Florida State University campus
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Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public · 32,212 students

At the newly opened Innovation Hub in the heart of campus, students have access to all the latest technologies and staff support.

Acceptance rate

24.2%

SAT (mid 50%)

1270–1410

Avg net price

$11,297

after aid

Next deadline

Oct 15

EA

Testing

Required

2026 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Florida State University’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Florida State University admitted 24.2% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 12701410 on the SAT and 2932 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Florida State University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Preeminent Research, Liberal Arts Roots

Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts.

The university embraces a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and offers leading undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

  • Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Meteorology, Ecology and EvoSTEM, Research
  • Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, PubliGovernance, Behavior
  • Dance, Film, Music, Theatre, Creative WritingPerformance, Expression

Verified from fsu.edu and admissions.fsu.edu and admissions.fsu.edu and admissions.fsu.edu and news.fsu.edu and news.fsu.edu and fsu.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Next deadlineOctober 15, 2026 (EA)
  • Regular decisionDecember 1, 2026
  • TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
  • Recommendations0 letters
  • Personal essayRequired
  • ApplicationCommon App

Verified from https://www.fsu.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Design an Honors Signature Course at the intersection of two majors from different departments offered at FSU. Provide the course name, a 2-3 sentence description suitable for a website, explain important learning outcomes for students, and suggest a campus resource, faculty member, or organization to support the course.

    Up to 350 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.fsu.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $25,720, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $11,297.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $61,675.

Verified from https://www.fsu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

Build a prototype in the Innovation Hub, grab a coffee at Einstein's, then paddleboard at the 'Rez', a Tuesday here.

You can eat all you want at Suwanee Room and Seminole Café or grab a coffee between classes at Einstein's or Starbucks, then relax along the lake at the 'Rez,' FSU's lakefront property.

EntrepreneurialOutdoor-centricCommunity-focused

Quick answers

Florida State University FAQ

Is Florida State University test-optional?
No. For the 2026 application cycle, Florida State University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.
How hard is it to get into Florida State University?
Very hard. Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1270 to 1410 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
When is the Florida State University application deadline?
The next deadline is October 15, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes December 1, 2026.
How much does Florida State University cost?
The list price is about $25,720, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $11,297.
Is Florida State University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $61,675 ten years after enrolling, and 84% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

Launching soon

Ask Spike anything about Florida State University.

Spike answers from Florida State University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.