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Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public

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25.4%
Acceptance
1310
SAT
$29,262
Sticker Price
$11,131
Net Price*
$61,675
Earnings
1.7 yrs
Payback
74,038
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Florida State University's acceptance rate?

Down 11.4 percentage points since 2018

With a 25.4% acceptance rate, Florida State University is considered very selective. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Florida State University?

Florida State University received 74,038 applications in 2023, up 47% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 31% is moderate for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Florida State University?

Psychology, General leads as the most popular major at Florida State University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Florida State University?

Out-of-state tuition has decreased by 13% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown -4% from $30,473 to $29,262.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Florida State University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Industrial Engineering earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $71,643 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Industrial Engineering $71,643
$9,348 $128,868
Computer Engineering $71,015
$9,348 $128,868
Electrical, Electronics and Co... $68,918
$9,348 $128,868
Chemical Engineering $68,305
$9,348 $128,868
Mechanical Engineering $61,303
$9,348 $128,868
Management Information Systems... $61,218
$9,348 $128,868
Management Sciences and Quanti... $60,878
$9,348 $128,868
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $58,923
$9,348 $128,868
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Florida State University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 74,038 18,793 25.4% 31.3%
2022 78,088 19,552 25.0% 30.9%
2021 65,235 24,183 37.1% 31.5%
2020 63,691 20,668 32.5% 29.1%
2019 58,936 21,202 36.0% 33.5%
2018 50,314 18,504 36.8% 34.2%
2017 35,334 17,381 49.2% 37.5%
2016 29,027 16,840 58.0% 37.3%
2015 29,828 16,674 55.9% 36.6%

Is Florida State University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Florida State University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,675
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$14,900 $61,675 median $87,300

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $14,900 while the top 10% earn $87,300. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$49,814
Median Debt
$18,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
83.0%

How much does Florida State University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Florida State University is approximately $29,262 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$4,022
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,540
Fees
$1,634
Room & Board
$11,088
Total Cost of Attendance
$29,262

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $5,777
$30-48k income $7,427
$48-75k income $11,131
$75-110k income $16,057
$110k+ income $17,910

Which majors pay the most?

  • Industrial Engineering $71,643
  • Computer Engineering $71,015
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,918
  • Chemical Engineering $68,305
  • Mechanical Engineering $61,303

Who attends Florida State University?

Florida State University enrolls 43,234 students, with 6% from outside the United States. Women make up 58% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 43,234
Retention Rate 96%
International 6%
Women 58%
Race/Ethnicity
White 56%
Hispanic 21%
Black 9%
Asian 4%

How much financial aid is available?

78% of students receive some form of financial aid at Florida State University. About 24% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 78%
Avg: $8,848 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 24%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 22%
Avg: $5,473
School's Own Grants 36%
Avg: $3,498 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Florida State University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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