Lakeland, Florida · Public university
Tuition, acceptance rate, scholarships with conservative numbers and the admission process step by step — in dollars and Brazilian reais — updated 2026-09-15. Este guia em português →
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Profile
The figures below come from the US Department of Education's public databases and from Florida Polytechnic University's own Common Data Set. They let you gauge the size of the institution, the real level of competition and the odds of finishing on time.
Florida Poly is a small engineering-and-technology-only university (about 2,300 students); the acceptance rate reads 40% (Common Data Set) or 58% (NCES) depending on the source.
Admission
Florida Polytechnic University admits 58% of applicants, according to College Navigator, the US Department of Education's public database.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1170 and 1340 on the SAT and between 21 and 26 on the ACT. The average high-school GPA of admitted students is 3.47; the published minimum for international applicants is 3.0.
In practice, for a Brazilian applicant: a converted transcript near the average GPA and an SAT inside the range put you in the typical admitted group. Below that, admission is still possible, but merit aid gets harder.
Costs
Tuition at Florida Polytechnic University for international students is $23,300 a year. With housing, meals and health insurance the estimated total is $38,801 — about R$ 200,213 at R$ 5.16 to the dollar (2026-08-15), verified on 2026-09-15.
| Item | Annual estimate (USD) | Approx. in R$ |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (out of state) | $23,300 | R$ 120,228 |
| Housing and meals | $15,501 | R$ 79,985 |
| Estimated total | $38,801 | R$ 200,213 |
Estimates for 2026–2027, verified on 2026-09-15. Converted at R$ 5.16 to the dollar (2026-08-15). Books, transport and course fees vary.
Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount per year | Criteria | Renewable | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $4,940 | GPA 4.0 with SAT 1300+/ACT 29+/CLT 92+, or GPA 3.85 with SAT 1400+/ACT 32+/CLT 101+; one-time award for international students. | No | May 1 (complete admissions application) |
| Provost Scholarship | $3,000 | GPA 4.0 with SAT 1200-1299/ACT 27-28/CLT 87-91; or GPA 3.85-3.99 with SAT 1200-1399/ACT 27-31/CLT 83-100; or GPA 3.65-3.84 with SAT 1350+/ACT 31+/CLT 97+. | No | May 1 (complete admissions application) |
| Phoenix Scholarship | $2,500 | GPA 3.85 with SAT 1100-1199/ACT 24-26/CLT 72-82; or GPA 3.65-3.84 with SAT 1100-1349/ACT 24-30/CLT 72-96; or GPA 3.25-3.64 with SAT 1300+/ACT 29+/CLT 92+. | No | May 1 (complete admissions application) |
| Solaris Scholarship | $1,500 | GPA 3.25 with SAT 1000-1099/ACT 22-23/CLT 60-71; or GPA 3.25-3.64 with SAT 1000-1299/ACT 22-28/CLT 60-91; or GPA 3.0-3.24 with SAT 1250+/ACT 28+/CLT 88+. | No | May 1 (complete admissions application) |
| Merit Scholarship | $1,000 | GPA 3.25 with SAT 970-999/ACT 19-21/CLT 54-59; or GPA 3.0-3.24 with SAT 970-1249/ACT 19-27/CLT 54-87; or GPA 2.5-2.99 with SAT 1300+/ACT 29+/CLT 92+. | No | May 1 (complete admissions application) |
Merit scholarships: students have received between 0% and 30% of tuition (conservative estimate, 2026–2027; verified on 2026-09-15). Typical conditions: Automatic merit awards of $1,000 to $4,940 for international students (the international page labels them one-time amounts); deadline May 1. The real amount depends on your profile — we never promise percentages.
Our rule is simple: we would rather you plan with conservative numbers and be surprised for the better — never the other way round. Studying in the United States is not free for anyone.
International aid
Only awards the university itself describes are listed, with the requirements it publishes. Where the official page does not say whether international students may apply, the table says "not stated" — ask before counting on the money.
Amount per year: $4,940 ('In-State and International Amount'; one-time per the international page). Domestic out-of-state: $23,300.
Requirements: 'Minimum GPA of 4.0, and an SAT 1300+ or ACT 29+ or CLT 92+; or Minimum GPA of 3.85, and an SAT 1400+ or ACT 32+ or CLT 101+'. FTIC freshman (fewer than 12 college credits after high school).
