Admissions

Admissions Overview

Overview

1. Apply for admission and pay your application fee.
2. Submit transcripts.
3. If interested in receiving financial aid and/or scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4. If you plan to claim Florida residency, submit declaration and supporting documents.
5. Access your PantherWeb account.
6. Discuss college placement/assessment.
7. Complete new student orientation.
8. Register for your courses and pay tuition.
9. Obtain your student ID and parking decal.

 

Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria

Students seeking to take courses, other than continuing education noncredit courses, must have one of the following:

• Standard high school diploma from a regionally accredited high school. A high school diploma from a non-regionally accredited institution will be reviewed by the College to determine if the institution meets the Florida standard high school diploma criteria.*
• Florida Home Education graduation, in accordance with sections 1003.43 and 1003.26, Florida Statutes.
• Florida “Special Option” Graduation (W8A): Florida public high school students who have met all standard high school diploma requirements except the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) also will be granted admission; however, they may not be eligible to apply for Limited Access programs (that require high school graduation), to be eligible athletes, or to receive financial aid.
• A state-issued General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Students with GEDs are afforded the same rights and privileges as students with standard high school diplomas.
• Approval for Early Admission/High School Dual Enrollment.
• Demonstrated competency in college credit postsecondary coursework, in accordance with section 1007.263, Florida Statutes. The College defines this competency as any student who has received a C or higher in the equivalent of Palm Beach State ENC1101 (College Composition) and MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra or higher) or has received an associate degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.) or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.*

High school students are eligible to take Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) noncredit courses. They are responsible for all fees for the course(s). CCE courses are not eligible for dual enrollment and earn no high school credit. Some courses may have age restrictions because of accreditation or other requirements.

Some Career Certificate Programs (CCP) and noncredit courses may not require high school graduation; however, students may not be enrolled in a high school program. Refer to the Degrees and Certificates section in this catalog.

In accordance with Florida statutes, no student will be admitted to Palm Beach State College for a period of two years following expulsion from a college or university for unlawful possession, sale or use of narcotic drugs or for campus disruption.

*A student or institution may appeal the policy. However, should the quality of the educational program of the institution attended appear unsatisfactory, the College Registrar has the authority to not accept all or any part of the previously earned diploma or credit.

Enrollment Services Policies/Procedures

Collection of Student Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Federal legislation relating to the American Opportunity Tax Credit requires that all postsecondary institutions report student Social Security numbers to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This IRS requirement makes it necessary for institutions to collect the SSN of every student. A student may refuse to disclose his or her SSN to the college, but the College is authorized by IRS to fine the student $50. Refusal to disclose the SSN also may affect a student’s ability to receive financial aid and transfer coursework. Palm Beach State College protects students’ personal information. More information regarding the security of student records is listed in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

Student Right to Privacy

The College respects students’ personal information and protects information carefully. The student’s Social Security number is not used as a student’s primary identifier (although it is collected); an institutional Student ID number is assigned for student use to access records and receive services.

Conditions for Admission

At the point of application and payment of the appropriate application fee, students applying to take credit or vocational courses will receive an acceptance communication with information that outlines any outstanding requirements needed to complete the admissions process. All degree-seeking students and certain certificate-seeking students are required to have transcripts sent to the College within one term or they may not register for subsequent terms. Students can check the status of their received and/or evaluated transcripts at www.palmbeachstate.edu/PantherWeb, click on Records.

All international student transcripts and commercial evaluations, if applicable, must be received before the first term of enrollment will be permitted. Transcripts are required prior to awarding financial aid recipients. Some programs have additional admissions requirements. Refer to the Degrees and Certificates section in this catalog; also check the high school dual enrollment and early admission information and the international students’ information, both of which are presented in this Admissions section.

Insurance

The College assumes no responsibility for accidents that may occur or expenses incurred from accidents; therefore, students are encouraged to secure adequate insurance to cover any medical expenses they might incur. Students participating in College activities or enrolled in certain programs may also be required to secure insurance.

Insurance is mandatory for all international students on an F-1 visa. Contact the International Student Office for more information.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Palm Beach State College, an equal access/equal opportunity institution, complies with all applicable state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for employment or admission to the College, employees, and students and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, and any other factor protected under the law, state or federal, in employment, admissions, or educational programs and activities.

Limited Access programs select students using an applicant pool and consider only the criteria outlined in each program’s additional application information.

The College reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who fail to meet established academic criteria. A decision on admission rests with the College Registrar's Office.

If an applicant believes that he or she has been subject to discrimination during the application process, the applicant should submit his/her concerns to:

Peter Biegel

Interim College Registrar

Palm Beach State College

4200 Congress Avenue, MS #13

Lake Worth, FL 33461

561-868-3532

biegelp@palmbeachstate.edu

Letters should include the applicant’s name, student ID or Social Security number, address, phone numbers, and information relating to the complaint. The College registrar will investigate the stated claim and provide a response in writing. Applicants who are denied admission may appeal to the Admissions Appeals Committee.

The College prohibits retaliation against any applicant who utilizes the complaint procedure regarding application processes. The applicant will be considered for any future programs for which he or she applies and is qualified.

Policy for Communication with Students

The College assigns all students a College email address when processing their applications. College faculty and staff will send official communications to students through the following methods, including but not limited to:

College-assigned email. Students must check their College-assigned email address frequently to ensure they obtain critical information and assignments.

Certified mail return receipt requested.

Note: Computers for student use are located in the College libraries, Student Learning Centers and other campus locations.

Release of Transcripts

Upon admission, students authorize the College to release Palm Beach State College transcripts to governmental, educational and licensing agencies as appropriate. For additional information regarding the release of student records, refer to the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

Students may view their transcripts from other institutions at any campus registrar's office but may only obtain an unofficial copy of the record. It is recommended that the student request a copy from the institution from which the transcript originated.

Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

For the purpose of assessing tuition cost in the State’s public colleges and universities, students are classified as Florida residents or non-Florida residents in accordance with criteria set forth in Florida Statute (FS) 1009.21, State Board of Education Rules 6A-10.044 and 6A-20.003. A student’s residency classification determines whether the student’s tuition fees will be at the College’s established in-state or out-of-state rate.

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and legal aliens lawfully present in the U.S. who are in an eligible Visa category may be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes if the independent student or the dependent student’s parent/legal guardian has established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is requested. Students who are non-U.S. citizens must also submit appropriate valid documentation from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the College prior to the start of the term. Any student who was previously classified as a non-U.S. citizen and is now returning as a U.S. citizen must submit proper USCIS documentation. For more information, visit www.FloridaShines.org. F-1 visa students cannot be considered for in-state residency.

Note: Residency requirements are subject to change pending the decision of the Florida Legislature.

Initial Residency Classification

The initial classification for Florida residency for tuition purposes is determined upon submission of the application for admission for all new and returning (degree- or non-degree-seeking) students. Students seeking an in-state resident classification are required to complete the Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes and provide information that pertains to the claimant (person claiming to be the Florida resident). For independent students, the claimant is the student and the student provides his/her own information. For dependent students, the claimant is a parent or legal guardian and the parent’s or legal guardian’s information must be provided. For specific definitions of a dependent and an independent student, please refer to the Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes Guidelines.

When completing the Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes, information may be provided for at least two of the following three documents: Florida voter’s registration card, Florida driver’s license or identification card and/or Florida vehicle registration. Other acceptable documents that may be used for residency purposes are listed in the Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes Guidelines. All documents supporting the establishment of Florida residency must have been dated, issued or filed 12 months or more prior to the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is requested.

After the College reviews and verifies the residency information, a residency classification email will be sent to each student informing them of their residency status and, if appropriate, will outline if additional information or documentation is required. Failure to provide all requested information or documentation before the first scheduled class day of the term or session in which the student enrolls will result in a non-Florida classification and the student will be charged out-of-state tuition rates.

Note: The residency classification for Transient students who attend a Florida public college or university will be the same residency classification determined by their home institution.

Reclassification

A student who is initially classified as an out-of-state resident may become eligible for reclassification to in-state status. To be considered for reclassification, the student must submit a completed Request for Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes form along with supporting documentation to any campus Registrar’s Office prior to the first day of the term for which reclassification is requested. A minimum of three documents that support clear and convincing evidence of Florida legal residence for at least the last 12 consecutive months is required. To download and print the Request for Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes form, go to www.palmbeachstate.edu/Admissions.

Students who become eligible for the in-state status during a term shall have their record adjusted to reflect the changed status effective for the next term of enrollment.

Appeal

Students denied Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes may appeal to the Residency Appeal Committee by submitting a completed Appeal of Florida Residency Classification form to any campus Registrar’s Office. For more information, go to www.palmbeachstate.edu, then click, “Apply”, then “Forms”, then Appeal of Florida Residency Classification form.

Enrollment Process

1. Application

   Instructions for applying to the College are located online at www.palmbeachstate.edu, click on APPLY. Applicants should carefully read the instructions to determine which application process to complete. Applicants are notified of their application status by email to their personal email account and/or their newly assigned Palm Beach State College email account.

2. Application Fee

   New students will be assessed a $40 (nonrefundable) application fee. International (F-1) students will be assessed a $75 (nonrefundable) application fee. Returning students, high school dual enrollment and early admission students, and transient students who attend a Florida public institution will not be assessed an application fee.

   Note: The fee for the first PERT, TABE or LOEP exam taken at Palm Beach State is included in the application fee. The application fee must be paid before taking the exam.

3. Transcripts

   Transcripts are official records of coursework taken at educational institutions. All credit degree-seeking students and certificate-seeking students whose program requires high school completion must submit transcripts within one term or they may not register for subsequent terms. Florida public high school, college, and or university transcripts should be sent electronically via the Florida Automated System for Transferring Electronic Records (FASTER). Secure PDF Transcripts should be sent to Transcriptevaluation@palmbeachstate.edu.

   • Applicants who have a General Educational Development (GED) diploma must submit official transcripts from a state Department of Education.
   • Applicants who are home education graduates must submit a completed and notarized Home Education Graduation Affidavit.
   • Applicants with out-of-country high school credentials must provide proof of completion of U.S. High School equivalent (subject to the College’s evaluation).
   • Transfer (college) students must submit official high school and college transcripts from each institution attended and should have college transcripts sent prior to registration to ensure proper advisement. The high school transcript may be waived for admissions purposes if a student has earned an AA, Bachelor, or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
   • Submission of college transcripts from postsecondary institutions outside the United States is optional. To be considered for a credit evaluation, you must have a course-by-course commercial evaluation completed by an approved agency. A current list of approved agencies is located at www.NACES.org/members.

   To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to the College from the issuing institution. Faxed transcripts are not considered official.

   Transcript request forms are available online at www.palmbeachstate.edu/Admissions. All transcripts and documents received become property of the College and will not be transmitted to third parties, except in accordance with state or federal law. Students can check the status of their received and/or evaluated transcripts at www.palmbeachstate.edu/PantherWeb.

   Transfer students are encouraged to read information under the “Transfer Students” section of the catalog.

   Note: The application for admissions and nonrefundable $40 application fee must be submitted before any transcripts are evaluated. A student will not be eligible to receive financial aid or scholarships until Palm Beach State receives and evaluates official copies of all transcripts.

