At $10,997/yr net price, Florida State University graduates earn $61,675/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,675/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,997 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,675/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,675/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,777/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,427/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,131/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,057/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,910/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $68,875 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $83,177 | $35,474 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 | $68,893 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $72,482 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,643 | $19,375 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $23,250 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $69,338 | $30,750 |
| Economics. | Master | $69,338 | $20,250 |
The Risk Factor
83.0% of students at Florida State University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Florida State University delivers solid financial returns with a manageable net price of $11,000 annually and graduates earning $62,000 ten years out. The 83% graduation rate means most students actually finish their degrees, making FSU a relatively safe investment compared to schools with higher dropout risks.
Business majors at FSU hit the jackpot with median earnings of $162,000, making it one of the highest-paying programs in the state system. Management Information Systems graduates also do strongly well at $104,000, while Computer Science majors earn $83,000 with reasonable debt levels. However, nursing students face a concerning debt burden of nearly $69,000 despite strong earning potential, and education majors accumulate similar debt for significantly lower salaries.
FSU's biggest financial risk lies in major selection. Choose the wrong program and you could graduate with substantial debt but limited earning power. The school's location in Tallahassee also means fewer internship and job opportunities compared to Miami or Orlando, though the strong alumni network in Florida government and business helps offset this disadvantage.
You should consider FSU if you're pursuing business, technology, or healthcare fields and want the full college experience without crushing debt. Skip it if you're targeting highly specialized fields better served by research universities or if you need extensive need-based aid, since only 24% of students receive financial assistance. In-state students get the best deal here, while out-of-state applicants should compare costs carefully against their home state options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida State University worth the cost?
Florida State University offers solid value with a net price of $11,000 and average earnings of $61,675 ten years after graduation. The low debt burden of $18,000 and strong 83% graduation rate make it a relatively safe investment for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Florida State University?
Business majors at FSU earn around $162,000 within 10 years, making it the top-paying program. Management Information Systems ($104,000) and nursing ($92,000) also provide strong returns compared to the modest cost of attendance.
How much debt do Florida State University graduates typically have?
FSU graduates carry a median debt of $18,000, which is manageable given the school's low net price and decent earning outcomes. This debt level is below the national average and shouldn't create major financial stress for most graduates.
Does Florida State University provide good financial aid?
FSU keeps costs reasonable with a net price of $11,000 per year after aid. The combination of state funding and institutional aid helps make this public university accessible to Florida residents and competitive for out-of-state students.