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93.8%Acceptance
$55,220Tuition
2,292Students
63%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$51,642Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Stetson University

Stetson University attracts students seeking a close-knit liberal arts education with standout music and business programs. The university enrolls 2,292 students in the charming college town of DeLand, Florida. Notable graduates include former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham and PGA Tour golfer Hal Sutton. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name rather than ID number. The school's music conservatory and business school draw students who want specialized training within a broader liberal arts framework.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. While tuition runs $55,220, the average student pays just $21,318 after aid thanks to generous institutional grants averaging $42,047. Graduates earn a median of $51,642 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments of $246. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay even less, with net prices dropping to around $16,000.

Stetson competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Hatters, fielding 18 varsity sports teams with 458 student-athletes. The 93.8% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants get in, though the 62.8% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong motivation to finish. Three-quarters of students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Stetson University operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse fields before specializing, with particularly strong reputations in music and business programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes and direct professor access that many larger universities cannot provide. However, the 63% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish on schedule despite the personalized attention. The School of Music has earned national recognition, while the business program attracts students seeking practical career preparation. With only 2,292 total students, professors know their students by name and can provide individualized mentoring that helps explain the college's tight-knit academic community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
67.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
63.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
62.8%
Retention Rate
72.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,642
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $62,260
Law. Master $61,020
Accounting and Related Services. Master $56,867
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $54,751
Law. Doctoral $54,371
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $48,667
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. Bachelor $44,776
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $42,012
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $39,009
Marketing. Bachelor $37,748

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Stetson spend their days on a tree-lined campus in downtown DeLand, about an hour northeast of Orlando. The 159-acre campus feels like a small New England college transplanted to Florida, where palm trees mix with century-old oaks. With housing capacity for 1,942 students and total enrollment of 2,292, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and office hours feel more like conversations than formal meetings.

DeLand's small-town charm centers around the campus, with local coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance. Students pack sunscreen year-round since winter temperatures rarely drop below the 50s. Weekend activities revolve around Division I athletics, especially baseball games at Melching Field, and the famous Green Feather tradition during homecoming. The music program draws crowds to regular concerts at Elizabeth Hall. Many students head to nearby Blue Spring State Park for kayaking or take day trips to Orlando's theme parks. Greek life provides another social outlet, though the campus culture emphasizes collaboration over competition.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,942 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1883

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 51 10 0 0
Burglary 6 2 0 0
Stalking 3 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0
Arson 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
44°–69°F
July Avg
72°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
55.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Three-quarters of Stetson students hail from Florida, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation and deep ties to the Sunshine State. The student body of 2,292 creates an intimate campus where everyone knows each other. Women slightly outnumber men, drawn to Stetson's well-known music and education programs. The school serves a economically diverse population, with over a third receiving Pell Grants. Students typically score around 1200 on the SAT, representing solid academic preparation. The mix includes 50% white students alongside significant Hispanic and Black populations, mirroring Florida's multicultural demographics.
Men
43.1%
Women
56.9%
White
50.4%
Black
12.2%
Hispanic
19.7%
Asian
1.7%
In-State Students
75.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.4%

Location

DeLand sits 25 miles southwest of Daytona Beach in central Florida's rolling hills. The city of 37,000 residents centers around Stetson's historic campus, creating a classic college town atmosphere. About 75% of Stetson students come from in-state, drawn to the small-city charm that's rare in Florida's more urbanized regions. DeLand offers tree-lined streets and antique shops within an hour of both Orlando and the Atlantic coast. The area feels more like the American South than typical Florida, with canopy roads and less development pressure than coastal cities. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Stetson University with similar schools in the region.
Address
DeLand, Florida 32723
Stetson Univ - Building2
Stetson Univ - Building2
Stetson University campus
Stetson University campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,642
Median Earnings (5 years)
$54,413
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,500
Loan Repayment Rate
61.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Stetson University?

Stetson University accepts 93.80% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110-1305 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on welcoming motivated students rather than just top test scorers.

How much does Stetson University cost after financial aid?

While Stetson's sticker price is $72,450, the average net price drops to $21,318 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,596 on average, thanks to the school's commitment to making this private liberal arts education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Stetson University?

Stetson maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,292 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in the school's well-known music and business programs, creating an intimate learning environment typical of top liberal arts colleges.

What do Stetson University graduates earn after college?

Stetson graduates earn a median of $51,642 ten years after graduation, with a strong 93.1% employment rate. The school's combination of liberal arts education and practical programs in business helps students build successful careers across various fields.

Where is Stetson University located and what is campus life like?

Stetson sits in DeLand, Florida, a charming small city that serves as a classic college town. With housing for 1,942 students and 18 NCAA Division I sports teams known as the Hatters, campus life centers around this close-knit community of just over 2,000 students.

Is Stetson University known for any particular programs?

Stetson has built a strong reputation for its music and business programs since its founding in 1883. The school's small liberal arts focus allows these programs to flourish, producing notable alumni like former Florida Governor Bob Graham and PGA Tour golfer Hal Sutton.