St. Petersburg College Online Programs
General Information — St. Petersburg College Online Programs
About (Overview)
St. Petersburg College’s online programs represent the virtual extension of its classroom offerings, allowing geographically dispersed or time-constrained students to pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and workforce credentials through remote instruction. As a public college in Florida, SPC has built a robust digital learning infrastructure so that students can complete up to ten fully online bachelor’s degrees and many program components entirely online. The online arm strives to mirror the quality, accreditation, and student support of campus-based instruction, with features such as virtual advising, tutoring, online library resources, and student services tailored to remote learners.
Because the college already offers more than 110 academic programs and more than 100 workforce certifications, the online offerings leverage existing curriculum while adapting labs, practicums, and applied components through hybrid models or virtual simulations where feasible. In rankings of regional institutions, SPC’s online degree programs have gained distinction—its online bachelor’s offerings are ranked among the top in the Tampa Bay region. The online platform is key to SPC’s mission of accessible, affordable education, enabling working adults, military students, and nontraditional learners to engage in higher education with flexibility, while still benefiting from the institutional resources and reputation of SPC.
Contact Information
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13489, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-3489
General Phone: 727-341-4772
Admissions / Online Program Contact: The college maintains online forms and dedicated advising email addresses for prospective online students via its admissions office
School Facts — St. Petersburg College Online Programs
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parent Institution | St. Petersburg College (public, part of Florida College System) |
| Founding Year of SPC | 1927 (as St. Petersburg Junior College) |
| Accreditation | Regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) |
| Number of Online Bachelor’s Programs | 10 fully online bachelor’s degree programs |
| Headcount in Credit Enrollment (2022–2023) | 31,569 credit students |
| Percentage Female / Male | ~59.8% female, ~37.7% male in recent term |
| Average Student Age | 26.8 years (all students) |
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Rankings
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Regional Online Program Ranking (Tampa Bay) | Ranked #1 in Tampa Bay for Best Online Bachelor’s Program |
| Online Program for Veterans | Top online bachelor’s program for veterans in region |
| Student Satisfaction Rating (Niche) | 4.42 out of 5 for online programs |
| Acceptance Rate (SPC) | Open door (100%) policy applies to online admissions as well |
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Academics
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Faculties / Departments
The online programs draw from SPC’s schools and academic units that deliver digital curriculum. Relevant departments include:
- School of Business & Professional Studies
- School of Technology & Innovation
- School of Education & Human Services
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Arts & Humanities
- Workforce & Continuing Education
- Library & Online Resources / Digital Learning Department
- Student Success / Retention & Advising for Online Students
These units coordinate with instructional designers and online support teams to ensure coherence, quality, and alignment between online and campus offerings.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Courses and Programs / Majors
Online program options include fully online and hybrid tracks. Key online (or heavily online) offerings include:
- Bachelor’s in Business Administration
- Bachelor’s in Information Technology
- Bachelor’s in Public Administration
- Bachelor’s in Public Health
- Bachelor’s in Education / Teacher Education
- Associate in Science in Data Science (fully online)
- Certificate or workforce credentials in cybersecurity, networking technologies, programming, and digital media
- Transfer-friendly online general education or core courses
These options allow students to complete entire degree programs or portions of them online, while hands-on or lab components may be offered in hybrid form or through partner sites.
