St Petersburg College Reviews

Camila

from New Port Richey, FL

Current student

In which ways do you feel you are learning and growing?

Being able to choose the classes that work for me helps me improve my time management. Since there are so many options for time and place as well as in person and online, I can have the chance to create a schedule that helps me be the most productive.

How are you enjoying your time at this college?

This college has a great administration team from advisors to financial aid, every staff member has been extremely helpful, understanding, and kind which makes the transition into college and adult life so much less stressful. You know that there will always be someone to answer all of your questions, make sure you’re on the right path and calm your nerves.

What tips can you share with prospective students?

Definitely communicate with your professors as well as your advisors! Even if you did something wrong on your part, someone will help you sort it out. Professors are usually lenient and willing to work with you on any concerns about your grades or other matters as long as you let them know in time.

What qualities do you have that have best prepared you for success at this institution?

Knowing that I am responsible over my education and acting on any concerns.

In what ways do you feel this college challenges students academically?

For certain classes they have different options on the length of the course. You can choose to challenge yourself by taking a shorter class that is more condensed and faster paced.

How would you describe the dorm life at this school?

I don’t live in a dorm, I don’t think they offer dorms on my campus (tarpon springs).

How would you describe the food and dining options?

We have a cafeteria but the food honestly doesn’t look that good and is overpriced in my opinion. However, there are a lot of random events on campus throughout the semester that offer free food like Chick-fil-A, pizza or donuts for students so it’s always great to check the calendar for those. This semester (spring 2024) I got free food 3 or 4 times.

In your experience, what is there to do for fun at this college?

We have a lot of random events on campus usually with free food. Last semester there was a fairy themed tea party in the Clearwater campus.

How does this institution support campus safety or mental health and wellness programs?

I don’t know much about this but we do always have some sort of free food or therapy dogs on campus during midterm and finals seasons so that’s always nice to relax.

How has your college supported your career development and future goals?

The advisors have been very helpful in showing me the right path for what I want to do in the future, they helped me pick my major and of course the classes to go along.

Tyler from Clearwater, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	There certain classes that should not be taken online, like speech or one you need lots of instruction.
Am enjoying being here	All the teachers have been quite nice and helpful. Don't be afraid to talk to your classmates either.
Bang for the buck	The class are alot cheaper than other colleges and the only thing you might pay alot for are the books which you should buy used.
Tips for prospective students	You should plan your classes out because some classes are only available in the spring or fall term

Danielle from South Pasadena, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	St Petersburg College's 4 year programs can be pretty rigorous, but definitely encourage critical thinking and higher learning.
Am enjoying being here	After attending a big university for 2 semesters, I found myself back at St Petersburg College. The small classes and great professors are why I came back. The campuses are well maintained and have great snack bars and libraries to study in. If you are looking for a school where it's easy to make friends and the professors make classes fun I would definitely recommend SPC.
Bang for the buck	Because it's not a university St Petersburg College is much more affordable and accessible (they have 9 different campuses) for students who don't have the financial backing to attend a brand name school. While SPC is not a university it is an accredited 4 year state college with wonderful programs in over 18 areas of study.
Tips for prospective students	St Petersburg College is a great school. Most students only come for their A.A. degrees and go somewhere else for a Bachelors, however I highly recommend their 4 year programs. They have a variety of majors to choose from and their faculty is exceptional.
Great for these types of students	St Petersburg College is great for all students. They have wonderful advisors if you are new and need help with things such as financial aid and scheduling classes. They are also great for the seasoned college student who would rather take charge of their own academics. They also offer a huge variety of online courses for the working student.

Meghan from St Petersburg, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	It really depends on the attitude you decide to have. If you're willing to learn, then you'll learn. It depends on the instructors' and professors' attitudes and willingness as well.
Am enjoying being here	Hey, it's a community college. There isn't a whole lot of unity or school spirit that you might find at a university. Basically, at spc, you go to class then you go home. There isn't a lot to keep you on campus or involved. They do try with different events that offer free food, but other than that, it's just a place to learn.
Bang for the buck	Of course, being a community college, it is much cheaper than a university and good place to get started,
Tips for prospective students	If you're not sure of what you want to do, or are trying to save your money, apply at spc. It may seem like an extra year of high school, but once you're completing the same classes that your friends at UF or FSU are completing, you'll feel OK with it.
Great for these types of students	People who are undecided about their majors, people who are trying to save money, older students, and non-traditional students.

