Florida State University was also recognized by its peers as one of the most innovative schools in the country, which recognizes universities making the most innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities. FSU ranked 21st among public universities. Based on a survey of college presidents, deans and deans of admissions.
FSU maintained its No. 23 ranking among public universities with an impressive six-year graduation rate of 86 percent and freshman retention rate of 96 percent. FSU also improved in areas measuring faculty pay, full-time faculty, student-faculty ratios and freshman standardized test scores.
“Florida State University faculty and staff are committed to student success,” said Jim Clark, vice president and provost for Academic Affairs. “Students excel during their time at Florida State University because we have a team that supports them in their efforts to graduate in four years and build a path to a successful career.”
Florida State University’s focus on serving first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients has also paid off: The university rose two spots to 35th in the public university rankings. US News An independent list of top performers in social mobility, which evaluates how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students, found that FSU’s six-year graduation rate for its most recent Pell Grant recipients was 83 percent, slightly below the graduation rate for all students.
“FSU is committed to investing in student success and reaching new heights in academics and research — things that really matter to our students, their families and the people of Florida.”
– FSU President Richard McCullough
Florida State University reached a significant milestone this fall when it achieved its highest ranking ever, No. 10, in Niche’s 2025 rankings of America’s best public universities.
Niche, a research firm that publishes annual rankings of colleges and universities, also recognized FSU’s vibrant student life and outstanding academic programs in several categories.
The Princeton Review magazine describes FSU as “Students love these universities“We were honored to be included on the list. The rankings, based on survey results of 168,000 students at 390 schools, highlight FSU’s unparalleled student satisfaction.
FSU’s placement in the rankings is the result of targeted investments in student success initiatives based on an analysis of numerous data points.
These investments have enabled FSU to expand its team of dedicated advisors to improve engagement and provide individualized support to students, especially in their first year. The university also expanded its Presidential Scholars and Honors programs, Center for Academic Maintenance and Improvementor CARE, provides additional support to first-generation students and those who have traditionally faced special financial barriers to obtaining an education, such as federal Pell Grant recipients.
“FSU is invested in student success and is committed to reaching new heights in academics and research,” McCullough said. “These are things that really matter to our students, their families and the people of Florida.”
The university’s mission to improve the overall student experience is producing tangible results. According to U.S. News, FSU achieved a university-record 96% freshman retention rate over the past two years, ranking eighth among public universities in this metric. Additionally, FSU The four-year graduation rate was 76 percent, and the six-year graduation rate was 86 percent, both new highs.
“Florida State’s undergraduate education is world-class. It’s truly one of a kind,” says Vice President and Dean Joe O’Shea. “It’s a special culture, and it’s been built here over generations. FFL students feel like they belong here, that they’re valued here, that we have their back, that our faculty are committed to helping them become the best they can be both in and out of the classroom. Watching our students thrive is truly a magical experience.”
of US News The Best Colleges guidebook also noted that FSU’s undergraduate business and nursing programs saw significant increases in their rankings. These rankings are determined solely by peer review.
“Faculty and staff at Florida State University are committed to student success. Students excel during their time at FSU thanks to our team who support students as they work hard to graduate in four years and build a path to a successful career.”
– Jim Clark, Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs
Florida State University’s College of Business jumped seven spots from last year’s ranking of 38th to 31st among undergraduate business programs at public universities nationwide. The latest rankings make FSU the No. 2-ranked undergraduate business program at Florida state universities.
Leading the way is the university’s real estate program, which achieved a new high ranking of fourth among public schools, moving up from last year’s sixth place ranking. The Dr. William T. Hold/Alliance Risk Management and Insurance program maintained its fourth place ranking among the nation’s top public and private RMI programs, and FSU’s undergraduate accounting program returned to a top 25 position among other public schools.
“Every day, we focus on equipping a new generation of business leaders with the sound financial, technical and soft skills they need to make an immediate positive impact in their chosen careers,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the FSU College of Business. “The success of our enrolled students and future graduates is our primary goal, so we are always encouraged when new rankings reflect our high standards and growing excellence.”
The School of Nursing’s undergraduate program rose 39 spots to 33rd among public universities, thanks to state and university investments.Undergraduate enrollment has increased fourfold over the past two years, while maintaining an individualized dedication to each student’s success, and Dean Jing Wang expects the college’s upward trend to continue.
“This marks another historic moment for our boldly growing School of Nursing,” said Wang. “Every day, we find new ways to implement innovative approaches to educate new nurses across Florida and beyond. We couldn’t do this without the dedication of our talented faculty and staff. But most importantly, I want to thank our incredible students who continue to set the standard high, and our alumni who are saving lives every day. I’m proud of our School for taking bold action to create better health for all.”