Online Learning
SPC’s online delivery is mature and broad: many programs are available fully online, and a significant student cohort takes at least one online course. For example, SPC offers its Data Science A.S. program entirely online, where learners acquire skills in data manipulation, analytics, and predictive modeling in remote format. Over time, online enrollment has grown: in a given year, tens of thousands of students take online or hybrid classes. SPC emphasizes support for online students via virtual advising, online tutoring, digital libraries, and technical assistance. The college’s online infrastructure aims to replicate the rigor, assessment fidelity, and student engagement of face-to-face modes, while providing convenience, accessibility, and scalability.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Typical Requirement / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Optional / Not required | SPC practices an open admission model and does not require SAT for entry |
| ACT | Optional / Not required | Standardized tests are not mandatory for admission |
| GRE | Not applicable | Graduate-level tests are not relevant for undergraduate offerings |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation metrics for online cohorts are part of SPC’s institutional reporting, though publicly published figures specific to online-only students are limited. As a college with open admissions and diverse student profiles, retention remains a challenge, especially for nontraditional, working, or commuter populations. SPC’s overall strategies include support programs, advising, modular course offerings, and continuous evaluation of online pedagogy to improve persistence. Among all SPC students, the proportion who continue from term to term and eventually complete degrees is factored into institutional planning, and online pathways are seen as a lever to improve access and completion.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because SPC follows an open door admissions policy, entry into online programs does not hinge on strict GPA minimums or standardized test scores. Applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible, regardless of academic history, allowing broader access. For transfer or upper-level standing, prior college performance (GPA) may be considered in course placement or program eligibility.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Essentially 100% (open admissions) | Applies equally to online admissions, given meeting baseline eligibility |
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Application Requirements
To enroll in an online program at SPC, prospective students must submit the SPC application, indicate intent for online or hybrid study, provide proof of high school graduation or GED, and submit transcripts if transferring. Additional requirements may include residency verification, placement assessment or diagnostic testing, and completion of orientation modules for online learners. Applicants may also need to confirm technical readiness (internet access, computer hardware, software) and agree to digital learning policies. The process is streamlined to minimize barriers and encourage uptake of online education across diverse student populations.
Application Process
- Fill out the SPC application and designate online program interest
- Submit proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Provide previous college transcripts if transferring
- Complete placement or diagnostic assessments as required
- Attend (virtually) online orientation or readiness modules
- Receive admission decision, then register for online courses
- Access student support resources (advising, tutoring, library) and begin online classes
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Session | Deadline / Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Typically early summer (e.g., May/June) | Students should apply early to allow time for placement and registration |
| Spring Semester | Late fall (e.g., October/November) | Transfer students and continuing students must meet internal deadlines |
| Summer / Online Accelerated | Varies per session | SPC often offers shorter online or hybrid sessions in summer |
| Orientation / First Class | Shortly before term begins | Online orientation modules may open ahead of class start |
Essay Prompt
SPC generally does not require a formal essay for online program admission. If a personal statement or short response is requested, applicants might be asked to describe their goals, motivation for pursuing online education, and how they plan to balance coursework with obligations (work, family, etc.).
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Scholarships
Online students at SPC are eligible for institutional scholarships, federal and state aid, and online-student specific awards where available. SPC seeks to ensure parity so that distance learners can access similar funding as on-campus students. Because online study may reduce geographic constraints, some scholarships specifically support remote learners. Students are encouraged to complete FAFSA, apply early, and consult SPC’s financial aid office to explore available programs and supports.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Tuition and Fees
| Cost Type | Amount / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour) | ~$387 | This is the rate for part-time out-of-state undergraduates |
| In-State / Florida Resident Rate | Lower per-credit rates typical for state residents | |
| Online Bachelor’s Graduates (recent year) | 991 students have completed online bachelor’s degrees | |
| Cost Differential | SPC’s online tuition is typically lower than many state university rates |
These figures reflect known published online tuition and may vary by program, residency status, and course load. Students should consult the SPC tuition schedule for the most current details.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
At SPC, the credit enrollment population shows approximately 59.8% female and 37.7% male students. The age breakdown indicates that 63.5% of students are 25 years or younger, while 36.5% are 26 or older. The average age across all students is about 26.8 years. In terms of racial and ethnic composition for the college broadly, white or Caucasian students constitute about 56%, Hispanic/Latino ~19%, Black/African American ~12.6%, Asian ~4.8%, with remaining percentages in other or unknown categories. Because online programs draw from the same student population, these demographics are likely to approximate the online cohort as well, albeit possibly skewing older or more part-time.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
SPC serves many students who rely on financial aid, including Pell grants and state support, indicating that a substantial share are from low-income backgrounds. As a public institution, SPC provides disability services and accommodations, extended to online learners via accessible course design, software accommodations (like screen readers), and virtual accessibility support. The institution’s commitment to equity ensures that students with disabilities can participate in online coursework alongside traditional classroom peers.
