Overview
Florida State University is a selective public four-year institution in Tallahassee, Florida. The school accepts 25.0% of applicants and enrolls 31,812 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 25.0%
- Average SAT
- 1,290
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,210–1,370
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 29
- Total Enrollment
- 31,812
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Florida State's admissions office prioritizes your fit with specific academic programs over generic enthusiasm for the university itself. When you write your essays, connect your goals directly to FSU's nationally ranked film school, criminology program, or psychology department rather than praising Tallahassee's college town atmosphere.
The application requires you to select a specific college within FSU, and switching between colleges after admission can be difficult. Research your intended major's requirements thoroughly because some programs like film production admit far fewer students than others. Your essay should reference specific faculty research, recent program achievements, or career outcomes tied to your chosen field.
FSU's culture revolves around traditions that go deeper than football gamedays. Reference specific elements like the Chief Osceola and Renegade tradition, the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society, or your interest in participating in research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Admissions readers can spot generic "school spirit" essays immediately.
Your biggest advantage comes from demonstrating knowledge of FSU's academic structure. The university operates as separate colleges with different standards and expectations. Engineering applicants should highlight math and science achievements, while those applying to the College of Social Sciences should emphasize research experience or community involvement related to their field.
Don't assume FSU accepts students primarily based on state residency. The admissions process has become increasingly competitive, and out-of-state applicants who show genuine interest in specific programs often have better outcomes than in-state students who submit generic applications. Your essays must prove you understand what makes FSU different from other large state universities.
Submit your application early in the review cycle. FSU uses rolling admissions for some programs, meaning qualified candidates who apply earlier have better chances than equally qualified students who wait. Pay attention to individual college deadlines within FSU, as some programs have earlier cut-offs than the university-wide deadline.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $10,997/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $5,656
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $18,786
- Students Receiving Aid
- 24%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,675/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 95.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Florida State University requires either SAT or ACT scores for freshman admission. The university does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for Florida State University?
Florida State University has an early action deadline of October 15 and a regular decision deadline of January 15. Early action is non-binding and provides an admission decision by mid-December.
How many credit hours do transfer students need to apply to Florida State University?
Transfer applicants to Florida State University must have completed at least 12 college credit hours from a regionally accredited institution. Students with fewer than 60 credit hours must also submit high school transcripts and test scores.
Does Florida State University offer Early Decision admissions?
Florida State University does not offer Early Decision. The university only provides Early Action, which is non-binding and allows students to apply to other schools.