Florida Polytechnic University
Acceptance rate
57.5%
2025
Peer median 80.5%
Out-of-state tuition
$21,004
In-state $4,940
Peer median $17,955
Undergraduates
1,690
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 14 : 1
Graduation rate
30.9%
4-year; 6-year rate 47.3%
Peer median 26.9%
“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Florida Polytechnic University, located in Lakeland, Florida, is a public university that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Established in 2012, it is the newest member of the State University System of Florida and is known for its innovative approach to education, particularly in engineering and computer science. The university’s campus is architecturally striking, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that facilitate collaborative learning and research. The campus includes advanced laboratories, research centers, and a focus on sustainability, which reflects the university's commitment to providing a modern educational environment.
The university's mission emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and research, encouraging students to engage in practical experiences that prepare them for successful careers. Florida Polytechnic University prides itself on its small student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for students. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers who are committed to advancing their fields and supporting students in their academic pursuits. Moreover, the university actively fosters a vibrant campus culture with various student organizations and clubs that promote involvement in athletics, technology, and community service. This supportive environment not only enhances the student experience but also helps prepare graduates for the competitive job market, making them well-equipped to excel in their respective fields.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University has exhibited intriguing trends over recent years in several critical areas, particularly tuition, student retention, graduation rates, and student demographics. Notably, the tuition for out-of-state undergraduates has surged from $5,474 in 2015 to a staggering $21,004 by 2021, representing a significant increase that may deter prospective students from outside Florida. In contrast, in-state tuition remained relatively stable at around $4,940, suggesting that the university aims to maintain accessibility for local students while capitalizing on higher fees from out-of-state applicants.
Retention rates have shown variability, peaking at 84.6% in 2021 before dropping to approximately 79.1% in 2023. This fluctuation raises questions about student satisfaction and support services, which are critical for maintaining enrollment numbers and ensuring students remain engaged throughout their studies.
The graduation rates also warrant attention, with only 36.2% of students graduating on time as of 2023, and about 50.1% completing their degrees within 150% of the normal time frame. These figures highlight challenges in academic support or student engagement that the university may need to address to improve outcomes.
Lastly, gender demographics reveal a consistent trend, with a higher proportion of male students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. For instance, approximately 81.3% of undergraduates were male in 2023, indicating a potential area for increasing female participation in STEM fields, which is essential for creating a more balanced educational environment.
In summary, while Florida Polytechnic University has made strides in certain areas, the significant hikes in tuition and the low graduation rates indicate that there are pressing issues to address. Focusing on retention and graduation strategies, along with enhancing gender diversity, will be vital for the institution's future success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Lakeland, about 9 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 40 mi
- Also known as
- Florida Poly
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Devin Stephenson (President, CEO)
- Phone
- 8635839050
- Address
- 4700 Research Way, Lakeland, FL 33805-8531
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 51.1%, women 46.9%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Florida Polytechnic University
The admission data from Florida Polytechnic University over the years highlights several trends that are significant for prospective students and educational analysts alike.
Firstly, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have seen considerable fluctuations. The male acceptance rate peaked at approximately 76.4% in 2017, while the female acceptance rate reached its highest at around 63.5% in 2015. Notably, the acceptance rates for both genders have generally declined over the years, suggesting a more competitive admissions landscape, especially as the university's reputation evolves and attracts a larger applicant pool.
The enrollment numbers have varied, with the highest recorded enrollment being 460 students in 2017. In contrast, the university faced a sharp decline in enrollment to just 278 students in 2020, which could correlate with the broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting higher education institutions nationwide. The number of denied applicants also rose significantly, especially in 2022, where it reached 965 denials, indicating that the university is becoming increasingly selective.
Moreover, the data on deferred admissions is telling. In 2023, a staggering 1,107 students were deferred, suggesting that many applicants may be strong candidates but are not yet offered immediate admission. This trend could imply that the university is attempting to maintain quality while managing a larger volume of applications.
Overall, these trends indicate a complex interplay between increasing selectivity and the challenges posed by external factors such as global events. As Florida Polytechnic University continues to evolve, understanding these admission dynamics will be crucial for both applicants and the institution itself.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 71% submitted SAT, 28% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT scores required for admission
Data insights
Trends in Test Scores and Submission Rates at Florida Polytechnic University
The data from Florida Polytechnic University reveals significant trends in standardized test score submissions over the years, particularly for the SAT and ACT. From 2015 onwards, we observe a steady increase in the number of students submitting SAT scores, reaching a high of 358 submissions in 2022, which constitutes 90% of the admitted students. This suggests a growing reliance on standardized test scores in the admissions process, reflecting wider trends in higher education where institutions increasingly emphasize academic merit.
