Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university in Tallahassee with 46,184 students in fall 2025 and 274 degree programmes.[1] It is tied 546th in the QS World University Rankings 2027[2] and 24th among public universities in the U.S. News 2027 ranking.[3]
For 2026–27 FSU’s fee schedule lists $215.55 per undergraduate credit hour for in-state students and $855.07 for out-of-state students; graduate courses cost $479.32 and $1,278.04.[4] First-year applicants must submit an ACT, CLT or SAT score, and applicants whose native language is not English must report English proficiency results.[5]
Key facts
| Official name | Florida State University (FSU) |
| Location | Main campus in Tallahassee, Florida; also Panama City, Florida and Panama City, Republic of Panama; study centres in London, Valencia and Florence[1] |
| Type | Public research university; one of 12 institutions in the State University System of Florida; Carnegie “Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity”[1] |
| Founded | 1851; FSU calls itself the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida[1] |
| Students | 46,184 in fall 2025 (71.6% undergraduates, 23.8% graduate students, 4.5% unclassified)[6] |
| International students | 7.87% of enrolment (fall 2024, the latest figure on the page); students from more than 130 countries[6] |
| Degree programmes | 274 (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist and professional)[1] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 546th (tied)[2] |
| U.S. News 2027, public universities | 24th (21st in the previous year)[3] |
| Tuition 2026–27, per credit hour | Undergraduate: $215.55 in-state · $855.07 out-of-state. Graduate: $479.32 · $1,278.04[4] |
| Estimated annual cost of attendance 2026–27 (Tallahassee, off campus) | Undergraduate $26,438 in-state · $44,336 out-of-state. Graduate $31,694 · $47,340[7] |
| Test requirement, first-year applicants | ACT, CLT or SAT score required (Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002)[5] |
| English proficiency, undergraduate | IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 80 (taken before 21 Jan 2026) or 4.0 (on or after); PTE 55; Duolingo 125[8] |
| Official website | fsu.edu |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 7 November 2026.
About Florida State University
Florida State University was founded in 1851 and describes itself as the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida.[1] Its main campus is in Tallahassee. FSU also has a campus in Panama City, Florida, a campus in Panama City, Republic of Panama, and study centres in London, Valencia and Florence.[1]
FSU holds the Carnegie classification “Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity” and is one of 12 public institutions in the State University System of Florida.[1] In fall 2025 it had 46,184 students from more than 130 countries; international students made up 7.87% of enrolment in fall 2024.[6]
How is Florida State University ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, Florida State University is tied 546th worldwide, with an overall score of 30.1.[2]
In the U.S. News & World Report 2027 ranking of public universities (reported on 23 September 2026) FSU is 24th, down from 21st the year before. The report we read gives public-university ranks only, so we do not state a national overall position.[3] FSU’s own About page links to a “Highlights & Rankings” section but gives no U.S. News figures itself.[1] Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at Florida State University?
FSU offers 274 degree programmes at bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist and professional level.[1] The About page we read does not list the colleges, so use the academics section of fsu.edu to find a programme. Some graduate departments set higher English or other requirements than the university minimum.[9]
How much does Florida State University cost in 2026–27?
| Per credit hour | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate courses | $215.55 | $855.07 |
| Graduate courses | $479.32 | $1,278.04 |
These totals come from FSU’s fee schedule for fall 2026, spring 2027 and summer 2027. The in-state figure is state, local and university fees together (for undergraduates, for example, $105.07 matriculation fee, $49.59 tuition differential and the campus fees); the out-of-state figure adds an out-of-state fee and an out-of-state financial aid fee. A flat facilities fee of $20 per semester is charged on top. The PDF words these as the proposed fees to be levied.[4]
FSU’s cost estimate tables for fall 2026 and spring 2027 (Tallahassee campus) show the following for two semesters:[7]
| Level | Residency | Tuition and fees per semester | Estimated annual cost of attendance, off campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (13 credits) | In-state | $2,827 | $26,438 |
| Undergraduate (13 credits) | Out-of-state | $11,141 | $44,336 |
| Graduate (9 credits) | In-state | $4,339 | $31,694 |
| Graduate (9 credits) | Out-of-state | $11,527 | $47,340 |
FSU describes these tables as estimates for financial-aid purposes; actual costs vary with tuition changes and individual choices.[7] The pages list “in-state” and “out-of-state” columns only; we found no separate international rate. International applicants must also show funds for the first year and for the full programme before FSU issues the Form I-20.[5]
How do you apply to Florida State University?