International: Yes
Renewal: Not published. The international page labels the amount column 'ONE-TIME AWARD AMOUNT'; the financial-aid page says 'In-State and International Amount' with no renewal, year or 'per year' wording. Treat as a single payment until the university confirms (see gaps). Labelled '(effective for 2027)'.
Deadline: May 1
How to apply: Automatic with the application: 'Submit the undergraduate admissions application by the deadline including all supporting documentation.' The FTIC estimator asks for weighted high-school GPA, one SAT/ACT/CLT score and the 'International Student' residency option, and warns it 'provides an estimate only and does not guarantee admission or a scholarship award.' Stacking between merit tiers: not stated.
Amount per year: $3,000 ('In-State and International Amount'; one-time per the international page). Domestic out-of-state: $12,500.
Requirements: 'Minimum GPA of 4.0, and an SAT 1200-1299 or ACT 27-28 or CLT 87-91; or GPA between 3.85 and 3.99, and an SAT 1200-1399 or ACT 27-31 or CLT 83-100; or GPA between 3.65 and 3.84, and an SAT 1350+ or ACT 31+ or CLT 97+'.
International: Yes
Renewal: Not published. The international page labels the amount column 'ONE-TIME AWARD AMOUNT'; the financial-aid page says 'In-State and International Amount' with no renewal, year or 'per year' wording. Treat as a single payment until the university confirms (see gaps). Labelled '(effective for 2027)'.
Deadline: May 1
How to apply: Automatic with the application: 'Submit the undergraduate admissions application by the deadline including all supporting documentation.' The FTIC estimator asks for weighted high-school GPA, one SAT/ACT/CLT score and the 'International Student' residency option, and warns it 'provides an estimate only and does not guarantee admission or a scholarship award.' Stacking between merit tiers: not stated.
Amount per year: $2,500 ('In-State and International Amount'; one-time per the international page). Domestic out-of-state: $10,000.
Requirements: 'Minimum GPA of 3.85, and an SAT 1100-1199 or ACT 24-26 or CLT 72-82; or GPA between 3.65 and 3.84, and an SAT 1100-1349 or ACT 24-30 or CLT 72-96; or GPA between 3.25 and 3.64, and an SAT 1300+ or ACT 29+ or CLT 92+'.
International: Yes
Renewal: Not published. The international page labels the amount column 'ONE-TIME AWARD AMOUNT'; the financial-aid page says 'In-State and International Amount' with no renewal, year or 'per year' wording. Treat as a single payment until the university confirms (see gaps). Labelled '(effective for 2027)'.
Deadline: May 1
How to apply: Automatic with the application: 'Submit the undergraduate admissions application by the deadline including all supporting documentation.' The FTIC estimator asks for weighted high-school GPA, one SAT/ACT/CLT score and the 'International Student' residency option, and warns it 'provides an estimate only and does not guarantee admission or a scholarship award.' Stacking between merit tiers: not stated.
Amount per year: $1,500 ('In-State and International Amount'; one-time per the international page). Domestic out-of-state: $5,000.
Requirements: 'Minimum GPA of 3.25, and an SAT 1000-1099 or ACT 22-23 or CLT 60-71; or GPA between 3.25 and 3.64, and an SAT 1000-1299 or ACT 22-28 or CLT 60-91; or GPA between 3.0 and 3.24, and an SAT 1250+ or ACT 28+ or CLT 88+'.
International: Yes
Renewal: Not published. The international page labels the amount column 'ONE-TIME AWARD AMOUNT'; the financial-aid page says 'In-State and International Amount' with no renewal, year or 'per year' wording. Treat as a single payment until the university confirms (see gaps). Labelled '(effective for 2027)'.
Deadline: May 1
How to apply: Automatic with the application: 'Submit the undergraduate admissions application by the deadline including all supporting documentation.' The FTIC estimator asks for weighted high-school GPA, one SAT/ACT/CLT score and the 'International Student' residency option, and warns it 'provides an estimate only and does not guarantee admission or a scholarship award.' Stacking between merit tiers: not stated.
Amount per year: $1,000 ('In-State and International Amount'; one-time per the international page). Domestic out-of-state: $2,500.
Requirements: 'Minimum GPA of 3.25, and an SAT 970-999 or ACT 19-21 or CLT 54-59; or GPA between 3.0 and 3.24, and an SAT 970-1249 or ACT 19-27 or CLT 54-87; or GPA between 2.5 and 2.99, and an SAT 1300+ or ACT 29+ or CLT 92+'.
