Polk State College One of 3 State Institutions to Offer Online Courses Nationwide at Affordable Price Through XploreFLEd

Polk State College is going nationwide as part of the XploreFLEd pilot program. They will offer online courses in high-demand careers at an inexpensive price. 

The college is one of three in Florida to offer select online courses for out-of-state students at a reduced cost. Alongside Miami Dade and Tallahassee State colleges, students will have a $290 per credit hour rate through XploreFLEd. This is far less than the standard $469.70 per credit hour for out-of-state students in upper-division courses. 

“With the launch of this initiative, Florida is extending an invitation to students nationwide to experience our first-class, outcome-driven education system,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. “Our goal is clear. By 2030, Florida will be the national leader in workforce education. Focused on practical skills and career readiness, free from unnecessary distractions that don’t belong in the classroom. We are excited to welcome out-of-state students to utilize XploreFLEd.”  

XPloreFLEd Pilot Program

The Florida House of Representatives passed the distance-learning pilot program in 2024. Colleges were selected based on geographic location. In the north- Tallahassee, Polk State in central and Miami Dade in the south. The subject areas each has to offer was also considered. 

“Polk State College expressed interest in this opportunity and proposed programs for the initiative once selected,” said Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti. “XploreFLEd puts Polk State College on the national map. And, highlights the institution’s innovative and workforce-aligned programs that prepare students for success in today’s competitive job market.” 

Central Florida Development Council President & CEO Sean Malott is pleased that Polk State has again stepped up to help industries in need of qualified employees. 

“This move shows Polk State is willing to think outside the box. And, engage with the state Department of Education to find solutions to the growing demand in careers such as nursing and crime scene investigations. We hope the pilot program proves successful and expands if it is.” 

High-Demand Careers

Polk State is offering courses in three degree programs: 

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Healthcare Administration 
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime Scene Investigations 

The selected programs had three similarities:  

• Online formats are already available. 
• They have track records of success. 
• They offer innovative approaches to providing a fully online educational workforce training experience. 

“These programs are also in high-demand industries that will provide students with tangible skills once they complete them,” Falconetti said.  

Nursing Demand

For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce expects to expand by 6%, or 177,440 nurses, by 2032. And a Health Workforce Analysis from November 2022 shows federal authorities project a shortage of 78,610 full-time RNs in 2025. In 2030, this number is project to increase to 63,720.  

“In Polk County, nursing consistently lands on the Regional Demand Occupations List, with approximately 300 vacancies each year,” Falconetti said.  

Polk State Nursing graduates have had a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for the last three quarters of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. This is “a huge feat on an exam with a pass rate of only 58% for associate degree programs in Florida,” Falconetti said. “Polk State Nursing also holds a 100% employment rate.” 

Crime Scene Investigations

The field of crime scene investigations expects to grow 13% between 2022 and 2032. There will be an average of 2,300 job openings yearly, according to Salem University. But, it noted, BLS data does not differentiate crime scene investigators from forensic scientists. 

Staying Affordable

Falconetti said Polk State is “proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education to offer out-of-state students access to Florida’s top-ranked education system, where they can pursue a dream career, enhance their skills and earn a workforce certificate or degree aligned with industry needs. This program is a game-changer, equipping students with the expertise needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.”

“As an institution committed to providing affordable access, this initiative expands accessibility to quality higher education and workforce training in Florida and beyond,” she said. “Florida has ranked No. 1 for Higher Education by U.S. News and World Report, and we are proud to be a part of Florida’s success.”