Examining the score ranges, the SAT reading and math scores show a noteworthy ascent, with the 25th percentile starting at 590 and the 75th percentile reaching up to 680 in recent years. This indicates that Florida Polytechnic is attracting a more academically prepared student body, aligning with national trends where universities are becoming more competitive.
Additionally, the ACT submissions also display an upward trajectory, with 100% submission rates in some years from 2016 onwards. This trend mirrors a national conversation around the relevance of standardized testing, especially as institutions consider test-optional policies in response to equity concerns.
Overall, the data suggests that while Florida Polytechnic University continues to uphold a strong emphasis on standardized testing, it also adapts to changing dynamics in higher education, potentially paving the way for a more holistic admissions process in the future. As universities grapple with balancing academic standards and accessibility, Florida Polytechnic's data could serve as a case study in navigating these challenges effectively.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 6 in 10
4,110 applicants in 2025, 57.5% admitted
2,364 admitted 1,746 not admitted Yield 20.2%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Computer and Information Sciences, General · Master's12 (33% international)
- Data Science, General · Master's9 (33% international)
- Mechanical Engineering · Master's4 (0% international)
- Engineering/Industrial Management · Master's3 (0% international)
- Engineering, General · Master's1 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Florida Polytechnic University
The graduation data from Florida Polytechnic University for 2023 reveals noteworthy trends, particularly in the engineering and computer science fields. The Computer Science program stands out with 111 graduates at the bachelor's level, indicating a strong interest and commitment to this discipline. In contrast, the Mechanical Engineering program produced only 41 graduates, reflecting a significant gap in the popularity of these two engineering disciplines within the university.
Additionally, the data highlights the presence of international students, particularly in the master's programs. The Engineering, General program graduated 19 students, with 42.1% of those being international students. This suggests that Florida Polytechnic is attracting a diverse student body, which can enhance the learning environment and foster global perspectives in technical fields.
Interestingly, several programs, including Data Science and Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare, show no graduates at the bachelor's level despite being increasingly relevant in today's job market. This lack of graduates could indicate that these programs are still in their developmental stages or that they have yet to gain traction among students.
Furthermore, the absence of doctoral graduates across all programs indicates a potential area for growth in advanced studies. As the demand for highly specialized knowledge continues to rise, Florida Polytechnic may consider expanding its doctoral offerings to attract students seeking advanced degrees.
Overall, the data presents a snapshot of the university's academic landscape, revealing strong performances in certain areas while also highlighting opportunities for growth and improvement in others.
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 | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - | |||
| Computer Engineering, General. | $72,423 | |||
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - | |||
| Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. | - | |||
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | - | |||
| Mechanical Engineering. | $58,376 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Computer Science. | $52,015 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science, General. | - | |||
| Business Analytics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering/Industrial Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare. | - |
Students
1,769 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 80:20 · Freshman retention 74.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,135
- First-year undergraduates 449
- Graduate students 79
- Transfers and others 106
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,690)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Florida Polytechnic University
The student demographics at Florida Polytechnic University for the year 2023 reveal notable trends in gender representation and diversity among different student classifications. The data indicates that there are 450 new undergraduate students, with a significant majority of 78.9% being male. In contrast, the percentage of female students is considerably lower at 21.1%. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where 82.6% are male and 17.4% are female, highlighting a persistent gender imbalance within the undergraduate population.
Furthermore, the data shows that the transfer undergraduate students have a male representation of 79.4% and a female representation of 20.6%. This consistent pattern raises questions about the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of female students in STEM fields, which are often associated with higher enrollment rates for males.
Graduate student demographics present a slightly different picture, with 75.8% male and 24.2% female. Although the female representation is higher than that of undergraduates, the disparity remains significant.
When examining racial and ethnic diversity, the statistics for the various subgroups reflect a predominance of white students across all classifications. Such demographic trends suggest that while enrollment numbers are robust, there is an urgent need for initiatives aimed at increasing female and minority participation in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Overall, Florida Polytechnic University’s data underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive academic environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in STEM education, where gender and racial disparities are often pronounced. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the university to enhance its educational offerings and community engagement moving forward.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Florida Polytechnic University
The age distribution of students at Florida Polytechnic University reveals interesting insights into the demographic makeup of the institution. The data shows a significant concentration of younger students, particularly those aged between 18 and 19, who constitute approximately 78% of the total male student population and 92% of the total female students. This trend aligns with the broader observation in many universities, where traditional-age students dominate enrollment figures.
