Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States • Founded 1851 • World Rank #446
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1851, the Florida State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Tallahassee (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Florida.
This institution also has a branch campus in Panama City. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Florida State University (FSU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Florida State University (FSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 173-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. FSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Florida State University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
Florida State University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
The internal academic structure of Florida State University — by faculty, school, and unit. Research-only units exist alongside teaching units; their function and student involvement differ.
Unit 18 items
- College of Applied Studies
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Communication and Information
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- College of Education
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Human Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Medicine
- College of Motion Picture Arts
- College of Music
- College of Nursing
- College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
- College of Social Work
- Dedman School of Hospitality
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
- Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship
Programs Offered
Look through Florida State University's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
263 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 79 programmes
Showing 10 of 79.
Master's Degree 86 programmes
Showing 10 of 86.
Doctorate 56 programmes
Showing 10 of 56.
Professional Doctorate 4 programmes
Associate's Degree 1 programme
Certificate 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
Postgraduate Certificate 23 programmes
Showing 10 of 23.
How to apply to Florida State University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Florida State University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
-
1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Florida State University's 263 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
-
2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Florida State University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
-
3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
-
4
Submit via the institution
Florida State University processes applications through www.fsu.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
-
5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (850) 644 2525. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida State University
Common questions about Florida State University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When was Florida State University founded?
Florida State University was established in 1851 (approximately 175 years ago).
What city is Florida State University in?
Florida State University operates from Tallahassee, United States.
What is Florida State University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Florida State University's student body?
Florida State University serves approximately 35,000-39,999 students.
What is Florida State University's ranking?
Florida State University is ranked #446 globally and #93 in United States.
How is Florida State University organised academically?
Florida State University has 18 academic units.
Is Florida State University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How do I find Florida State University online?
You can find Florida State University online at www.fsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Looking for the strongest names in the United States? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking Florida State University against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United States.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Membership in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Florida State University in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near Florida State University may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Programme-led research opportunities for Education & Teaching students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Compared with Florida State University
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Florida State University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