Amanda from Palm Harbor, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am learning a lot	Depending on which professors you pick, your classes can be great. Make sure to talk to other students though and find out information on the classes you plan on taking.
Am enjoying being here	SPC is great for saving money. They plan to put housing in within the next few years, but for now it is a lot of people living at home, or going back to school.
Bang for the buck	SPC saves you soooooo much money. :)
Tips for prospective students	Make sure you have all of your questions in order before going to talk to counselors. If you can, avoid talking to the counselors at the Tarpon Springs campus.
Great for these types of students	SPC is great for anyone trying to save money, anyone that is completely undecided about where to go, anyone that is looking to transfer, or anyone that is going back to school.

Angelica from Tarpon Springs, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
Am enjoying being here	If you need somewhere to hang between classes the student lounge (Agora building) Is great for that!
Bang for the buck	Cheap, and most of the teachers are engaging. Make sure to get your books used, either from other students or online though. Follett charges exorbitantly!
Tips for prospective students	Get your books used and don't skip class! And pay attention, even if you end up retaking a class. It'll help, I promise. And use ratemyprofessor.com. Really.
Great for these types of students	Those going back to school, or those who don't know what or where they want to go, but still want to learn. Or simply people who want cheaper rates. They're also instituting bachelors degrees, soon.

Kennon from St Petersburg, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	Wow! They basically pay you (after you show you have good grades) to get a top-notch education with a job-ready degree...many weekend and e-courses...programs galore: model UN, Honors College, hands-on service internship/co-op learning and local job networking environment etc.
Academic Rigor	Objective and high--use Honors College.
Dorm Life	Low-cost housing nearby.
Food and Dining	Snack bars.
What to do for fun	This is a resort area with top-notch museums and restaurants.
Bang for the buck	Cheap with also generous scholarships for good grades.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	Pizza with Provost!
Great for these types of students	Customized! By design it has custom programs from average person seeking a degree who needs a lot of help to high-IQ going to an Ivy-league level college.
Clubs and Activities	Many.
Campus Safety	Well-policed in low-crime resort area.