As students progress into the age brackets of 20-21 and 22-24, there is a noticeable decline in numbers, particularly among male students. For instance, in the 20-21 age group, males account for about 49% of the total male population, while females represent only 19%. This indicates a potential trend of males being more likely to continue their studies immediately after high school compared to females.
The presence of graduate students is also noteworthy, albeit minimal. The data shows that while there are some graduate males, the overall numbers remain low, with only 24 male graduate students aged 22-24 and 11 aged 25-29. This could reflect broader trends in graduate education, where many students may choose to enter the workforce before pursuing advanced degrees.
Moreover, the data indicates a shrinking representation of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above. This demographic may face various challenges, including balancing work and family commitments, which could impact their ability to pursue higher education.
Overall, the age composition at Florida Polytechnic University underscores the institution's appeal to younger, traditional-age students, alongside a notable but limited presence of older and graduate students. As educational institutions adapt to changing demographics and learning preferences, understanding these trends will be critical in shaping future programs and support services.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
44 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
13 in 2025 · 5.4% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University has seen a gradual increase in its undergraduate student population over the years, with the total rising from 518 in 2015 to 1531 in 2023. However, the number of international undergraduate students has remained relatively low, only peaking at 34 in 2019, which represents just 2.44% of the total undergraduate enrollment that year. This percentage reflects a consistent challenge for the university in attracting a diverse international student body.
In contrast, the graduate enrollment data reveals a more pronounced representation of international students. The percentage of international graduate students jumped significantly, reaching a high of 42.42% in 2019. It indicates the university's growing appeal to international graduate students, likely due to specialized programs or research opportunities offered. Although the numbers fluctuated in subsequent years, with a notable decline in 2020, the percentage remains impressive compared to undergraduate enrollment.
The overall trend suggests that while Florida Polytechnic University is successfully attracting international graduate students, it still has work to do in enhancing its appeal to undergraduate students from abroad. This disparity may reflect broader trends in higher education, where graduate programs often have a more international focus compared to undergraduate programs. As universities worldwide compete for a global student population, Florida Polytechnic University might consider strategies to enhance its visibility and attractiveness to potential undergraduate international students, such as expanding outreach programs or partnerships with international institutions.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$35,486
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $21,004
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,940
- Room and board
- $14,482
- Graduate tuition
- $19,998
Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 326% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 23%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$98.5M
Expenses$79.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of South Florida-Main CampusTampa · 35.1 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Central FloridaOrlando · 50.1 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne · 74.8 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of FloridaGainesville · 107.7 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of North FloridaJacksonville · 148.0 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton · 162.9 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale · 173.3 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Florida International UniversityMiami · 188.6 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of MiamiCoral Gables · 193.6 mi
U.S. News #55
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding Florida Polytechnic University:
-
University of Florida - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
University of South Florida - With a rank of 89, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on research.
-
University of Central Florida - Ranked 124th, UCF is one of the largest universities in the U.S. and provides a variety of programs across different fields of study.
-
Florida State University - This comprehensive university is ranked 53rd and is well-known for its vibrant campus life and a strong emphasis on research and the arts.
-
University of Miami - With a rank of 67, this private research university is recognized for its beautiful campus and a wide array of academic programs, particularly in the sciences and business.
-
New College of Florida - As a liberal arts college ranked 100th, it offers a unique and personalized education focusing on critical thinking and independent learning.
These institutions contribute to the rich educational landscape in Florida and provide students with numerous opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate 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
Analysis of Crime Data at Florida Polytechnic University
The crime statistics at Florida Polytechnic University depict a noteworthy evolution over the years, particularly from 2018 onward. For several years prior, specifically from 2013 to 2017, the university reported no incidents of crime, which could suggest an environment of relative safety during that period. However, in 2018, the crime rate surged to 5.22 incidents per 1,000 students, with a total of 7.6 recorded incidents. This trend continued, peaking at 11 incidents in 2019, resulting in a rate of 7.72 per 1,000 students.
Interestingly, there was a significant decline in 2020, where the crime rate dropped to 4.19 per 1,000 students, followed by a further decrease to 0.28 in 2021. This reduction could be linked to various factors, including enhanced campus security measures or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to diminished campus activity.
However, the subsequent years saw a resurgence of crime, with rates of 4.35 and 4.27 per 1,000 students recorded in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The types of crimes reported, particularly regarding gun arrests and drug-related incidents, warrant attention as they indicate areas where the university might focus its preventive measures. Overall, while the university has experienced fluctuations in crime rates, the data suggests that ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies are essential for maintaining a safe campus environment. For a detailed understanding of crime rate calculations, 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.