International: Yes
Renewal: Not published. The international page labels the amount column 'ONE-TIME AWARD AMOUNT'; the financial-aid page says 'In-State and International Amount' with no renewal, year or 'per year' wording. Treat as a single payment until the university confirms (see gaps). Labelled '(effective for 2027)'.
Deadline: May 1
How to apply: Automatic with the application: 'Submit the undergraduate admissions application by the deadline including all supporting documentation.' The FTIC estimator asks for weighted high-school GPA, one SAT/ACT/CLT score and the 'International Student' residency option, and warns it 'provides an estimate only and does not guarantee admission or a scholarship award.' Stacking between merit tiers: not stated.
Amount per year: $500 per academic year
Requirements: 'Up to six National Merit Finalists will be awarded the scholarship.' Full-time (12 credits/semester). Requires National Merit Finalist status (PSAT/NMSQT-based U.S. program) and naming Florida Poly as first-choice school.
International: Not stated
Renewal: Not stated.
Deadline: March 1
How to apply: Admissions application + email financialaid@floridapoly.edu with the NMSC notification and proof Florida Poly is your first-choice school.
No. F-1 students have no access to federal aid, and need-based programs require the FAFSA or Florida residency. Florida Poly requires proof of $40,282 to issue the I-20.
Scores
| Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|
| SAT (25th–75th percentile) | 1170 – 1340 |
| ACT (25th–75th percentile) | 21 – 26 |
| Average GPA of admitted students | 3.47 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Minimum TOEFL | 61 |
| Minimum IELTS | 6.0 |
| Minimum Duolingo | 110 |
| SAT/ACT policy | SAT or ACT required |
The ENEM plays no part in the review. The university converts your secondary-school grades onto the American 0 to 4 scale, and that number is what appears as your GPA. Averages between 7 and 8 usually land near 3.0; above 9, near 4.0. The conversion is done either by the university itself or by a credential evaluation service, and the transcript has to be translated by a sworn translator.
Florida Polytechnic University's merit scholarship is not a single figure. It is a range, $1,000 to $4,940 per year. Where you land inside it depends on your transcript, the rigour of the courses you took and your SAT or ACT score when you choose to submit one.
The distance between floor and ceiling is $3,940 per year. Over a four-year degree, $15,760, or about R$ 81,322. That is the size of the difference a better score can make, and it is why the test is worth sitting even when it is optional.
The university superscores: it takes your best score in each section across every test date you submit. Retaking the test, in practice, can only help.
Tests
U.S. News publishes the range covering the middle half of admitted students, not an average. Use the range as a gauge of competitiveness (2024 data).
| Item | Reference |
|---|---|
| SAT (25th–75th percentile) | 1230 – 1380 |
| ACT (25th–75th percentile) | 26 – 31 |
| Average high-school GPA | 3.5 |
| Acceptance rate |
Source: U.S. News & World Report
| Test | Minimum score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61 | International admissions page (step 5): 'Submit your scores for at least one English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB).' — no minimum on the page. The minimum is in the 2026-2027 catalog and regulation FPU-2.005: 'A qualifying Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the iBT Internet-based test'. Legacy 0-120 scale; the new 1-6 TOEFL scale (tests from Jan 2026) is not mentioned anywhere by the university. The FAQ repeats the same numbers for graduate admission. |
| IELTS | 6.0 (overall) | Catalog/regulation: 'A score of at least 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam'. No band minimum; Academic vs General not stated. Website: 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'. |
| MELAB | 77 | Catalog/regulation: 'A score of 77 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)'. Website: 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB' (links to esldirectory.com). Caution: MELAB is a legacy Michigan Language Assessment exam; confirm with admissions that it is still accepted in practice (see gaps). |
| TOEFL Essentials | not listed | Not on the international admissions page (which names only 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'), the 2026-2027 catalog, regulation FPU-2.005, or the FAQ. site:floridapoly.edu search on 2026-09-15 returned nothing. |
| Duolingo English Test | not listed | Not on the international admissions page (which names only 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'), the 2026-2027 catalog, regulation FPU-2.005, or the FAQ. site:floridapoly.edu search on 2026-09-15 returned nothing. |
| PTE Academic | not listed | Not on the international admissions page (which names only 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'), the 2026-2027 catalog, regulation FPU-2.005, or the FAQ. site:floridapoly.edu search on 2026-09-15 returned nothing. |
| Cambridge English (B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency) | not listed | Not on the international admissions page (which names only 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'), the 2026-2027 catalog, regulation FPU-2.005, or the FAQ. site:floridapoly.edu search on 2026-09-15 returned nothing. |
| iTEP | not listed | Not on the international admissions page (which names only 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'), the 2026-2027 catalog, regulation FPU-2.005, or the FAQ. site:floridapoly.edu search on 2026-09-15 returned nothing. |
