Friday, August 28, 2026

Rankings from Time and Forbes Magazine on FSU

 

Florida State University recognized among nation’s best, most affordable institutions by Money Magazine

Florida State University has been named one of the nation’s top universities in Money Magazine’s 2026 Best Colleges in America list, earning recognition for delivering exceptional quality and value.

The distinction highlights FSU’s longstanding commitment to affordable education, reflecting the university’s mission to provide premier educational opportunities along with comprehensive student support services.

Florida State received 4.5 stars on Money’s 5-star scale for the fourth consecutive year, tying for the highest score among rated public institutions in Florida.

This recognition shows Florida State University’s dedication to providing a world-class education that remains affordable for every student. We are committed to helping students graduate on time, minimize debt and leave FSU prepared to succeed in rewarding careers or pursue advanced degrees.  

– FSU President Richard McCullough

“This recognition shows Florida State University’s dedication to providing a world-class education that remains affordable for every student,” said President Richard McCullough. “We are committed to helping students graduate on time, minimize debt and leave FSU prepared to succeed in rewarding careers or pursue advanced degrees.”

Money evaluates colleges based on tangible outcomes, including graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, student debt and alumni salaries. FSU secured a high rating based on its graduation rate and estimated cost of degree, which is significantly lower than the national average.

FSU delivers one of the best values in public higher education, combining affordable costs with strong financial support for students.

Merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities help make an FSU education accessible while contributing to one of the lowest median federal student debt levels among public research universities. During the 2024–2025 academic year, 87% of full-time undergraduate students received some form of non-loan financial aid, demonstrating the university’s commitment to reducing financial barriers and supporting student success.


Florida State University ranks among nation’s top 20 public universities in new TIME ranking


  • Florida State is No. 17 among public universities and No. 53 overall in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges ranking.
  • FSU delivers strong student outcomes and exceptional value. Last year, FSU posted a 97% first-year retention rate, placing it among the top four universities in the nation; a 78% four-year graduation rate; and an 86% six-year graduation rate.
  • Demand for an FSU education is at a record high. Nearly 97,000 students applied for fall 2026—a 233% increase over the past decade.

Florida State University is one of the nation’s top 20 public universities in TIME’s inaugural ranking of America’s Best Colleges

FSU ranked No. 17 among public universities and No. 53 overall in the 2026-2027 ranking, which places a strong emphasis on student outcomes and the value of a college education.

“Florida State is one of the most sought-after universities in America, and this new ranking confirms that we deliver exceptional value and outstanding results,” President Richard McCullough said. “We are competing with the best public universities in the nation, and we intend to keep climbing.”

TIME partnered with the research firm Statista to evaluate colleges based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness to prospective students. The rankingincludes the 500 institutions with the highest overall scores.

Student outcomes account for 75% of each university’s score. That category considers graduation rates, graduates’ earnings and return on education. TIME measures return on education by estimating how long it takes a graduate’s earnings advantage to offset the cost of attendance.

Florida State earned an overall score of 82.93. FSU received a score of 88.06 for student outcomes and 92.92 for attractiveness, a measure based on admission rates and enrollment yield that reflects how strongly students seek to attend an institution.

That demand is reflected in FSU’s record pool of nearly 97,000 applicants for fall 2026, a 233% increase over the past decade. The university welcomed about 6,000 new freshmen this fall, selected from one of the most competitive applicant pools in its history. The admitted class has an average high school GPA of 4.5, an average SAT score of 1430 and an average ACT score of 32. Ninety-two percent graduated in the top 10% of their high school classes, and 25% are the first in their families to attend college.

The ranking also adds to FSU’s record of strong student outcomes. FSU has a 97% first-year retention rate, placing it among the top four universities in the nation; a 78% four-year graduation rate; and an 86% six-year graduation rate.

“Demand for an FSU education has never been stronger, and our students succeed at rates that place us among the nation’s very best universities,” McCullough said. “Students want to be here because FSU offers an exceptional education, an unforgettable college experience and a clear path to a successful future.”

TIME and Statista used data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard, along with state earnings data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The analysis relied on the most recent data available as of April 2026 and generally averaged four years of data to reduce annual fluctuations.

The complete ranking and methodology are available on TIME’s website







https://www.on3.com/boards/threads/realignment-redemption-fsu-can-veto-acc-9-game-schedule-plan-per-settlement-4-11.723540/page-3723


Here's the list of the 96 FBS schools who made the top 500 in TIME's 2026-27 America's Best Colleges (aparrently 42 FBS schools didn't make their top 500 at all)

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BS schools in TIME’s 2026-27 America’s Best Colleges top 100:

1. Stanford
5. Michigan
14. UVA
15. Cal
16. Florida
18. UNC
19. Notre Dame
22. Vanderbilt
24. Georgia Tech
31. Rice
32. USC
34. UCLA
39. Northwestern
40. Duke
44. Wisconsin
48. Boston College
50. Illinois
53. Florida St
54. BYU
55. Virginia Tech
57. UConn
61. Delaware
62. FIU
63. Maryland
72. Texas
74. NC St
79. Texas A & M
82. Clemson
84. Purdue
87. Georgia
100. Wake Forest

By Conf:
ACC: 12
Big10: 8
SEC: 5
Indy: 2
CUSA: 2
BIg12: 1
American: 1

Florida State University Launches Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science

 

Florida State University Launches Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science

 Florida State University is launching Florida’s first formal graduate-level credential in quantum information science and engineering, opening a new pathway for students and professionals to enter one of the world’s fastest-growing technology fields. The Graduate Certificate in Quantum Science & Technology is now accepting applications for Spring 2027 enrollment.

