Florida Polytechnic University

Lakeland, Florida, United States · Est. 2012 · Public University

Florida's only public polytechnic university, dedicated exclusively to STEM education and innovation.

  • Founded April 20, 2012; opened for classes August 25, 2014
  • Public university; part of State University System of Florida
  • Located in Lakeland, Florida on 170-acre campus
  • Enrollment: 1,884 students (spring 2026)
  • Iconic IST Building designed by Santiago Calatrava; first university with fully digital library
  • Strong industry partnerships with Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Cisco, Harris Corporation

Academics

Florida Poly offers nine baccalaureate programs, two master's programs, and 31 areas of concentration, all focused on STEM disciplines. Four bachelor's degrees—computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering—received ABET accreditation in August 2019. The university emphasizes hands-on, applied learning with curricula designed to prepare students for STEM-related careers. Programs are developed in collaboration with over 100 corporate, government, and non-government organizations.

Campus & Facilities

The 170-acre campus features the 162,000-square-foot Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The IST Building houses 26 classrooms, seven specialized labs (3D printing, cybersecurity, health informatics), and a completely digital library with access to over 135,000 digital titles. The Barnett Applied Research Center (85,000 sq ft) opened in spring 2022 and supports research, teaching, and commercialization of innovation. Three residence halls accommodate students, with the newest (Residence Hall III) completed in September 2024.

Admissions & Student Profile

Fall 2024 admission statistics show a 39.6% admit rate with 477 enrolled freshmen from 3,624 applicants. Middle 50% SAT scores range from 1170–1340; ACT composite 21–26. Undergraduate demographics (Fall 2023): 56% White, 25% Hispanic, 6% Asian, 6% Black, 5% two or more races, 1% international. Approximately 33% of students are low-income (Pell Grant recipients) and 67% are from affluent backgrounds.

Research & Innovation

Florida Poly operates the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research (FIPR) Institute, supporting phosphate-related environmental and health studies. The Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI) is a university-affiliated center specializing in autonomous vehicle technology testing and verification—one of the largest such centers in the nation. The university maintains strong research collaborations and internship opportunities through its industry partnerships.

Founded
2012
Type
Public University
Courses
5
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationState University System of Florida
Websitehttps://floridapoly.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
5
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources