.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 24 | - |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Cross Country | - | 10 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 25 | - |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Cross Country | - | 9 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 25 | - |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Cross Country | - | 8 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne · 64.1 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of South Florida-Main CampusTampa · 64.9 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Central FloridaOrlando · 73.8 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton · 119.7 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale · 128.8 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Florida International UniversityMiami · 143.5 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of MiamiCoral Gables · 148.6 mi
U.S. News #55
-
University of FloridaGainesville · 152.2 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of North FloridaJacksonville · 186.7 mi
U.S. News #236
Data insights
Here are some notable universities around South Florida State College:
-
University of Florida - Ranked 28 in the 2024 US News rankings, it is a comprehensive university known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
University of Miami - With a rank of 67, this comprehensive university offers a vibrant campus life and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly noted for its research in medicine and marine sciences.
-
Florida State University - Ranked 53, this institution is recognized for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences, and has a vibrant student community.
-
University of South Florida - With a rank of 89, this comprehensive university emphasizes research and innovation, offering a variety of programs across multiple disciplines.
-
Florida International University - Ranked 124, it is notable for its diverse student body and strong emphasis on international education and research.
-
New College of Florida - As a liberal arts college ranked 100, it provides a unique education experience with a focus on individualized learning and critical thinking.
-
Florida Atlantic University - Ranked 209, this institution offers a variety of programs and is known for its research initiatives and community engagement.
These universities provide a wide range of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at South Florida State College
The crime data from South Florida State College over the past decade reveals interesting trends regarding campus safety. Notably, the years 2013 and 2014 recorded no reported incidents, showcasing a strong initial period of safety. However, as we move into 2015, the number of incidents began to rise, peaking at four recorded incidents in both 2018 and 2019, with an average crime rate of 1.40 and 1.37 per 1,000 students respectively.
The types of crimes reported included incidents related to gun arrests, drug arrests, and alcohol-related offenses. In particular, gun arrests were notably reported in 2018, which may have contributed to the heightened concerns about safety on campus. The fluctuations in crime rates could also reflect broader societal trends, including increased awareness and reporting of such incidents, as well as varying enforcement policies.
Interestingly, after 2019, there was a significant drop in reported incidents, with 2020 and 2021 experiencing only one and three incidents respectively. This decline, along with the absence of reported incidents in 2022, could indicate effective safety measures and community efforts to reduce crime on campus. However, the data from 2023 suggests that challenges remain, as the crime rate is still present albeit at a lower level than in previous years.
Overall, while South Florida State College has seen some fluctuations in crime rates, the significant reduction in recent years is encouraging. Continuous efforts in promoting a safe educational environment will be essential in maintaining and further improving campus safety for students. For further understanding of crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.