| ELS | not listed | Not on the international admissions page (which names only 'TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB'), the 2026-2027 catalog, regulation FPU-2.005, or the FAQ. site:floridapoly.edu search on 2026-09-15 returned nothing. The catalog waives only for an associate or higher degree from a U.S. or English-medium institution, not for an ELS level. |
| SAT/ACT waiver (English section) | SAT 510 'Critical Reading' or ACT 20 English | Catalog/regulation, option (g): 'A 510 Critical Reading SAT score or 20 ACT (English section).' 'Critical Reading' is the pre-2016 SAT section name; today's SAT has Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and the university publishes no equivalence. Confirm with admissions before relying on this waiver. |
| English-medium school / other waivers | see note | Catalog/regulation lists: (d) associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or any government-recognized English-medium college, subject to AVP approval; (e) being from a country where English is the only official language; (f) a prior bachelor's/master's/doctorate from a country or university where English is the only official language of instruction; (h) grade 'B' in English Composition I and II at an accredited non-profit U.S. institution; (i) four years of English in an accredited U.S. high school; (j) a documented assessment and interview by Florida Poly faculty and an admissions representative. No waiver for an English-medium or international high school outside the U.S. Website (transfer only): AA or higher from a U.S. or English-medium institution 'may waive language proficiency testing requirements.' |
Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) appears in the table when the university accepts it. If it is absent, the official page does not list it — do not send a Cambridge certificate in place of the TOEFL without confirming with admissions.
SAT, ACT or CLT is required for every first-year applicant, international included; Florida Poly superscores all three. English: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 6.0 or MELAB 77 (catalog only); Duolingo and PTE are not accepted. Waived with an associate degree or higher from a U.S. or English-medium institution, or citizenship of a country where English is the only official language.
Is your score below 61 on the TOEFL or 110 on the Duolingo test? That does not end the plan — our live prep courses with a teacher exist to close exactly that gap.
Majors
There are 15 majors, grouped by the school that offers them, each with the degree code the application form uses. Search by name, or filter by school or STEM.
The 15 majors marked STEM qualify for an extra 24 months of work authorisation on top of OPT — up to 36 months working in the United States after graduation. If you plan to stay, that designation matters more than the name of the degree.
15 majors
No major matches that name. Try a broader word, or the degree code.
Graduate
There are 5 programs open to international students, 5 of them STEM-designated.
| Program | STEM | GRE or GMAT required | Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department not stated on any page1 | |||
| Master of Science in Engineering Management | STEM | No | FSpSu |
| Department of Computer Science1 | |||
| Master of Science in Computer Science | STEM | No | FSpSu |
| Department of Data Science & Business Analytics1 | |||
| Master of Science in Data Science | STEM | No | FSpSu |
| Department of Electrical, Computer, & Cybersecurity Engineering1 | |||
| Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | STEM | No | FSpSu |
| Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering1 | |||
| Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | STEM | No | FSpSu |
No program matches those filters. Clear one of them.
The STEM designation matters more at master's level than at undergraduate. It allows a request for 24 extra months of OPT on top of the initial 12, which means up to three years working in the United States off a one- or two-year degree.
| Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|
| Minimum TOEFL | 61 |
| Minimum IELTS | 6.0 |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Deposit after admission | $235 |
| Minimum full-time load | 9 credit hours per semester |
5 of the programs above waive the GRE and GMAT. The rest require the test, and a waiver is only considered for applicants holding a business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution. Work experience does not count towards a waiver.
Beyond a transcript from every institution you attended, with certified translation, the application asks for a personal statement in English, a professional resume and two reference forms from people who can speak to your academic and professional background. A course-by-course credential evaluation is strongly recommended.
| Intake | Application complete by |
|---|---|
| Fall intake | July 1, 2027 |
| Spring intake | November 1, 2026 |
Deadlines
| Intake | Application deadline | Scholarship deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall intake | March 1, 2027 | May 1, 2027 (priority) |
| Spring intake | November 1, 2026 |
Documents
The order below is the order in which Florida Polytechnic University asks for each item. Start with the first two: they depend on third parties and they are what stalls the process.
Campus
There is no requirement to live on campus in the first year, which opens up sharing an apartment off campus — usually cheaper, with transport left to solve.
