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Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL·Public·31,812 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. strong 83% graduation rate; 96% freshman retention — students rarely leave.

25%
Accept
31,812
Students
$10,997
Net Price
83%
Grad Rate
$53,900
Earnings
10 yr
$16,100
Debt

About This School

Florida State University is a public institution located in Tallahassee, Florida with approximately 31,812 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 25% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $10,997 per year. The graduation rate is 83%, and the typical graduate earns $53,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida and a preeminent university in the state. Chartered in 1851, it is located on Florida's oldest continuous site of higher education.

This is a strong option for students who want a selective public university experience without the price tag — at just $10,997/year average net cost and a 96% freshman retention rate, students are clearly staying and succeeding. An 83% graduation rate and median earnings of $53,900 a decade out are solid, and the relatively low median debt of $16,100 means graduates aren't buried financially. Worth considering if you're looking for a well-resourced flagship school at a genuinely affordable price, though students should be prepared for a competitive admissions process with a 25% acceptance rate.

Founded
1851
Setting
Midsize city
Conference
Metro Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing25%
Social Sciences13%
Psychology8%
Biological Sciences8%
Health Professions8%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science4%
Engineering4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jim MorrisonRichard SimmonsFaye DunawayBurt ReynoldsHunter S. ThompsonMokgweetsi MasisiLuis FonsiCasper Van DienSylvia A. EarleCheryl HinesMami YamaguchiChristine Lahti

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1323
Reading 75th %ile700
Math 75th %ile690

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,656
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,786
Avg Net Price
$10,997
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$16,100

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
83%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
96%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,100
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,100
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White58%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino23%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (31,812 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Florida State University

222 S. Copeland Street

Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Florida

Browse all Florida schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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