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St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL

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Quick Facts

18,759
Total Students
$3K
Tuition (In-State)
$9K
Tuition (Out-State)
$-52
Avg Net Price
37%
Graduation Rate
6-year
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About St Petersburg College

Florida's pioneering two-year institution, St. Petersburg College now empowers students with bachelor's degrees.

St. Petersburg College (SPC) stands as a beacon of accessible higher education, having pioneered the two-year college model in Florida. Established on September 12, 1927, as St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC), it was founded with a crucial mission: to provide affordable, local access to higher learning amidst the economic challenges preceding the Great Depression. This commitment to community and opportunity has been a defining characteristic throughout its rich history, making it a crucial stepping stone for generations of students.

From its humble beginnings with 102 students and 14 faculty in a high school wing, SPC rapidly evolved. It not only became Florida's first two-year institution but also adapted to meet the state's changing needs, converting to public status in 1948. A significant milestone arrived in 2001 when SPC broke new ground, becoming the first two-year college in Florida permitted to offer bachelor's degrees. This transformation, marked by its renaming to St. Petersburg College and the adoption of the Titan mascot, solidified its status as an innovative leader in education, continuously expanding pathways for student success.

Today, St. Petersburg College continues to be at the forefront of educational innovation, offering diverse academic programs that cater to a wide range of career aspirations. Beyond its comprehensive associate and bachelor's degree programs, SPC fosters early academic excellence through its unique collegiate high school programs. These initiatives allow high school students to earn college credits, providing a seamless transition into higher education and demonstrating SPC's dedication to nurturing talent from an early age. The college's rich heritage, combined with its forward-thinking approach, ensures a dynamic and supportive environment for students seeking to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Key Highlights

  • Florida's first two-year institution of higher learning, founded on September 12, 1927.
  • Pioneered affordable, local higher education during the economic downturn preceding the Great Depression.
  • Began with an inaugural class of 102 students and 14 dedicated faculty members.
  • Became the first two-year college in Florida authorized to offer bachelor's degrees in 2001.
  • Converted from a private institution to public school status in 1948, a significant move for the state.
  • Operates collegiate high schools, including St. Petersburg Collegiate High School and St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School, offering early college credit opportunities.

Timeline

1927
Founded as St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC) by Captain George M. Lynch.
1929
First graduating class of 48 students; more than half received state teaching certificates.
1941
Erected its first permanent campus, later known as the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.
1948
Converted from private to public school status, becoming the second such institution in Florida.
1957
Gibbs Junior College (GJC), one of Florida’s 12 original Black colleges, opened.
1965
Gibbs Junior College merged with SPC.
1993
First permanent campus renamed St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus to honor the contributions of Gibbs Junior College.
2001
Became the first two-year college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees and renamed to St. Petersburg College (SPC).

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within St Petersburg College

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St. Petersburg Collegiate High School

Located in the Student Services (SS) building on the St.Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

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St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Northern Pinellas

Located in the Bilirakis Building (BB) on the Tarpon Springs Campus.

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St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School

Located on the second floor on the Downtown Center.

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