What Verdica's 781 score means for Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater
Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater scores 781 out of 850 on Verdica's composite scale, placing it in the "strong" band (740–799). This score reflects reliable compliance and operational standing across the dimensions Verdica tracks: accreditation, student outcomes, and regulatory adherence.
A strong score indicates that the institution is meeting or exceeding baseline regulatory and quality expectations. Readers should interpret this as a positive signal—the college is not flagged for major compliance violations or accreditation risk. However, the strong band sits below "excellent" (800–850), which means there are measurable areas where performance could be higher. For someone evaluating whether to enroll, refer a student, or partner with this institution, a 781 suggests it is generally safe and operationally sound, though prospective students may want to review program-specific outcomes or graduation rates independently.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845 (excellent)
This sub-score reflects the institution's accreditation status and standing with recognized accrediting bodies. A score of 845 indicates that Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater holds valid accreditation and is not under sanction, probation, or heightened monitoring by its accreditor. In the education sector, accreditation is a gatekeeper for federal financial aid eligibility and employer recognition, so an excellent score here is a major positive. It signals that the college has met rigorous institutional standards and continues to do so.
Student Outcomes: 670 (acceptable)
This sub-score is based on IPEDS data (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which captures completion rates, employment outcomes, and earnings data for graduates. A score of 670 places student outcomes in the "acceptable" band (670–739). This is the lowest of the three sub-scores and is the primary factor keeping the composite score out of the excellent range. An acceptable rating suggests that student success metrics are within normal range for the sector, but not distinctly strong. Prospective students should review specific program completion and job placement rates to understand whether outcomes align with their goals.
Compliance: 835 (excellent)
This sub-score reflects Title IV compliance—adherence to federal financial aid regulations, timely reporting, and absence of material violations in how the institution administers aid and maintains student records. A score of 835 indicates that Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater is compliant with federal oversight requirements and is not at risk of losing its ability to disburse federal student aid. This is critical for institutions that rely on federal financial aid as a revenue source and for students who depend on loans or grants.
What regulators in FL track for education providers
Florida-based education providers are monitored by multiple regulators. Accreditors (such as SACSCOC in the Southeast) conduct regular reviews of institutional mission, governance, resources, and student learning outcomes. Violations or declining accreditation standing would lower the accreditation sub-score.
Title IV compliance is monitored by the U.S. Department of Education. Violations—such as failure to accurately report enrollment or financial aid data, mishandling of student loan servicing, or systemic financial aid disbursement errors—trigger compliance audits and can result in loss of Title IV eligibility. The compliance sub-score reflects absence of material Title IV violations.
IPEDS data is publicly reported by all accredited institutions and includes graduation rates, retention rates, and earnings data (as of recent reporting cycles). Institutions with low completion rates or weak employment outcomes will have lower student outcomes sub-scores.
Bottom line
With a 781 composite score, Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater is a strong, generally low-risk education provider that meets regulatory standards and maintains valid accreditation. If considering enrollment or partnership, cross-check the specific program's completion rate and employment outcomes, since overall student outcomes are the weakest component of the institutional profile.