Palm Beach State vs Broward

Palm Beach State College and Broward College, both esteemed institutions in Florida, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. While they share similarities, each college possesses unique characteristics that cater to different academic aspirations and preferences. Palm Beach State boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. Broward College, on the other hand, offers a wider range of popular majors, including in-demand fields like nursing and business. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more. Discover which college aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences, ensuring a fulfilling and successful higher education journey.

	Broward College	Palm Beach State College
Overview
Location	Fort Lauderdale, Florida	Lake Worth, Florida
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees	$35	$40
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $40,334 Out of state: $46,456	In state: $25,730 Out of state: $33,590
Average net price	$16,623	$9,277
Tuition	$1,968	In state: $3,030 Out of state: $10,890
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	83.0% Average amount $5,773	64.0% Average amount $6,419
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $3,018	5.0% Average amount $3,961
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $8,592	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,947 Men 39.2% Women 60.8%	24,151 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.8%	1.1%
International students	4.8%	0.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York Georgia Colorado Maryland	Florida New Jersey New York Georgia New Hampshire

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Transportation and Logistics	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	28:1	27:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	33.1%	41.8%
Dropout rate	51.0%	39.1%
Transferred out	11.8%	14.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,086 Year 2: $80,779 Year 3: $82,157 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,278 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $63,327 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,652 Year 2: $44,356 Year 3: $49,658 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $40,236 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $46,968 Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,993 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $46,845 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $46,103 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $38,666 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,654 Year 2: $41,823 Year 3: $35,275 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $23,649 Year 3: $31,014 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $24,813 Year 2: $25,445 Year 3: $30,213 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $30,137	Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $49,515 Year 2: $55,770 Year 3: $61,389 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $57,782 Year 2: $55,151 Year 3: $58,990 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,528 Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $55,899 Fire Protection (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $42,771 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $50,972 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $48,009 Year 2: $36,132 Year 3: $47,292 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $50,421 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $47,091 Precision Metal Working (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $36,340 Year 2: $36,674 Year 3: $41,715 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,424 Year 3: $40,054 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $37,424 Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $39,824 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,331 Year 2: $36,039 Year 3: $39,594

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Palm Beach State College and Broward College?

Palm Beach State College (PBSC) and Broward College are both excellent options for higher education in South Florida, but they have some key distinctions. PBSC is known for its strong focus on workforce development programs and its smaller, more community-oriented feel. Broward College, on the other hand, is larger and offers a broader range of academic programs, including bachelor's degrees in more diverse fields. Broward College also has a more extensive international student population and a more urban campus environment in some locations.
Which college is larger, Palm Beach State College or Broward College?

Broward College generally has a larger student population than Palm Beach State College. This means you might find larger class sizes at Broward College, but also a wider variety of student organizations and activities.
Which college offers more bachelor's degree programs?

Broward College typically offers a wider array of bachelor's degree programs compared to Palm Beach State College. While PBSC offers a selection of bachelor's degrees, Broward College has expanded its offerings significantly in recent years, providing more options for students seeking a four-year degree.
How do the tuition costs compare between Palm Beach State College and Broward College?

Tuition costs at both Palm Beach State College and Broward College are generally comparable for in-state residents. However, it's always best to check the most current tuition rates on each college's official website, as these can change. Out-of-state tuition will be significantly higher at both institutions.
Which college is better for students interested in specific vocational or technical programs?

Palm Beach State College is particularly well-regarded for its vocational and technical programs. They have a strong emphasis on preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce. While Broward College also offers vocational programs, PBSC's reputation in this area is often cited as a strength.
What are the campus locations for Palm Beach State College and Broward College?

Palm Beach State College has multiple campuses located throughout Palm Beach County, including Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, Belle Glade, and Loxahatchee Groves. Broward College has campuses and centers spread across Broward County, including Davie, Coconut Creek, and Fort Lauderdale. Consider which location is most convenient for you when making your decision.
How do the student demographics compare between the two colleges?

Both Palm Beach State College and Broward College serve diverse student populations. Broward College tends to have a slightly larger international student presence due to its location and partnerships. Both colleges are committed to providing inclusive and supportive environments for students from all backgrounds.
What types of student support services are available at Palm Beach State College and Broward College?

Both Palm Beach State College and Broward College offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and financial aid assistance. You can find detailed information about these services on each college's website.
Which college is known for its transfer programs to four-year universities?

Both Palm Beach State College and Broward College have strong transfer programs to four-year universities in Florida and beyond. They both offer Associate in Arts (AA) degrees that are designed to seamlessly transfer to a bachelor's degree program at a state university. Check with each college's advising department for specific transfer agreements and pathways.
How do I decide which college is the best fit for me?

To determine which college is the best fit, consider your academic interests, career goals, preferred learning environment, and location preferences. Visit the campuses, talk to current students and faculty, and research the specific programs you're interested in. Attending information sessions or open houses can also be very helpful in making your decision.

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