Cost & earnings at St. Petersburg College What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
A two-year liberal arts transfer degree that covers college-level general education and prepares students to enter a bachelor’s program as juniors under Florida’s 2+2 system. Suited to students who want a broad foundation in the humanities and sciences, lower tuition with smaller classes, and a clear pathway to Florida public universities or partner guarantees.
The curriculum provides the same freshman- and sophomore-level general education courses you would take at a university, delivered in smaller classes. Students take general education courses across multiple areas totaling a minimum of 36 hours to build critical thinking, communication, and foundational disciplinary knowledge relevant to continued study in a chosen major.
To graduate from the A.A. program students must complete at least 60 college-level credits, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall and a 2.0 GPA in courses taken at SPC, and complete a minimum of 15 credits in residence at SPC. Students without two consecutive years of the same high school foreign language (or 8 college credits) must complete 8 college credits of a foreign language. Beginning with students entering 2021–22 and thereafter, A.A. candidates must complete a civic literacy course and pass the Florida Civic Literacy Examination.
The program is intended as a transfer foundation rather than a terminal vocational credential; after transfer to a bachelor’s program, graduates pursue careers aligned with their major. SPC notes that, in Florida, A.A. graduates on average earn more than those with only a high school diploma, reflecting increased earning potential tied to continued study.
SPC reports an estimated total program cost and highlights that community-college tuition is roughly half the cost of Florida public universities for equivalent freshman and sophomore coursework. Students should consult the college catalog and financial aid offices for detailed cost breakdowns, scholarships, and aid options specific to A.A. students and transfer pathways.
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