Kennon from Saint Petersburg, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	GO:This college is a gem in beach paradise where you graduate with a degree that gets you immediately employed or into the Ivy League. It's super-low cost for Floridians, not bad for out-of-state and has an Honors College; the programs are strong with great adjunct professors and e-learning; and as a city college associated with the State system it doesn't have some of the sillier State U. limitations ( they penalize you for going over 120 credits, for example). This is the only college in the US that is committed to lowering their already low tuition and was recently praised by the Obama Administration.
Tips for prospective students	REMEMBER: If you're from out-of-state remember this is Florida: Life is courtly, s-l-o-o-o-w, and you have to ask nicely for everything a few times. Make sure you walk everything through with the administration people and keep copies of everything, especially if you're getting a waiver on something. The mentors help. Make sure you interact with teachers and take advantage of the excellent mentoring and support programs. Also, there're fantastic free College-provided cultural activities: Concerts, public debates and town halls with distinguished experts, quickie seminars from experts in the field, art exhibits. Also: A study-abroad, Model UN, and co-op/internship program. The Bachelor majors are designed for things in high demand in Florida--Special Education, Biology, Nursing, Tech/Computers,etc.-- and have internships and hours requirements beyond those of many more famous universities, so people have an edge in employment.
Academic Rigor	SMALL SERIOUS CLASSES: Teachers will work overtime with you to get an A and the evaluation is very standardized and ongoing to keep down the subjective factor. No grading on a curve from what I understand: Their position is you either know it pretty well or you don't. The AS programs are varied and designed to lead right to a job or transfer into the State Unis--theater, video, computers, arts and sciences, game design, medical technologist, X-Ray, etc. They also have a post-BA Teacher 30 credit certification program that is low-cost.
Dorm Life	CHEAP HOUSING: No dorms, but campuses around the county with plenty of cheap student housing nearby.
Food and Dining	YUM! No dining halls but snack bars at several campuses are excellent, including an organic place at the downtown campus.
What to do for fun	PARADISE: St. Petersburg (and the surrounding county of Pinellas) is a tourist magnet with beaches, environmental parks, fantastic multi-cultural cuisine always being featured on the Food Channel, antiquing, a walkable downtown, the famed Pier, the Dali Museum, and is near attractions in Orlando and Hillsborough ( Disneyworld, Busch Gardens, etc) , with cofeehouses, an annual art festival and racing event, sailing, plus low-cost local theaters and film festivals. The college has purchased the city theater, shares library space with the county library, and has a museum.
Bang for the buck	BACHELOR DEGREES WITH SMALL PRIVATE SCHOOL CLASSES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL PRICE: Classes are considered getting large if they have more that 15 people. Free support tutors, mentors, and professors that will give extra personal meetings galore. The professors are primarily dedicated educators, not some spaced-out reseracher who mumbles to the blackboard. Most majors have co-op/internship requirements or opportunities, so your learning is hands-on. If you are a Florida student of modest income who has the Bright Futures scholarship, FAFSA, or gets one of their generous cash scholarships you basically go for free. In-state credit cost (2013) is $107 USD.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	FREE LUNCH! They have a student day off, and numerous information festivals through the year with plenty of snacks. Like Pizza? The Provost meets with students for free Pizza through the year to find out what needs to be done. They serve food like crazy at various free seminars from visiting experts, informationals and group-support activities, so if you're not getting free lunch 2-3 days a week you're not trying.
Great for these types of students	TEENS TO RETIREES--AND HAS A GRAD SCHOOL OPTION: They work with you whoever you are with a serious mentor program and teacher support. People who do well here walk into jobs, start businesses, or are accepted at top universities for graduate study. While it has open admission the college is demanding with a serious Honors College program. It has a diverse student body from 14 year-old geniuses in their dual program to returning adults. They encourage you to take extra interdisciplinary and other classes which have very qualified teachers. If you like e-learning they have excellent e-learning classes in most subjects. If you're interested in ROTC they have it. The college has a nationally famous department in applied philosophy and ethics. A course is required, and people say it does wonders for critical thinking and clarifying professional ethics, personal goals and decisions. Finally, though formerly only an undergraduate level college, they have agreements with universities around the US that teach their courses there so you can continue to graduate and professional degrees as: Doctor of Pharmacy, Chiropractic, Dentistry, and advanced management, science or other studies.
Clubs and Activities	YOU NAME IT! Clubs cover about everything.
Greek Life	HONORS: Strictly academic honor societies.
Campus Safety	GUARDED: Campus security has guards going about in their go-carts plus regular drive-bys by local police and sherriff. Guards will walk you to your car and emergency numbers are posted. Plus this is Florida, where folks are super-polite but about everyone has a concealed-carry weapon. A kind word...

Catrina from New Port Richey, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	SPC is a great community college that provides exceptional educational options for students looking to stay within their own area. The staff is professional and willing to help students by giving one on one time when needed. The provosts and Dr. Law are emotionally involved with the students and strive to provide every opportunity for an individual to have a successful college career.
Tips for prospective students	New students should get to know their campus and all of the services provided there so that they can utilize those tools to help them be a successful student.
Academic Rigor	SPC offers many different degree options, and classes leading up to those. They also offer several BA and BAS degrees as they are working in alliance with the major universities in the area.
Dorm Life	SPC does not have a dorm system available, but I will add that I love my place and community which makes it very easy for me to choose SPC as my college of choice.
Food and Dining	Being in mid Florida, dining options in this area are plentiful and if you like seafood, this is a great place to taste some of the freshest and best cooked seafood available. From Frenchy's in Clearwater to the Burger Box in New Port Richey, the options are limitless.
What to do for fun	Sun, water, and fun are the best thing about this area. Being reveled as a state that enjoys the outdoors, there are bike routes a plenty, beautiful golf courses, kayak rentals for the novice wanting to test the waters, and the the night life is vivacious and spirited.
Bang for the buck	In the economic strife that we face daily, no one can argue with free. There are always tons of free events to explore and if you just want to relax and enjoy the day, there are free concerts on the beach. Best of all is the sound the ocean makes as the sun sets into the horizon; definitely something that will stay with you for the rest of your years.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	At the SPC Tarpon Campus, there is the Leepa Rapner Art Museum. Recently Andy Warhol paid a visit and worked with the art students and now there are several of his works on display in the museum.
Great for these types of students	SPC is great for any student. There are many clubs to get involved, but the small campus provides a close community feeling for everyone there and the pride for that community shows strongly in school spirit.
Clubs and Activities	There are many clubs to choose from at SPC such as Honor Society, Student Government, and Non-traditional Students club.
Greek Life	Life at SPC is based on the traditional greek philosophy of colleges down to the names of the buildings.
Campus Safety	Safety is a huge priority at SPC and the friendly campus monitors are always there and make a point of mingling with the student body to encourage safety and security.