4. Placement Tests

   All students seeking a degree or college credit certificate or who intend to take Gordon Rule writing and mathematics courses and have not successfully completed college-level math and English must furnish official test scores. Students may provide their official scores from the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), Accuplacer, ACT or SAT and must do so before registration. Test scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

   If ACT or SAT scores do not meet the state-designated minimums, students must retest or take PERT for placement. The fee for the first PERT, TABE or LOEP exam taken at Palm Beach State is included in the application fee. Students must pay the application fee before taking the exam. A retest fee is charged for any subsequent testing.

   Students whose primary language is not English and did not graduate from a U.S. high school or pass a U.S. GED test in English are required to prove college-level English proficiency. Students who transfer from a non-U.S. postsecondary institution must also prove English proficiency. For more information, contact any campus Academic Advising department.

   Placement Test Exemptions

   Students are exempt from the placement test requirement if they provide the appropriate documentation showing that they:

   • entered 9th grade in a Florida public high school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma; or
   • are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services; or
   • have test scores (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or PERT) that are less than two years old from date test was taken and scores meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and mathematics courses; or
   • have successfully completed college preparatory or developmental education course requirements in English, reading and mathematics; or
   • provide proof of successful completion of college-level English and mathematics courses from a regionally accredited college or university.

   Note: Students who are exempt may request to take the PERT or to enroll in developmental education if they wish. Exempted students are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor, prior to enrollment of classes, to assist them in evaluating their college readiness level.

5. New Student Orientation

   All first-time-in-college (FTIC) degree-seeking students must complete New Student Orientation before being allowed to register for classes. For detailed instructions on scheduling a New Student Orientation, please go to www.palmbeachstate.edu/Admissions.

   All FTIC Associate in Arts degree-seeking students are required to take and successfully complete Introduction to the College Experience (SLS 1501) during their first term of enrollment.

   Previous high school Dual Enrollment and Early Admit students who have earned more than 15 college credits may be exempt from SLS 1501.

6. Register and Pay for Classes

   Students must register for classes through PantherWeb. Payment of fees is accepted online through PantherWeb, by mail or at any campus Cashier’s Office.

Non-Native Speakers of English

Testing Criteria and Guidelines for Admissions

Non-native English speakers who have completed their education (secondary/postsecondary) in languages other than English must first provide proof of English proficiency by taking the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test at Palm Beach State College. The LOEP test results are also used for placement into the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. (Test scores are valid for two years from the time taken.) The testing criteria and guidelines for admissions to Palm Beach State College for non-native English speakers are as follows:

• A composite score of 86 or above in both Reading and English on the LOEP is required to prove proficiency in English.
• Applicants need a minimum composite score of 56 in both Reading and English on the LOEP to be classified as degree-seeking.
• Degree-seeking applicants are advised to first consult with an academic advisor to discuss pathways to achieve their educational objectives.
• With a minimum composite score of 86 in both Reading and English on the LOEP or upon successful completion of the 300-level EAP courses (EAP300, EAP320, EAP360), students may be eligible to take the math section of the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) to enroll in the appropriate math and other general education or elective courses.
• Students with a TOEFL score that is 197 or above on the computer version, or 71 or above on the internet version, or 530 or above on the paper version, or a composite score of 116 or above in both Reading and English on the LOEP, will be exempt from the EAP program. The PERT scores will be used for course placement.
• Degree-seeking students required to enroll in EAP courses must enroll in the program each term until all required EAP courses have been successfully completed.
• Upon successful completion of the EAP program, students will matriculate into ENC1101.

Applicants who score 55 or below on the LOEP are not eligible for the EAP program courses. ESL courses are offered through our Corporate and Continuing Education Department for remediation.

Limited Access Programs

Some programs offered at Palm Beach State are classified as limited access programs, which means a limited number of students are admitted to these programs each term or year. There are also special standards and procedures established for admission to these programs. If you are applying for a limited access program, please check the program requirement to verify if secondary transcripts are necessary in addition to post-secondary coursework. For detailed information about each of the College’s limited access programs, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Admissions. Admission to the College does not imply nor guarantee admission into any program with special admission requirements.

International Students

International Applicants (F-1) to Degree Programs

Palm Beach State College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The College welcomes students from other countries who meet the College’s standard admissions requirements in addition to the criteria below.

International students should start the admission process at the earliest possible date prior to the beginning of any College term. A three-month lead time is recommended to ensure enrollment as requested. Applications from international students will be accepted for the Fall and Spring 16-week terms (August and January) and the Summer 12-week term (May). International applicants must take the following steps and submit all admission documents to the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment prior to the deadline:

1. Print and complete a paper application for admission at www.palmbeachstate.edu/International. (Please visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/AcademicCalendar for the application deadline).
2. Submit a non-refundable $75.00 (US) application fee. The application will not be processed until the application fee has been paid in full.
3. Provide documentation of the equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma (subject to the College's evaluation). The College only accepts original education records from outside the U.S., makes copies, and returns original documents to applicants at their request. The College will also accept copies of the documents. The copies will need to be certified by either the U.S. Consulate or the Ministry of Education in the applicant's country.
4. Submit an official transcript from each U.S. postsecondary institution attended. To be considered for optional transfer credit, university-level transcripts from outside the United States must be accompanied by a certified course-by-course commercial evaluation from an accredited evaluation company. For a listing of approved agencies, visit www.naces.org/members Transcripts and commercial evaluations may be either sent directly to Palm Beach State College from the issuing institution or agency or be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope sealed by the issuing institution or agency.
   • Documents written in a foreign language may be required to be accompanied by certified English translations.
   • Satisfactory academic and conduct records from comparable secondary or higher-level educational institution attended must be submitted.
   • Applicants transferring from postsecondary institutions must have a least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA), be in lawful immigration status, and be in good standing (eligible to continue at or return to the institution).
5. Provide evidence of English proficiency if required. International applicants whose native language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in speaking, writing and understanding of the English language by meeting one of the following conditions.
• Submission of passing scores on:

  LOEP (Levels of English Proficiency) – A minimum composite score of 86 in both Reading and English on the LOEP test, which the College administers through its Testing Centers. The fee for the first LOEP test taken at Palm Beach State is included in the application fee. Students must pay the application fee before taking the exam. A retest fee is charged for any subsequent testing. The composite scores are good for two years from the time taken.

  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – A score of 500 or higher on the TOEFL (paper-based), or 173 or higher on the computerized TOEFL (CBT), or 61 or higher on the internet-based test TOEFL (iBT). The TOEFL is administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey 08451 (www.TOEFL.org). The applicant must make arrangements directly with ETS to take the examination and must request that results be sent to the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment at Palm Beach State College. (The College’s TOEFL Code is 5531.)

  Compass/ESL – A score of 69 or higher on the Compass/ESL test.

  IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – A score of 5.5 or higher on the IELTS test.

• Successful completion of the GED in English.
• Graduation from a U.S. accredited high school with a standard high school diploma.
• Successful completion of ENC1101 from a U.S. college or university.
6. Submit evidence of financial support. Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, books, living expenses, transportation and incidental expenses while attending the College. Proof of the availability of funds (i.e., bank statements) to cover the expenses for the first year of enrollment is required. Funds must be available prior to the time international students register for each semester. No federal financial aid is available to international students, although limited funds are sometimes provided by local community organizations through the Financial Aid Office.
7. Provide proof of health and accident insurance. (Insurance can be arranged through the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment.)

   International applicants will be notified by the Office of International Admissions and Recruitment of their acceptance to the College and will then be provided with the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). Documentary evidence of means of financial support must be attached to the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) when applying for the student visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consular Office, or for the Change of Status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

   Upon acceptance, the student is responsible for complying with all immigration laws in order to maintain valid legal status. The following conditions apply:

   • International students must be classified as degree-seeking students and maintain full-time academic status (12 semester hours) in the fall and spring terms. In addition, students admitted in the summer must enroll full time during their initial term of enrollment.
   • International students must maintain a minimum Palm Beach State cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 every semester to remain eligible for enrollment at the College.
   • International students must keep a current passport that is valid for at least six months in the future.
   • International students must have their travel documents reviewed by the international student advisor before leaving the USA.
   • Employment is not permitted for F-1 visa students without meeting specific conditions and having permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

   For information on the admission requirements for international students to the bachelor's degree programs, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/International.

Bachelor's Degree-Seeking Students

1. New/transfer students: Submit an online application for admission.

   Current/returning Palm Beach State College students: Submit program objective change form.

2. Completion of ONE of the following is required to be accepted into the Bachelor’s program:
   • An A.S.* or an A.A.S.* degree (with a minimum of 60 semester hours) in a professional/technical field; or
   • An A.A.* degree with a minimum of 60 semester hours; or
   • Sixty* credit hours that are equivalent to satisfactory completion of a Palm Beach State College A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. degree program.

     * The degree or earned credits must have been completed and awarded by a regionally accredited educational institution.

   • Completion of 36 semester hours of transferable general education credit hours, satisfying Palm Beach State College’s general education requirements (or indication on the transcript that the student has completed general education requirements at another Florida college or university). Each bachelor's degree has requirements as to the types of acceptable degrees and coursework that may apply. Please see a bachelor's advisor, CBP112, Lake Worth campus or visit website www.palmbeachstate.edu/Bachelors for more information.

Transfer of Credits to Bachelor’s degree Programs

Lower division college credits in technical areas not generally applicable at the bachelor's degree level will be reviewed according to any or all of the following factors prior to their acceptance as satisfying degree requirements.

• Breadth, depth and rigor of course content as evidenced by course syllabi, prerequisites, placement test scores, exit requirements, student portfolios, textbooks, writing or oral communication requirements, grading standards, catalog descriptions, etc.;
• Qualifications of the faculty member(s) providing the instruction;
• Age of credits;
• Recommendations through other established credit assessment bodies (e.g., ACE);
• Institutional accreditation via other professional assessment/accrediting bodies;
• Students will also have to meet the common prerequisite courses as defined by the State of Florida for the RN-BSN degree. If you obtained your Associate in Science degree in Nursing (ASN; previous nursing credits) from a non-NLNAC/ACEN/CNEA accredited school, the College does not guarantee that these nursing credits are transferrable to a university. The College can only guarantee the 36 BSN credits;
• Secondary documentation of course competencies (e.g., professional certification, standardized exam scores, etc.).

Where questions of applicability remain following such review, the credits may still be used to meet lower-division degree requirements subject to one or more of the following conditions:

• Successful completion of related higher-level courses in the student’s program of study;
• Successful completion of subsequent courses in the subject/course sequence;
• Successful completion of complementary lower-division coursework in the subject or related area;
• Demonstration of specific lab/clinical skills or other applied competencies;
• Completion of additional supplemental independent/directed study in the subject area which augments the skills/content of the technical course;
• Presentation of a portfolio of work substantiating the breadth, depth and rigor of the course content to include both theory and applied competencies;
• Analysis of clusters of course credits where a combination of technical courses may represent bachelor's level competencies when viewed as a package (e.g., eight credits in technical coursework may correspond to a three-credit traditional transfer course in a given subject area);
• Verification of faculty credentials at the transferring institution.

Second Bachelor's Degree

In recognition that students seeking a second bachelor's degree have completed a rigorous program of study at a regionally accredited or comparable international institution, some admission and graduation requirements will be satisfied by virtue of the previous degree. These include the Gordon Rule and General Education. However, this would not preclude prerequisites for the major that happen to be general education courses. Students with one or more previously awarded bachelor’s degrees should contact the Bachelor’s Admissions Office for admissions guidelines.

Readmission of Former Students

A former Palm Beach State College student who wishes to enroll in classes after an absence of 12 months or more should:

• Submit an online application for admission.
• Send for any additional transcripts to update admission records. Previously outstanding transcripts must be received prior to registration. All new transcripts should be received before registration but must be received within one term or the student may not register for subsequent terms.
• Update placement tests (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or PERT) if necessary. Test scores are only valid for two years from the date the test was taken.
• Read the “Catalog in Effect” information under the “Graduation” portion of the Academic Policies section of the catalog. (The student will complete requirements for graduation under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry.)

Note: Students who do not apply for readmission approximately two months before registration begins may not get priority registration consideration.

Transfer Students

A student is classified as a transfer student if he/she has previously earned college credit toward a degree or post-secondary certificate at any other college or university. A transfer student should:

• Submit an online application for admission.
• The application for admissions and nonrefundable $40 application fee must be submitted before any transcripts are evaluated.
• Submit high school and, if applicable, all college transcripts. The high school transcript may be waived for admissions purposes if a student has earned an Associate, Bachelor, or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• To be considered for transfer credit, students with college credit from colleges outside the U.S. must have a course-by-course commercial evaluation from an accredited company at www.NACES.org/members

All required transcripts must be received within one term or no registration will be allowed for subsequent terms. It is important for students to have transcripts submitted as early as possible to allow evaluations to be completed before registration. Financial aid students must ensure that ALL required official transcripts (high school and college) and ALL submitted commercial evaluations are received and evaluated by Palm Beach State for financial aid to be awarded or disbursed.

Transfer credit may be accepted from degree-granting institutions that are fully accredited at the collegiate level by their appropriate regional accrediting agency. Courses from non-regionally accredited institutions that appear on the State Common Course Numbering System list are also transferred with no appeal required. For non-regionally accredited institutions that do not participate in the SCNS, credits will be evaluated and accepted on a course-by-course basis through an appeal process that is initiated by the student.

Students may transfer credit from other institutions into the College; however, at least 25 percent of the program or certificate credit must be earned at Palm Beach State College (excluding CLEP or credit by exam or prior learning).

The amount of credit allowed for a quarter, semester or term would not exceed the amount the student earned at the original institution. (Quarter-hour credits will be converted to semester hours.)

Palm Beach State College accepts for transfer only those credit courses completed at other regionally accredited institutions with grade of D or higher. Only courses with a grade of C or higher, when appropriate, can be used to satisfy any General Education Requirements. Plus (+) and minus (-) designations used with grades will be removed from all transfer courses.

Note: A student or institution may appeal the policy. However, the College registrar reviews the courses and has the right not to accept all or any part of the previously earned credit.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Students who wish to take college credit or vocational credit courses and do not intend to complete a certificate or degree program may be admitted as non-degree-seeking students. These students enroll for a variety of reasons, such as personal interest, job improvement, transfer credit purposes, or teacher recertification. Credits will be awarded for courses taken by non-degree-seeking students.

To apply for admission as a non-degree-seeking student, submit an online application for admission.

Students are eligible to remain non-degree-seeking up to 21 credit hours. After that time, they will be required to change their status to degree-seeking. Upon changing to degree-seeking status, high school and college transcripts, as appropriate, will be required. Students with an associate degree or higher may request an exemption from the 21 credit hours requirement. For additional information, please contact a campus registrar's office. International students on an F-1 visa cannot be non- degree-seeking students.

Non-degree-seeking students may be required to submit placement scores or transcripts to register for certain courses. Please see the Course Listing section of the catalog or speak with an academic advisor.

Note: Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for any type of financial aid (veteran benefits, federal grants, scholarships, student loans, Bright Futures, etc.).

Transient Students

Students seeking degrees at other institutions may attend the College as “transient” students to take one or more courses.

To apply for admission:

• Students attending a Florida public institution must go to www.FloridaShines.org and complete an online transient form which will also serve as the application for admission to Palm Beach State. Residency for tuition purposes will be granted based on the information on the transient form, barring any error from the home institution.
• Students attending a Florida private institution or an out-of-state institution must submit: (1) a completed online application for admission; and (2) a “Letter of Good Standing” from their home institution indicating the specific course(s) to be taken.

Transient students, taking courses as listed on their transient form or letter of good standing, will not be required to submit transcripts or meet Palm Beach State College testing or prerequisite course requirements. However, all course requirements apply, unless specifically waived by the home institution. Transient requests for courses in controlled, limited access programs, or bachelors may require departmental approval and additional documentation. Transient students are required to meet all of the College’s Code of Conduct and disciplinary regulations while attending the College.

A “transient form” or “Letter of Good Standing” must be submitted for each term of transient study.

Career Certificate Program (CCP)

Admission requirements vary depending on the specific Career Certificate Program (CCP). Students must review the criteria for the desired program in the Degrees and Certificates section of the catalog. In general, a person wanting to enroll in a CCP program must do the following:

1. Submit an online application for admission.
2. Submit an official high school or GED transcript if the program requires a standard high school diploma.
3. Take the appropriate test (if applicable) according to the requirements of the program.

Note: Students seeking admission to a Public Safety limited access program (i.e., emergency medical technician, firefighter and paramedic), should go to www.palmbeachstate.edu/Admissions, click on Limited Access Programs. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to these programs.

High School Dual Enrollment and Early Admission

The Dual Enrollment program enables qualified public/charter, home education and private school students to earn high school and college credits toward both high school and college graduation requirements. Private (non-public) schools participating in dual enrollment must have an approved Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreement between the private school and Palm Beach State College prior to referring students for dual enrollment. Home Education students must submit each year a Statement of Legal Compliance form to verify eligibility. The form is available online at www.palmbeachstate.edu/DualEnroll.

The school approved credits that students can earn count toward both a high school diploma and a college degree or vocational certificate. Students enrolled in a dual enrollment or early admission program pursuant to law shall be exempt from the payment of registration, tuition, and laboratory fees. All other fees are borne by the student, except that the College will offer one free recognized college placement test to each eligible high school student.

Students enrolled in home education or non-public school will be financially obligated for the cost of instructional materials, special course fees, and any other fees except tuition.

Dual enrollment or early admission students are responsible for transportation to and from the College; obtaining a College parking decal; purchasing uniforms, kits, equipment, consumables and/or tools that are kept in the student's possession (if applicable in a CCP program); and adhering to the rules and regulations of the College, as stated in this Catalog and in the Student Handbook.

The following courses are NOT permitted for dual enrollment:

• College developmental education courses;
• Physical education activity courses;
• Courses less than three credits (unless the course is a corequisite or in CCP dual enrollment);
• Limited Access program courses.

College Credit Dual Enrollment Requirements

Students taking college credit course dual enrollment may take up to eight college credits per fall, spring or summer term.

To be eligible for the dual enrollment program, students need to:

• Have earned four high school credits, two of which must include an English Language Arts course and a mathematics course.
• Have an unweighted high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
• Enroll and attend a MANDATORY Palm Beach State Dual Enrollment Information/Advising session prior to registration of class(es).
• Submit an online Palm Beach State Application for Admission.
• Submit official “college ready” placement test scores (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or PERT) that are less than two years old from the date the test was taken.
• Complete and submit a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration form, which is obtained from the high school counselor. (A form must be completed and submitted for each term of enrollment.)
  • Home education students must complete and submit a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration form, which is obtained from the Palm Beach State College dual enrollment coordinator and a Home Education/Dual Enrollment/Early Admission Legal Compliance and Articulation Agreement form. (Both forms must be completed and submitted for each term of enrollment.)
• Receive a grade of C or higher in all college-level courses to continue enrollment. Dual enrollment students who receive a grade of D, F or W will not be allowed to continue in the program and may only be allowed to repeat the course for grade forgiveness after graduation from high school.

Dual enrollment students may be admitted to College Honors courses or Honors contracts. Interested students should apply at www.palmbeachstate.edu/Honors.

Early Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the early admission program, students need to:

• Be a high school senior.
• Have an unweighted high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher.
• Enroll and attend a MANDATORY Palm Beach State Dual Enrollment Information/Advising session prior to registration of class (es).
• Submit an online Palm Beach State Application for Admission.
• Submit an official recommendation letter from the high school principal. College credits earned during the early admission period must be used to satisfy high school graduation requirements, with the high school principal determining how these credits are to be utilized.
• Submit official “college ready” placement test scores (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or PERT) that are less than two years old from the date the test was taken.
• Complete and submit a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration form, which is obtained from the high school counselor. (A form must be completed and submitted for each term of enrollment.)
  • Home education students must complete and submit a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration form, which is obtained from the Palm Beach State College dual enrollment coordinator and a Home Education/Dual Enrollment/Early Admission Legal Compliance and Articulation Agreement form. (Both forms must be completed and submitted for each term of enrollment.)
• Enroll and maintain at Palm Beach State a full-time status (12-18 college credit hours) for the fall and/or spring terms only.
• Earn a college term grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. Early admission students who receive a grade of D or F may repeat the course for grade forgiveness with permission from the high school dual enrollment designee.

Collegiate High School Enrollment Requirements

Palm Beach State Collegiate High School is a dual enrollment school choice option for high school seniors with an interest in STEM who have completed all requirements for high school graduation other than those which can be satisfied by PBSC courses. Students are enrolled as full-time students at the Palm Beach State College Palm Beach Gardens campus and may earn 30 or more semester hours of college credit.

The Collegiate High School is open to high school seniors who:

• Have an unweighted high school GPA of a 3.2 or higher.
• Have the minimum test scores on at least one of the tests listed below:
  • SAT – 24 Reading, 25 Writing, and 24.5 Math; or
  • ACT – Math score of 20 and higher, English score of 17 or higher, and Reading score of 19 or higher; or
  • PERT – Have college ready placement test scores in Postsecondary Education Readiness Test of:
  • 103 – 150 (Writing)
  • 106 – 150 (Reading) for ENC1101 College Composition
  • 125 – 150 (Math) for MAC1105 College Algebra, STA2023 Statistics (Note: For the following math courses placement is based on ACT or SAT scores: MAC114 Trigonometry, MAC1140 Pre-calculus, MAC2233 Survey of Calculus, MAC2311, Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1)

To apply for admission, students must:

• Submit an online Palm Beach State Application for Admission
• Submit official ACT or SAT test scores.
• Enroll and attend a MANDATORY Palm Beach State Dual Enrollment Information/Advising session prior to registration of class(es).

Career Certificate Program (CCP) Dual Enrollment Requirements

Palm Beach State will assume to educate and train students in the approved CCP programs at PBSC.

Have a 2.0 or higher unweighted high school GPA.

Be the appropriate age (if applicable for the program).

Enroll and attend a MANDATORY Palm Beach State Dual Enrollment Information/Advising Session prior to registration of class (es).

Submit an online Palm Beach State Application for Admission.

Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).

Complete and submit a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration form, which is obtained from the high school counselor. (A form must be completed and submitted for each term of enrollment.)

