About Florida State University
The financial picture works for most families. Students pay an average net price of $10,997 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $5,777. Graduates earn a median of $61,675 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $18,000 manageable at $191 monthly payments. The 83% six-year graduation rate means most students finish what they start.
Campus buzzes with Seminoles pride across 16 varsity sports that compete in the ACC. The university awards over $8 million in athletic scholarships annually. Students stick around with a 96% retention rate, and 87% of the student body comes from Florida. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes accessible while maintaining the energy of a major research university.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.0%
- Retention Rate
- 95.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,675
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Doctoral | $162,463 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $104,192 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,632 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $83,177 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $72,482 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,643 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $69,338 |
| Economics. | Master | $69,338 |
Campus Life
Football gamedays transform the entire city into a sea of garnet and gold. The Seminoles compete in the ACC with 16 varsity sports and 512 total athletes. Students gather at Doak Campbell Stadium, which holds over 79,000 fans. Greek life runs strong here, and the party scene earned FSU its reputation as a top party school. Beyond athletics, the film school ranks among the nation's best and draws aspiring filmmakers from across the country. Weekend options range from hitting the strip of bars on Tennessee Street to exploring nearby state parks. With 86.95% of students from Florida, the vibe stays distinctly Southern with a laid-back college town atmosphere.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 6,709 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
204 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 69 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Burglary | 18 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 1 | 16 | 2 |
| Stalking | 13 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 12 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–63°F
- July Avg
- 73°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 58.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.5%
- White
- 58.2%
- Black
- 7.4%
- Hispanic
- 23.2%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 87.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.8%
Location
- Address
- Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1037
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,675
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,121
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $191/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Florida State University?
Florida State University admits 25.04% of applicants, making it fairly competitive. Admitted students typically score around 1290 on the SAT, reflecting the university's strong academic standards while remaining accessible to quality students.
How much does Florida State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,997 annually for students who receive aid. In-state students pay just $5,656 in tuition, while out-of-state tuition reaches $18,786, though the school keeps costs manageable through substantial state funding.
What is Florida State University known for academically?
FSU operates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its research university programs. The school has built particular strength in its film school and maintains a reputation for balancing rigorous academics with its famous athletic culture.
What are the career outcomes for Florida State University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $61,675 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 94.7%. The university's 83% six-year graduation rate demonstrates strong student success, while median debt of $18,000 keeps financial burdens reasonable.
Where is Florida State University located and what is campus life like?
The Tallahassee campus houses 6,709 students among its total enrollment of 31,812. The mid-size city setting provides a classic college town atmosphere where Seminoles athletics dominate campus culture, particularly during football season.
How strong are the athletics at Florida State University?
FSU competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 512 total athletes across 16 varsity sports, supported by over $8 million in athletic scholarships. The Seminoles have built a legendary football program that defines much of the university's national identity and school spirit.
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