First-year undergraduates. International applicants use the same application as domestic applicants: either FSU’s own application or the Common App, but only one of them. After applying you receive Admissions Portal login details and complete the remaining requirements there.[5] Under Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002 first-year applicants must submit an ACT, CLT or SAT score, self-reported through the Admissions Portal. Depending on your credentials, your records go through the self-reported STARS system or must be submitted officially with a secondary-school evaluation from a credential agency (FSU recommends a NACES member); records not in English need a certified literal translation.[5]
After admission. Complete the online Certification of Financial Responsibility form. FSU must verify your financial resources before it issues the Form I-20 needed for an F-1 student visa.[5][9] Questions about the I-20 and F-1/J-1 process go to the Center for Global Engagement (CGE-NewStudents@fsu.edu).[9]
Graduate students. Departments usually start with self-reported English scores; official scores must still arrive.[9] We give no deadlines here because they change every year and differ by programme.
Which English level do you need?
English proficiency results are required from all international applicants whose native language is not English. FSU’s undergraduate minimums are:[5][8]
| Test | Minimum for undergraduate admission |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 if taken before 21 January 2026 · 4.0 if taken on or after that date |
| Academic IELTS | 6.5 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 55 |
| Michigan Language Assessment | 55 |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 180 |
Scores count only when the testing agency sends them directly to the Office of Admissions, and they are valid for two years.[8] The undergraduate page we read lists no waivers.
The Graduate School lists the same minimums (plus a paper-based TOEFL of 550 and completion of Level 8 at FSU’s Center for Intensive English Studies). It allows a waiver for applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree earned in the U.S. or an English-speaking country, and exempts applicants from listed countries such as Australia, Canada (except Quebec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the Philippines; departments may still ask for proof.[9]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Florida State University cost per year for an out-of-state student?
FSU estimates tuition and fees of $11,141 per semester for an out-of-state undergraduate taking 13 credits, and an annual cost of attendance of $44,336 living off campus. The in-state estimate is $2,827 per semester and $26,438 per year.[7]
Does Florida State University require the SAT or ACT?
First-year applicants must submit an ACT, CLT or SAT score under Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002; scores are self-reported through the Admissions Portal.[5]
What TOEFL or IELTS score does FSU require?
Is Florida State University a public university?
Yes. FSU is one of 12 public institutions in the State University System of Florida.[1]
More about studying in Florida
- Florida: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Florida
Sources
[1] Florida State University: About FSU (page without a date)
[2] xuanxiao.org: QS World University Rankings 2027, ranks 501–550 (QS publishes the ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (edition published 18 Jun 2026)
[3] Orlando Weekly: UCF drops in national rankings along with most Florida universities (reports U.S. News 2027) (article of 23 Sep 2026; public-university ranks only)
[4] Florida State University: Tuition and fees schedule, Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 (PDF) (PDF without a date; worded as proposed fees)
[5] FSU Admissions: International first-year applicants (page without a date)
[6] Florida State University: Student body (page without a date; enrolment fall 2025, international share fall 2024)
[7] Florida State University: Cost estimate information, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 (page without a date)
[8] FSU Admissions: English proficiency (page without a date; mentions the 21 Jan 2026 TOEFL change)
[9] FSU Graduate School: International admissions (page without a date; mentions the 21 Jan 2026 TOEFL change)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.