Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

32.9%Acceptance

$5,785Tuition

7,516Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,349Earnings

#18 in FloridaPublic4-yearResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

FAMU is one of the nation's top historically black universities, drawing 7,516 students to its Tallahassee campus. The university has built a reputation for excellence in pharmacy, nursing, and journalism programs that consistently rank among the best at HBCUs. Notable graduates include Olympic sprinter Bob Hayes and tennis legend Althea Gibson, reflecting the university's tradition of producing trailblazers. With a 33% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1080, FAMU maintains selective admissions while staying accessible.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $13,203 annually after aid, while those from middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) face costs around $17,489. Graduates earn a median of $44,349 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,548 manageable. The 55% of students receiving financial aid find strong value in their investment.

Women make up 66% of the student body, and 89% of students are Black, creating a supportive community where students see themselves reflected in campus leadership. The 86% retention rate suggests students feel at home on "The Hill," as FAMU's elevated campus is known. With 14 Division I sports teams and a spirited rivalry with Bethune-Cookman, school pride runs deep.

Academics & Faculty

FAMU is one of the nation's top historically black public research universities, with particularly strong reputations in pharmacy, nursing, and journalism. The School of Pharmacy consistently ranks among the top programs nationally and produces more African American pharmacists than any other institution. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship and research opportunities. The journalism program has produced Emmy winners and major media figures. However, the 51.90% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face balancing academics with financial pressures. The nursing program maintains high NCLEX pass rates and strong job placement. FAMU's research university status means undergraduates can participate in faculty research projects across disciplines.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.9%
Retention Rate: 86.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,349
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Certificate	$120,124
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$100,626
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$71,015
Construction Engineering Technologies.	Bachelor	$61,814
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$59,417
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$58,919
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$56,979
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$53,608
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$52,107
Architecture.	Master	$49,136

View all 105 programs →

Campus Life

FAMU's hilltop campus sits in Florida's capital city, giving students access to state government internships and a college town atmosphere. With housing capacity for 2,679 students and total enrollment of 7,516, about 36% of students live on campus. The rest commute from around Tallahassee or nearby areas, since 74% come from within Florida.

Students experience warm, humid weather year-round with mild winters that rarely require heavy coats. Campus traditions run deep at this historically black university, where 89% of students are Black and school spirit centers around Rattler athletics and the world-famous Marching 100 band. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates close connections, especially important given that 56% receive Pell grants and benefit from mentorship. Weekends often revolve around football games, Greek life events, and exploring Tallahassee's music venues and restaurants. The rivalry with Bethune-Cookman creates electric energy during homecoming. With a 66% female student body, campus social life tends toward study groups, cultural events, and community service projects that reflect the university's "Excellence with Caring" motto.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 2,679 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	3	3
Dating Violence	2	2
Rape	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–63°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 58.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

FAMU draws primarily from Florida, with three-quarters of students calling the state home. The student body is overwhelmingly African American, reflecting the university's proud HBCU heritage and mission to serve Black students. Women outnumber men two-to-one, which aligns with FAMU's standout programs in nursing and pharmacy where female enrollment typically runs high. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing FAMU's commitment to making quality education accessible to first-generation college students and those from working-class families across the Southeast.

Men: 33.7%
Women: 66.3%
White: 3.1%
Black: 89.2%
Hispanic: 5.4%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 74.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.6%

Location

FAMU sits in Tallahassee, Florida's capital city, roughly 160 miles from Jacksonville and 200 miles from Tampa. The university anchors one of the South's top college towns, sharing the city with Florida State University and creating a active student population of over 70,000. Tallahassee blends government activity with academic energy, surrounded by rolling hills and canopy roads lined with oak trees. The city offers an unusual combination of political internships and college traditions in North Florida's wooded landscape. Nearly three-quarters of FAMU students come from within Florida. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare FAMU with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tallahassee, Florida 32307

Carnegie Library at Florida A&M University Tallahassee, Florida

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,349
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,457
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $250/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,548

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University?

FAMU accepts 32.93% of applicants, making it moderately selective among HBCUs. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1150 on the SAT. This strong historically black university draws competitive applicants for its well-known pharmacy, nursing, and journalism programs.

How much does Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,847 after aid, with 55.57% receiving financial assistance. In-state tuition runs $5,785 while out-of-state students pay $17,725. The university serves a predominantly low-income population, with over half of students qualifying for Pell Grants.

What academic programs is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University known for?

FAMU maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its academic divisions. The university has built a national reputation for its pharmacy, nursing, and journalism schools. With 7,516 total students, FAMU combines the intimate learning environment of a smaller institution with the research opportunities of a major university.

What are the career outcomes for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $44,349 ten years after graduation, with a 94.8% employment rate. The university maintains a 51.90% six-year graduation rate. FAMU alumni include Olympic sprinter Bob Hayes, tennis champion Althea Gibson, and rapper-actor Common.

Where is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Tallahassee, providing students access to Florida's capital city environment. Housing capacity reaches 2,679 students, creating a residential community atmosphere. FAMU competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports and awards over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships.

Is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University diverse in its student body?

FAMU serves 89.24% Black students as one of the nation's top historically black colleges and universities. Women comprise 66.29% of the student body, reflecting national trends in higher education enrollment. About 74.23% of students come from Florida, giving the university a strong in-state presence while attracting students nationwide to this top-tier HBCU.