Florida State University
Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24.2%, an average net price of $8,605, and an overall rank of #50 (Grade A). About 85.8% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $69,241 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Florida State University is a public university in Tallahassee, FL. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 96.0% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 189.2%, roughly 139.3 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is Florida State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Florida State University graduates 85.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 82.8% and keeps 96.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Florida State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $16,539 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,656 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,020 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,292 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,144 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.4% of Florida State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,332 annually, while high-income families pay $17,085. Use Florida State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,367/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,085/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $69,241
- 10-Year Median Earnings $68,225
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~18.8%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.0%
- Employment Rate 93.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Florida State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Florida State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Florida State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Florida State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 640-710
- SAT Math 630-700
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 29-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 32,212
- Full-Time Students 90.9%
- Part-Time Students 9.1%
- Retention Rate 96.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 85.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 82.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Florida State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Florida State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 24.2%, Florida State University is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Florida State University's 24.2% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1270 and 1410 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Florida State University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Finance and Financial Management Services, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.5%
- Marketing 4.7%
- English Language and Literature, General 4.4%
- Political Science and Government 4.3%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.1%
- Biology, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $102,516
- 2. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $99,280
- 3. Chemical Engineering $98,253
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Statistics $97,085
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $96,486
- 6. Insurance $95,930
- 7. Management Information Systems and Services $95,233
- 8. Mechanical Engineering $92,658
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $89,416
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $88,996
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $209,572
- 2. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $196,699
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $121,273
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $118,251
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $108,137
- 6. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $108,004
- 7. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $104,012
- 8. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $103,763
- 9. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $102,739
- 10. Industrial Engineering (Master's Degree) $96,288
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $102,516—15% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($88,996). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $209,572 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Florida State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 879 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 703 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 649 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 554 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 421 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (78 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Political Science and Government
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Public Health
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Economics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Social Sciences, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Real Estate
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Music
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Insurance
- History
- Civil Engineering
- Sociology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Work
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Apparel and Textiles
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Statistics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Security Science and Technology
- Anthropology
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Physics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Philosophy
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Geography and Cartography
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Area Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computational Science
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Online Master's Degrees (59 programs)▼
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Music
- Political Science and Government
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Psychology, General
- Public Health
- Biology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Applied Mathematics
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Chemistry
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Statistics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Geography and Cartography
- English Language and Literature, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Sociology
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- Anthropology
- Industrial Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Demography
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computational Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Materials Sciences
- Dance
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Doctoral Degrees (52 programs)▼
- Music
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business/Commerce, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computational Science
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Information Science/Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Philosophy
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Industrial Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Civil Engineering
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Materials Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 32,212
- Full-Time Students 90.9%
- Part-Time Students 9.1%
- Male Students 43.9%
- Female Students 56.1%
- Caucasian 57.6%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 23.5%
- Black 7.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Florida State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Florida State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Florida State University delivers an 0.0% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #50 overall, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 85.8% graduation rate and $69,241 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $8,605 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 96.0% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: Florida State University's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A | Overall Rank: #50 of 1934 | 97.5/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $8,605 annually, Florida State University costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 0.0% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($69,241 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 0 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. Florida State University balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 85.8% graduation rate sits 23.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.0% first-year retention is 19.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $69,241 run about 12% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $8,605 is roughly $11,302 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years is 25.1 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years sits 25.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 25.4% trails the national share by 13.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Florida State University, a public university in Tallahassee, FL, secures an A grade in our latest review. It holds a #50 overall ranking Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 96.0% retention, 85.8% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 82.8% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $8,605 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,144.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $16,539 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $69,241 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 12% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 93.3% of alumni working within three years.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
24.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Florida State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Florida State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/florida-state-university/
MLA (9th): “Florida State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/florida-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Florida State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/florida-state-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida State University's acceptance rate?
Florida State University's acceptance rate is 24.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Florida State University cost?
At Florida State University, listed tuition and fees are $5,656 per year, and the average net price after aid is $8,605. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Florida State University's ranking?
Florida State University ranks #50 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Florida State University's graduation rate?
At Florida State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 85.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 82.8%, and first-year retention is 96.0%.
What are Florida State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Florida State University report median earnings of $69,241 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Florida State University's student population?
Florida State University enrolls about 32,212 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037
- Website www.fsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$947.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate4.2%