Sean from Seminole, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	The Seminole Campus is a beautiful place and is mainly focused around their Natural Habitat Park. Their Digital Arts Program is great with a state-of-the-art Production Room located in the UP Building. Classes are the right sizes and the counselors at the Seminole Campus help you thru any problems that come up in your college career.
Tips for prospective students	I recommend St. Petersburg College to obtain your Associates Degree [AA]. It will save you a lot of money so you can be in good shape onto transferring to any public Florida university. I have many friends who have transferred to University of Florida [Nursing Program] , Florida State University [Music Program], and University of South Florida [Music and Mass Communications Program] and saved a lot of money because of getting their 2 years of general education credits done.
Academic Rigor	It depends on who you take for certain classes. Ratemyprofessor.com is a great tool for you for the teachers at St. Petersburg College. The Intro to Speech Communications' teachers are very well-known; however, the Government teachers [in my opinion] are not. Once again, that website can help you out.
Dorm Life	St. Petersburg College is a community college and does not have any dorms [at the moment]. I've heard rumors on campus tho that the space at the Seminole Campus will expand into the Natural Habitat Park, Academic Buildings, and Dormitories in the long future. I can see the Natural Habitat Park and Academic Buildings be true statements, but I do not see Dormitories being made at a community college. It will be cool tho!!!
Food and Dining	St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus has 2 great dining facilities on the campus. One is located in the book store and the other in the UP Building. When you look at it, you think it will just be some so-so food, but they sure know how to surprise all of us. You're at a community college, but with their 2 dining areas, it makes you feel like you are at a regular university.
What to do for fun	Usually during the afternoon, the St. Petersburg College Student Government is in the UP Building Main Lobby with ping-pong tables. Between the UP Building and the UF College of Pharmacy Building there is area of grass with two soccer nets. Time to time, you will see a pick-up game of soccer, flag football, or even kick ball. It's a great place for recreation.
Bang for the buck	In my opinion, it is a great money saver to do your two years [AA Degree] here before going to a university. Also, the bookstore has great deals on books, clothing, even computers/tablets. I would definitely recommend the bookstore.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus	In the UP Building Lobby, you will always find a game of Magic: The Gathering, Dungeon and Dragons, Warhammer, or any other types of those games. Personally, I do not play any of them, but I can see that a lot of people do due to the Digital Arts Program that is centered at the Seminole Campus with all the classes in the UP Building.
Great for these types of students	Smokers. They have a huge designated spot for the students who smoke at SPC. I do not smoke but I see them in the gathering there talking about classes, getting to know each other etc. I think it's a great idea that they thought of so the rest of the campus is clean.
Clubs and Activities	Activities are always planned around campus. The student government knows how to plan stuff. Usually there is snow cones, popcorn, and ping-pong in the UP Building. There is a list of clubs also at the campus. Student Government is the big one also with a Christian Club.
Campus Safety	I was very surprised about the Campus Safety. You do see the Security Golf Carts go by time-to time, but not that much in the day. However, I gave it the 4 stars because at night time, you see more Security Golf Carts and usually a Pinellas County Sheriff Deputy in the parking lot. I know SPC doesn't have that deputy there, but usually it's a great place for them to be on their break. It does work tho because I have seen an event that one of those deputies being on break and actually helped SPC Security out. So, I guess a win-win situation? ha!!

Woraluk from Clearwater, FL

a current student here

Categories	Comments
In three sentences	Even though it isn't big college, but you can feel comfortable here. The instructors are very nice. And you will get the better life definitely!
Tips for prospective students	Just need your inspiration only, and then you know already what you really want to do.
Academic Rigor	The academic advisors are very friendly and helpful.
Dorm Life	Perfect.
Food and Dining	There are many kind of foods that you can choose.
What to do for fun	Meeting with different people, talking exchange each opinion.