Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL, USA

Reviews

Indian River State College

Crista from Fort Pierce, FL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Professors are very educated and experienced in their fields! Also, tons of ways to get help or more info in classes that you are struggling in.
Am enjoying being here
The social clubs and activities are great for a smaller campus, plus with the size way easier to make friends and learn your way around. People try to make you feel at home there.
Bang for the buck
The cost is much less than other colleges! Also, the great thing is that IRSC works with FAU, Harbor Branch, and tons of other facilites on professional levels. The education you get is in competition with some of Florida's top Universities. With the one on one, community, education level...definitely a Bang for the buck!
Tips for prospective students
Apply online for as many things as you can and save all your logins. Also, when ever you have questions go in person and always try to see the same people. When on campus, speak up...say hi, smile...when the staff learns who you are life is a lot easier! Plus, if you want good parking the first two weeks of class, show up early...dont last minute try to park!!
Great for these types of students
Students who like attention from Professors and like one on one. Students who like more familiar, small settings. Anyone who wants a really good education at a much better price!

Connor from Port Saint Lucie, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
indian river state college is an incredible institution for students searching for a good local school. being the 3rd most affordable college in the nation, it is definitely the best choice for those looking to learn on a budget, while still maintaining quality in their education. i would highly recommend this college to anyone.
Academic Rigor
the classes at indian river state college are challenging, but not impossible. it all depends on the class and the professor, really, but most of the time work is spread out evenly over the course of the semester, which helps the average student get their work done more efficiently.
Dorm Life
i cannot comment on dorm life, as i do not live in the dorms at irsc.
Food and Dining
the cafeteria at the main campus of irsc (in ft. pierce) has delicious food at decent prices. there are also vending machines in various locations, so in case you don't have time to stop by the student union, you can get a snack on the go. also, many of the other campuses have built-in brand name restaurants; for example, the saint lucie west campus houses a subway to dine at.
Bang for the buck
this college is by far the best institute when it comes to getting your money's worth. the classes and books are inexpensive, and with the help of financial aid from the school, sometimes students end up on the receiving end of the finances.
Campus Safety
the campus is very secure, with security guards roaming the grounds at all times. never once have i considered the campus to be unsafe.

Brandon from Vero Beach, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are a great size which is good because it will be easier to get 1-on-1 with your teacher. The teachers are great and I've learned a lot in my years here. Just as good as a public university, and it's cheaper!
Am enjoying being here
I love it here! The teachers are great and so are my fellow students. It helps to be in band though too, it makes it more fun (or if you're in one of the sports too).
Bang for the buck
Definitely! So much cheaper than universities and other colleges and you get a quality education!
Tips for prospective students
Go here. It is a good way to start out the beginning of your college career. I would advise coming and getting your AA or BA here (they only offer BAs for certain programs though) and then after that you can easily transfer!
Great for these types of students
All types of students would fit in here, unless you want a HUGE campus, a HUGE class, and no 1-on-1 attention.

Alicia from Port Saint Lucie, FL

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
Most of my professors really cared about their student's learning, if you were willing to do the work.
Did enjoy being here
It felt like the 13th grade but the theatre program made it worthwhile.
Great for these types of students
Students who aren't quite ready for university and plan on transferring out (most degrees are only offered as AA), students interested in the performing arts (the Theatre/Music/Dance programs at IRSC are hidden gems), and people who need to work outside of their coursework or have children.