Home education students must complete and submit a Dual Enrollment Permission and Registration form, which is obtained from the Palm Beach State College dual enrollment coordinator and a Home Education/Dual Enrollment/Early Admission Legal Compliance and Articulation Agreement form. (Both forms must be completed and submitted for each term of enrollment.)

Enroll in an approved CCP program.

Meet all CCP program prerequisite requirements.

Courses within a program are sequential and are not available to students who have not been accepted into the program. Students participating in CCP dual enrollment must successfully complete each CCP course in the program sequence to continue participation.

Withdrawal Policy for Dual Enrollment Program

Dual Enrollment students who withdraw from a class will not be allowed to enroll the following semester. To re-enroll in the Dual Enrollment program, after one semester, students must appeal to their respective high school principal with the Special Withdrawal Circumstance Appeal Approval Form.

Placement Testing

Requirements for Credit Courses and Programs

Unless a student qualifies for an exemption as outlined below, all degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students wishing to take Gordon Rule writing and mathematics courses must furnish official test scores from one of the following state-approved placement tests: PERT, Accuplacer, ACT or SAT. Test scores expire two years from the date of the test.

Important: To enroll in any general education mathematics course, all students (exempt or non-exempt) must have adequate placement test scores or a grade of C or higher in the required prerequisite course(s).

The Florida Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education determine the entry-level test cutoff scores. Higher placement test scores place students into regular or advanced courses, while lower scores require students to be placed into developmental education courses. For more information see: Test Score Charts.

Students who are not exempt from placement testing (see exemptions below) and have not taken any of the above tests, or whose test scores have expired, or whose ACT or SAT scores do not meet the state-designated minimums, must take the PERT for placement. The fee for the first PERT exam taken at Palm Beach State is included in the application fee. Students must pay the application fee before taking the exam. A retest fee is charged for any subsequent testing. For more information, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Testing.

Placement Test Exemptions

Students are exempt from the placement test requirement if they provide the appropriate documentation showing that they:

• entered 9th grade in a Florida public high school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma; or
• are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services; or
• have official test scores (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or PERT) that are less than two years old from date test was taken and scores meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and mathematics courses; or
• have successfully completed developmental education course requirements in English, reading and mathematics; or
• have successfully completed (grade of C or higher) college-level English and mathematics courses from a regionally accredited college or university.

Note: Students who are exempt may request to take the PERT or to enroll in developmental education if they wish. Exempted students are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor, prior to enrollment of classes, to assist them in evaluating their college readiness level.

Placement into Developmental Education Courses

• Test scores expire two years from the date of the test if a student does not enroll within those two years. Test scores will remain valid and will not expire if a student maintains continuous enrollment (complete one credit course per academic year).
• Students who are required to enroll in developmental education English, reading or mathematics courses must also take and successfully pass the corequisite course, Introduction to the College Experience (SLS 1501).
• Students may register for a course lower than indicated by test scores but not in a higher one.
• Students placed into developmental education will be allowed three attempts to complete each subject area. However, the tuition fee for the third attempt will be subject to the full cost of instruction (out-of-state tuition fee).
• Students who are required to enroll in a developmental education English/Reading course cannot enroll in any Gordon Rule writing course until the requirement has been successfully satisfied. Students who test into college developmental education mathematics cannot enroll in any course for which mathematics is a prerequisite until college developmental education math is successfully satisfied.
• Students are not permitted to audit college developmental education courses.
• Students must wait 30 days before retesting in a subject area. Students currently enrolled in a college developmental education course may not attempt to test out of that area after the add/drop deadline.
• College developmental education courses shall be graded A, B, C, N (Not Pass). Institutional credits will be granted for each course successfully completed. Institutional credits are not used for graduation or grade point average calculations, but they are used towards assessing full-time academic status.
• All students who test into developmental education courses are strongly encouraged to read the College Readiness section of the Catalog.

Note: In the Testing Centers, students may find a list of tutorial services that assist students with placement tests. These services are provided as an alternative remedial option to traditional courses; however, upon completion, students still must score satisfactorily on the placement test in order to place out of college developmental education courses.

TABE Test Requirement for CCP Programs

The TABE is a basic skills examination for students entering CCP certificate programs of more than 450 contact hours. Students are required to take the TABE prior to enrolling in the program. Refer to the program information in the Areas of Study section of the catalog for required TABE scores. TABE test scores expire two years from the date of the test. Students must wait 30 days before retaking the TABE at Palm Beach State College. The fee for the first TABE test taken at Palm Beach State is included in the application fee. Students must pay the application fee before taking the test. A retest fee is charged for any subsequent testing.

TABE Exemptions -- Students are exempt from taking TABE if they provide the appropriate documentation showing that they:

• entered 9th grade in a Florida public high school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma; or
• are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services; or
• have an associate degree or higher; or
• have official test scores (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or PERT) that are less than two years old from date test was taken and scores meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and mathematics courses; or
• have successfully completed college preparatory or developmental education course requirements in English, reading and mathematics; or
• provide proof of successful completion (grade of C or higher) of college-level English and mathematics courses from a regionally accredited college or university; or
• have passed related state, national, or industry certification or licensure examination; or
• are enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Florida Department of Education.

Students who are not exempt from the TABE test requirement and do not meet TABE minimum test score requirements will be required to enroll in vocational preparatory (VPI) courses along with their technical courses. For a listing of CCP programs affected by this policy, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/AcademicServices, click on Curriculum and Programs and then click on TABE Standards.

Note: Limited Access programs follow procedures specific to those programs. Exemptions may not be available for all programs.