City
| Item | Reference |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom rent off campus | $1,050 / month |
| Public transport | Citrus Connection buses (Polk County network): $1.50 fare ($1.25 for students with proof), passes on the mPass app; the agency sells 'Universal Access' contracts that give free rides with an institutional ID, but Florida Poly is not on any published partner list. On campus, the Campus Cruiser shuttle runs Mon-Thu 10am-2pm every 15 min. The campus sits at I-4 and the Polk Parkway; a car is the norm. |
| Nearest airport | Tampa International (TPA) about 80 km and Orlando International (MCO) about 75 km from campus by road, both with flights to Brazil or connections; Lakeland Linder International (LAL), 33 km away, only has Avelo domestic flights (since June 2024) plus San Juan. |
| Distance to Orlando | 73 km |
| Distance to Miami | 383 km |
| Climate | Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa): long, hot, humid summers with highs seldom below 90 °F and lows around 70 °F, with afternoon thundershowers; mild winters with highs in the mid-70s °F and lows in the 50s; about 57 in of rain a year; hurricane season June-November. |
F-1 students may work on campus from their first semester, up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session, as long as they keep F-1 status; it is the only work benefit available in the first semester (CPT/OPT only after a full academic year). Student jobs pay minimum wage; 20-24 h/week during breaks.
Careers
The median salary of graduates from this university is $77,545 a year, according to the College Scorecard, a US government public database.
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term, and full time during breaks.
CPT allows an off-campus internship when it forms part of your program's curriculum, with university authorisation.
OPT gives 12 months of work authorisation in your field after graduation.
STEM-designated programs allow a request for a 24-month extension of OPT — up to 36 months of authorised work in total after graduation.
Immigration rules change — verified on 2026-09-15. Confirm with the university's international student office before making any decision based on this page.
Compare
The universities below are the closest to this one in total cost. Compare before deciding: the tuition gap between two of them is usually larger than any merit scholarship.
| University | Total cost per year | Average SAT | Minimum TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Polytechnic University (this page) | $38,801 | 1290 | 61 |
| University of North Florida | $38,394 | 1150 | 79 |
| University of Central Florida | $36,067 | 1260 | 4 (1–6 scale) |
| Atlantis University | $30,020 | 70 |
FAQ
The estimated total — tuition, housing and health insurance — is $38,801 per year before any scholarship. Books, transport and course fees are not included. We prefer that you plan with this number and be surprised for the better.
TOEFL 61 or higher, or Duolingo 110 or higher. Duolingo policies change often, so we confirm the current rule before you apply. If your score is below the minimum, prep closes that gap before the deadline.
Not always for admission, but almost always for merit scholarships. The admitted average is around 1290. Without an SAT score you can be admitted and pay full price; with a competitive score, the same university can cost much less.
The ENEM plays no part. The university converts the transcript grades to the American 0–4 GPA scale from a sworn translation. Averages between 7 and 8 usually land near 3.0; above 9, near 4.0. The minimum required is 3.0.
The fall entry deadline is March 1, 2027, and spring entry is November 1, 2026. Start 10 to 12 months ahead: transcript translation, English score and proof of funds are the steps that delay applications most.
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during the term and full time during breaks. After graduation, OPT gives 12 months of work authorization in your field, and STEM majors can request 24 more.
Florida Polytechnic University admits 58% of applicants. The published minimum GPA for international applicants is 3.0 on the American 0–4 scale — a Brazilian transcript is converted to that scale from a sworn translation. The SAT range and average GPA of admitted students, where the university publishes them, are in the Admission section of this page. Below those marks admission is still possible; what gets harder is merit aid.
$23,300 a year at the out-of-state rate, which is what a Brazilian pays. With housing, meals and health insurance the estimated total is $38,801 — about R$ 200,213 in Brazilian reais at R$ 5.16 to the dollar. Merit scholarships reduce tuition, not the other items.
On estimated total cost per year, Florida Polytechnic University comes to $38,801 and University of North Florida to $38,394. The gap between the two is usually larger than any merit scholarship, so compare total cost before comparing scholarships.
Sources
Every block on this page carries its own verification date. Costs and admission requirements come from the Common Data Set and the official international admissions page. Enrollment, acceptance and graduation figures come from College Navigator, the US Department of Education's public database.
Converted to Brazilian reais at R$ 5.16 to the dollar on 2026-08-15. Exchange rates move; the dollar figures are the reference.
Data verified on 2026-09-15.
Sources: College Scorecard · Common Data Set · College Navigator · Official university site
Next steps
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