Jade from Port St Lucie, FL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school has an unparalleled hometown feel to it. You will find that the majority of the professors are so passionate about what they teach that you will begin to feel some of that passion within yourself. The campuses are all gorgeous and accessible to students from all walks of life.
Tips for prospective students
Before you register with a teacher, ask other students about the class and see if you can find people who have already taken the class with the professor. That will help you to make sure that you find the right fit for your learning style. Also, don't wait until the last minute to register, because you may end up in a classroom, on a campus, or with a professor that does not work for you.
Academic Rigor
The coursework is just above average. You don't feel over worked, but you will feel like your brain is being worked. The load is not overly hard, but it isn't easy either. Many of the teachers use common knowledge and understanding to help you to relate the information so that it comes naturally to your memory.
Dorm Life
The school is located near to my family's home, so I do not live in a dorm. However, I do know of students that make use of the school's dormitories. These students claim that the school's dorms are a wonderful provision. The monthly rent includes utilities, cable, and phone service. The dorms are located adjacent to the main campus, which allows the students to be close to their classrooms. The space is conducive to studying, furnished with desks and other arrangements for the students to be able to have quiet time. The dorms are right in the city of Fort Pierce, near beaches and downtown city life, which makes weekends and nights fun.
Food and Dining
The school campuses are all located within cities with restaurants within walking distance. There are fast food restaurants, but there are also nicer dining spots, such as Chili's, Ruby Tuesday, Big Apple, and many others. Also, some of the campuses have restaurants in them, such as Subway. The main campus has a cafeteria that serves meals that are quite tasty.
What to do for fun
The St. Lucie West campus is located by a movie theater, a frozen yogurt shop, and a Superplay USA, which contains a bowling alley, batting cages, a restaurant, laser tag, and mini golf. That's only one campus! The other campuses are also located near the main hubs of their respective cities so that students don't have to travel far to blow off some steam.
Bang for the buck
The student services centers at IRSC are really great. Counselors will help you make sure that you apply for scholarships and work out the best way to pay for your education. Classes are not expensive at all, especially for Florida residents. For what you pay, you get awesome instructors, comfortable classrooms, and beautiful campuses.
Campus Safety
Campus police are amazing. I have personally been able to experience their concern for the safety of the student. Having taken a night class, I have seen them watching the parking lots and locking the classrooms. They respond immediately to concerns. One of the officers even gave my classroom his cell phone number so that we could reach him if we had any problems.

Amber from Fort Pierce, FL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
indian river is the #1 most affordable college in the us, and students always get their monies worth by attending. the small class sizes are perfect for getting involved in lectures and labs, and for personal relationships with the professors and teachers. indian river may be a growing college, but irsc has state-of-the-art technology that makes earning a degree very worthwhile.
Tips for prospective students
use your resources and get to know people in all the major departments, like financial aid. also, get up on time to get adequate parking to be on time for class because most professors do take attendance. if you are planning to sign up for work-study, then fill out the application and fafsa very early so that you get a chance. irsc also offers part-time jobs as an irsc employee that pays more that financial-aid based work-study. students should try to get involved in the student support services program, which helps students with financial aid tips, picking out classes and so on.
Academic Rigor
classes can be very challenging depending on the professor or teacher. some professors are lax and some are very hard, especially in upper level courses, such as courses taken for pre-med and engineering students. irsc's rigor shouldn't be judged by the surrounding community or by its small campus size (which rapidly growing).
Dorm Life
i don't know much about dorm life because i stay with my parents, but i haven't heard any complaints from students since i've been at indian river.
Food and Dining
the food is ok, but there are better options, like big apple's pizza across the street, the tiki bar, or someplace else.
What to do for fun
the beach is always and option, or going down to palm beach, fort lauderdale, or miami if gas isn't an issue.
Bang for the buck
there are so many steals are irsc, like the price per credit hour for classes, discounts on software like microsoft office, the price of books is more reasonable than at a university, and accessibility to professors is great.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
irsc just opened a nuclear engineering/technology building just this year. it hasn't even had it's opening ceremony yet! it's the only nuclear engineering/technology center in the region!
Clubs and Activities
there are a wide variety of clubs like the spanish club, science club, campus coalition government, phi theta kappa, etc.
Greek Life
phi theta kappa is the only somewhat greek club the is available for students with a 3.5 or higher, by invite only.
Campus Safety
the campus patrol is always around. irsc has code blue phones scattered around every campus location. if there is an emergency, irsc will send an automated message to students' cell phone numbers that are on record.

Billy from Fort Pierce, FL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
professors are willing to work one-on-one with students having difficulty in their class.
Am enjoying being here
Staff and students are very friendly and helpful.

Rachel from Palm City, FL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
IRSC is a great school to attend, whether you are planning to transfer to university or complete a four-year degree on the local campus. The tuition is very reasonable and the course selection is fairly comprehensive. Everyone is very helpful -- from the academic advisors, to the classroom professors and the teachers helping out in the study labs.
Tips for prospective students
The financial aid and academic advising offices become very busy around semester registration dates. Take careful notes and follow up with your advisors to expedite your progress (the advisors will appreciate it)
Academic Rigor
The classes can be challenging, but the professors are willing to take the time to answer your questions
Dorm Life
I have heard that dorm life is good, but I am living off campus.
Food and Dining
Great selection, especially on the Clark Learning Center campus
What to do for fun
The college has a black box theatre that is pretty good. There are also a number of clubs for students.
Bang for the buck
Some of the most affordable tuition in the state!
Clubs and Activities
A wide variety of active clubs
Campus Safety
Parking lots are well-lit and patrolled both during the day and evening hours.