Registration Dates

Students begin registering at different times, depending on their status as degree-seeking and certificate-seeking, non-degree-seeking, transient, noncredit or high school dual enrollment/early admission. Registration windows and other important dates are located on the registration calendars at www.palmbeachstate.edu/AcademicCalendar.

New students and students returning after an absence of more than one year should apply at least two months before registration begins to receive the earliest possible registration date. All dates are subject to change without notice.

Add/drop dates are listed on students’ schedules. Major session dates also are listed on the registration calendar.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

A prerequisite is a course (or equivalent skills or prior experience) that a student must successfully pass (or possess) before enrolling in the more advanced course. A corequisite is a course that a student must take together with a specific course (e.g., a science course with an associated lab). Prerequisites and corequisites are listed, where applicable, with each course’s description in the Course Description section of the catalog.

Students who have completed a prerequisite or corequisite course at another institution must furnish proof before registering for the higher-level course. To appeal the requirements for taking a prerequisite or corequisite course, a student must obtain approval from the associate dean of the academic department offering the course. Students may not enroll for credit in a course (or prerequisite) for which they have successfully completed a higher-level course in the same logical sequence.

Students may be allowed to pre-register for the next term for a higher-level course while they are currently enrolled in the prerequisite course. However, the registration for the higher-level course may be dropped by the College if the prerequisite course is not completed successfully (with a grade of C or higher).

Fees and Payment

Application and Registration Fees

A nonrefundable fee is charged for processing applications, and a one-time fee is charged each term for registration. Some limited access programs charge an additional application fee.

Tuition Fees

The District Board of Trustees establishes tuition annually. The most current tuition fees are listed online at www.palmbeachstate.edu/Finance/Tuition-Fees. In addition, special fees may be associated with some classes and, if applicable, are included in the total cost of the course. All fees are subject to change by action of the Florida Legislature or the District Board of Trustees.

All fees must be paid by the payment due date indicated on the student’s class schedule. A student may not attend classes until his/her schedule is paid. Students will be dropped for nonpayment if payment is not processed by their payment due date. Students dropped for nonpayment after classes have started will not be reinstated into their classes unless there is documented College error.

Students may pay online through PantherWeb, by mail, or in person. Payments can be made with cash, check, money order, credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Optima, Discover, JCB or non-North American Diners Club. Wire transfers can be arranged through the Cashier's Office. Students can also authorize Florida Prepaid billing through PantherWeb.

Returned Checks

In accordance with section 832, Florida Statutes, (giving worthless checks, drafts, and debit card orders, etc.), the College reserves the right to take necessary actions by charging the maximum fees allowable by law for returned checks. For more information and returned check fees, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/studenthandbook.

Unpaid Accounts

Unpaid student accounts, including past due fees or returned checks, will prevent registration, graduation, granting of credit or release of transcript. Amounts remaining unpaid also will be subject to additional collection costs of up to 30% of the principal amount plus costs. Credit Bureau reporting through collection agencies will also occur for delinquent accounts.

Senior Citizen Fee Waiver

Per Board of Trustees Policy, 6Hx-18-4.27, senior citizens 60 years of age or older may register each fall, spring, or summer term, for up to two courses per term (maximum eight credits) and receive a 75 percent discount on the cost of tuition and fees (senior citizens pay the remaining 25 percent). Senior citizens will also be required to pay the one-time, non-refundable $40 application fee. Senior citizens using fee waivers may take only full-term (16 weeks) credit courses on an audit basis. No academic credit will be awarded for classes for which the fees are waived. Courses that are part of Limited Access programs or bachelor’s level (3000/4000) courses are not eligible for the senior citizen's fee waiver. Any specified prerequisites and/or corequisites of courses must be satisfied.

To apply for the fee waiver, senior citizens must:

• Submit an online Palm Beach State Application for Admission if they are a new or readmission student.
• Submit a completed and signed Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver form to any campus Admissions Office on the designated registration day for senior citizens. At this time, the Admissions Office will have the senior citizen complete a Request to Audit form. (A Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver form must be submitted for each term of registration.)
• Register for classes in person only on the designated registration day for senior citizens. Registration will be granted on a “space available” basis (at least one seat available in the class). Senior citizens are ineligible for the tuition waiver if they register for and/or drop the class(es) prior to the designated senior citizen's registration date. Please refer to the Registration Calendar for the appropriate term registration dates.

State Employee Fee Waiver

Full-time (40 hours per week) employees of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of Florida state government may register per term for a maximum of six credit hours or 180 vocational hours (part of a CCP program) with tuition waived. The following fees will not be covered by the state employee waiver: the one-time nonrefundable $40 application fee, registration fees, and, if applicable, any per-class special fees and/or lab fees.

To apply for the fee waiver, state employees must:

• Submit an online Palm Beach State Application for Admission if they are a new or readmission student.
• Submit a completed and signed State Employee Tuition Waiver form to any campus Admissions Office on the designated registration day for state employees. (A State Employee Tuition Waiver form must be submitted for each term of registration.)
• Register for classes in person only on the designated registration day for state employees. Registration will be granted on a “space available” basis (at least one seat available in the class). State employees are ineligible for the tuition waiver if they register for and/or drop the class(es) prior to the designated state employee registration date. Please refer to the Registration Calendar for the appropriate term registration dates. Any prerequisites and/or corequisites of courses must be satisfied.

Note: The State Employee Fee Waiver program does not include persons employed by the state university system, the Florida College System (e.g., Palm Beach State College) or local school districts.

Homeless Fee Exemption Waiver

Persons meeting the following definition of homeless status are exempt from the payment of tuition and fees, including lab fees:

Definition of homeless status: Persons who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime residence is a public or private shelter designed to provide temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. [F.S.1009.05(2)(e)]

View this form for additional instructions: Certificate of Homeless Status for Fee Exemption.