
222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA


Florida State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation is a key indicator of the institution's adherence to established academic standards and overall educational quality. Additionally, several of the university's individual programs have earned specialized accreditations from professional organizations, which further validate the rigor and relevance of its academic offerings in specific fields. Prospective students should verify that the particular program they are interested in meets necessary professional accreditation requirements, especially in disciplines where such credentials influence career options or licensure eligibility.
Florida State University maintains selective admission standards with an acceptance rate of approximately 25%, placing it among the more competitive institutions nationally. Prospective students are required to have completed a secondary school program and provide a high school transcript demonstrating academic achievement, as well as verified General Educational Development (GED) credentials if applicable.
Applicants must submit standardized test scores, including the SAT or ACT, with the university displaying a preference for strong results. The average SAT score of admitted students is around 1260, ranking in the top 25% nationally, with notable subscores of 620 in Math and 640 in Writing. The mean ACT score hovers near 28, also within the top quarter of test-takers. In addition, international candidates must provide TOEFL scores as part of the admission process.
While certain recommendations and evaluations of applicant competencies are suggested, they are not strictly obligatory. Florida State University does not operate an open admission policy, thus emphasizing academic preparedness and competitive test performance. The institution permits the transfer of college credits, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits, enhancing flexibility for incoming students who have completed prior college-level work.
Florida State University charges an application fee to prospective students, which is a standard practice for many higher education institutions. Applicants should be prepared for this cost when submitting their application materials. However, the university offers fee waivers for eligible students to help reduce financial barriers during the application process. These waivers are typically available to those who demonstrate financial need or qualify through specific programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups.
Florida State University offers its students access to ROTC programs through an on-campus branch unit. This allows students to participate directly in ROTC training and leadership development activities without leaving the university environment. Additionally, students have the option to engage with ROTC programs at cooperating host institutions, providing further flexibility for those interested in military training and commissioning opportunities.
Florida State University allows prospective transfer students to apply for admission in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The institution accepts transfer credits, facilitating smoother transitions for students coming from other colleges. Additionally, the university considers CLEP subject exams as part of its credit transfer policy and welcomes recommendation letters as part of the application process.
Florida State University offers a diverse range of study abroad opportunities designed to accommodate various academic goals and interests. Students can participate in semester- or year-long programs, shorter summer sessions, faculty-led courses, and international internships. These options provide flexibility for students seeking immersive cultural experiences or academic credit in global settings.
The university partners with institutions worldwide, enabling students to study in numerous countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. These partnerships expand access to programs focused on disciplines such as business, arts, sciences, and languages.
A distinctive aspect of Florida State University's study abroad portfolio is its support for faculty-led programs, which allow students to explore specific topics through courses conducted by Florida State professors in foreign locations. This setup offers a carefully curated academic and cultural experience.
Additionally, students may engage in international internships that combine practical work experience with cultural immersion, enhancing career readiness and global understanding. The study abroad office provides guidance and resources to help students select programs that align with their academic plans and personal interests.
Median composite SAT score
1260Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting ACT scores
36.1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
63.9%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer