Florida State University (FSU), established in 1851, is a preeminent public research university in Tallahassee and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. FSU offers over 300 degree programs across 16 colleges, with particular strengths in meteorology, creative writing, and music. The university's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is the most powerful magnet lab in the world. FSU's 487-acre campus features landmarks like Doak Campbell Stadium and the College of Medicine's state-of-the-art facilities.
FSU's research enterprise addresses challenges from hurricane prediction to neuroscience. The university's NCAA Division I athletics, especially its championship football and baseball programs, foster strong school spirit. FSU's commitment to the arts includes the Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Opening Nights performing arts series. Alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in every field who carry forward FSU's tradition of excellence.
Florida State University Acceptance Rate
Florida State University (FSU) is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 25.38% indicates that only 25 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, FSU considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Florida State University Admission Requirements
FSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at FSU is 3.7. FSU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.4 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
FSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at FSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.70 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.30 – 3.49 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.29 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At FSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Florida State University (FSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Florida State University Average SAT Score: 1323
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Florida State University is 1323 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1323 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1390 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Florida State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1240, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to FSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 650 | 610 | 690 |
| SAT Reading | 665 | 630 | 700 |
| SAT Composite | 1323 | 1240 | 1390 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1240 then you are below most of the admitted students at FSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1390 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Florida State University (FSU) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Florida State University (FSU) are good but the admission staff at FSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Florida State University (FSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at FSU is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Florida State University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 29 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 27 | 31 |
Can I get into Florida State University with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Florida State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.FSU Profile
Name: Florida State University (FSU)
City: Tallahassee
URL: https://www.fsu.edu/
State: Florida
Type: Public
Zip: 32306-1037
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from FSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Florida State University is USD: 23683. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Florida State University is USD: 10997
How can I get a scholarship?
23.75% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.91 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to FSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Florida State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist FSU as your choice in the form.
How much a FSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 61675. An average FSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Florida State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1296 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Florida State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Simmons University | Simmons University, MA | 1332 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Florida State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Area Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $61675 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23683 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Florida State University is 25.38 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.4 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Florida State University if my GPA is below 3.3
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Florida State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1323 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1240-1390
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Florida State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.