Student Body — St. Petersburg College Online Programs
| Category | Number / Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Enrollment | 31,569 (2022–2023) | Headcount includes campus and online students |
| Students Taking Online Classes (recent year) | 22,959 | This includes degree-seeking and non-degree undergraduates |
| Undergrad Degree Seekers in Online Courses | 20,120 | Students enrolled in at least one online class |
| Undergrad Non-Degree in Online Classes | 2,839 | Students taking online courses but not in a degree track |
| Female Percentage | ~59.8% | Based on overall credit enrollment |
| Students 26 and Older | 36.5% | Reflects nontraditional and adult learner presence |
University Diversity
St. Petersburg College’s online programs benefit from the institution’s overall commitment to diversity and inclusion. While the student base spans multiple campuses, the online modality allows greater access to underrepresented groups, adult learners, working professionals, and geographically remote students. The racial, ethnic, age, and socioeconomic mix of SPC’s student body brings a range of perspectives into online discussions and collaboration. In the virtual classroom, students may connect across Florida and beyond, broadening peer networks and cultural exposure. SPC supports equity in online education through accessible course design, virtual counseling, and inclusive pedagogy. Students often mention that instructors are supportive, responsive, and willing to engage one-on-one even in virtual settings. The flexibility and lowered commute barriers make online learning particularly attractive to those balancing family, work, or mobility constraints, further diversifying the population. Through scholarship programs and financial aid access, SPC works to lower financial barriers for underresourced students in its online cohorts.
Average Earnings
Graduates of SPC’s online degree paths enter a variety of professions, depending on their field—business, technology, health services, education, cybersecurity, or public administration. Because online graduates may more frequently be working while studying, they may already have partial earnings or employment that overlaps with their field of study. Over time, as graduates progress into roles aligned with their credentials, they often see incremental salary growth. The affordability of SPC, combined with reduced relocation or commuting costs for online learners, can enhance return on investment. Earning potential varies significantly by major, location, and experience, but alumni generally report that online credentials from SPC provide credible access to career advancement, particularly in technology, management, and health-related sectors.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty who teach in SPC’s online programs are drawn from the same pool as its on-campus faculty, comprising full-time and adjunct instructors experienced in digital pedagogy. These instructors often receive training in online instructional design, remote assessment tools, and virtual engagement strategies. Supporting staff include instructional designers, online learning specialists, technical support staff, accessibility coordinators, academic advisors specialized in online student guidance, and library / information services personnel.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Online faculty at SPC often hold advanced degrees and are invested in blending content expertise with online teaching proficiency. They may engage in research, publish in education or discipline-based journals, and participate in professional development in e-learning best practices. Many faculty support students through virtual office hours, asynchronous forums, and tailored feedback. Some have leadership roles in teaching innovation, serve on committees for online curriculum development, or mentor other instructors on best practices. Their achievements, especially in remote education, contribute to SPC’s reputation for quality online offerings.
St. Petersburg College Online Programs Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Because SPC is a nonresidential institution (it does not offer student housing), students—even those in online programs—are typically commuters or live off-campus. Online students rarely relocate for institutional housing; instead, they engage in student life virtually via clubs, online student organizations, webinars, virtual events, and digital networking. SPC supports virtual engagement through online student life portals, remote workshops, virtual student government participation, and remote social and academic events. The absence of dormitories means that student life is more decentralized, with campus-based resources accessible for local students and virtual resources for distance learners.
Transportation
While online learners need not commute for regular classes, SPC’s physical campuses are accessible via regional road networks and public transit within the Tampa Bay area for hybrid or occasional in-person components. For students who do travel to campus occasionally (e.g. for labs, exams, or orientation), public transport, campus parking, and pedestrian access facilitate movement among buildings. Within campus facilities, walkable layouts, shuttle services (where applicable among multiple campus sites), and internal mobility support students engaging in hybrid or occasional face-to-face requirements. But the primary strength of the online programs is eliminating daily commuting demands for students who live far away or abroad.