Credit: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock

Administered by the FSU Quantum Initiative, the interdisciplinary certificate will give graduate students and working professionals rigorous training across quantum physics, materials science, chemistry, computer science and engineering. Drawing on courses from multiple departments and two colleges — the FSU College of Arts and Sciences and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering — the program positions FSU to help build the emerging quantum workforce vital to the nation’s technological leadership and security.

“Quantum science is reshaping the future of computing, communication, materials and national security, and Florida State University is positioning itself at the forefront of that transformation,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “This new graduate certificate reflects the strength of our research enterprise and our commitment to preparing students for the high-demand careers that will drive the next generation of discovery and innovation.”

Students will complete required coursework in quantum information and computing, choose from a broad selection of electives and gain access to world-class research facilities, including the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the new Interdisciplinary Research & Commercialization Building. The building houses cleanroom and nanofabrication facilities as well as dilution refrigerators for low-temperature quantum experiments. The FSU Quantum Initiative also is developing partnerships with leading quantum technology companies and national centers to connect students directly with career opportunities in the rapidly growing quantum industry.

“Florida State University is an ideal place for students to pursue training in quantum science and technology because of the extraordinary breadth of expertise across our campus,” said Sam Huckaba, dean of the FSU College of Arts and Sciences. “Students in this program will learn from faculty working at the cutting edge of physics, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, computer science and related fields, while also benefiting from access to world-class research facilities. That combination of talent, infrastructure and opportunity will prepare them to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving field.”

FSU has made bold investments in quantum science and engineering, including hiring ten new faculty. Many of these faculty will teach new courses that will serve both their departments and interdisciplinary programs.

“The most important challenges in emerging technologies cannot be solved within the boundaries of a single discipline,” said Suvranu De, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “This certificate reflects the strength of the partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, bringing together complementary expertise to prepare students for a future where quantum information science and engineering is transforming computing, sensing, communications, and enabling new approaches to materials discovery. It is exactly the kind of interdisciplinary collaboration needed to tackle fundamental scientific challenges and develop the quantum technologies of tomorrow.”

FSU is extending its commitment to quantum education beyond the graduate level. The university already offers introductory quantum computing courses for undergraduate and high school students, and plans are underway to develop formal programs for both groups. Together, these efforts will create a comprehensive quantum education pipeline that introduces students to the field early and supports them through advanced training.

“Quantum information science is not just a frontier for research; it is becoming a foundation for the economy of the 21st century,” said Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Michael Shatruk, director of the FSU Quantum Initiative. “With this certificate program, we are giving students in Florida the tools to be part of that future. And by reaching students at the undergraduate and high school levels, we will be planting those seeds early.”

With a record 82% of its students graduating in four years, FSU has the highest four-year graduation rate ever achieved in the State University System of Florida!

 


FSU 247Sports Team Talent Rankings

 


New clubhouse for Women's Lacrosse

 


Vince Young grew up loving FSU

 


ASTRO America–FSU InSPIRE Tech Showcase highlighted how partnerships are helping position Northwest Florida as a hub for aerospace

 






Friday, August 21, 2026

'Sky's the limit': FSU economic impact center stage at chamber conference

 

'Sky's the limit': FSU economic impact center stage at chamber conference

  • Florida State University officials highlighted the school's significant economic impact on the region.
  • FSU's operating budget has grown to $3.2 billion, with projections to reach $5 billion in the next decade.
  • The university's research, including at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, is a key driver of its influence.
  • A major focus for future growth is the expansion of FSU Health and its partnership with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

Florida State University wasted no time flexing the power of the Garnet and Gold before a standing room workshop center during a discussion on the school's economic impact in the region.

The numbers were staggering: 400 buildings across 1,600 acres, mostly in Leon County, more than 44,000 students, and 18,000 employees in various departments ($1.2 billion in payroll per year) and a current operating budget that's swelled to $3.2 billion, up from $1.2 billion more than a decade ago. Not to mention many millions in federal grants awarded to advanced the university's research.

"The MagLab is so important because it brings in over 2,000 users every year from around the world, doing really important experiments that help move imaging and energy and really the types of quantum physics and quantum technologies that are going to really transform the world," Patterson said.

"We're probably going to see some really incredible changes in healthcare and the relationship between FSU and TMH, with incredibly strong partnerships with (Florida A&M University) and (Tallahassee State College) as well," said Kyle Clark, vice president for finance and administration at FSU," adding he predicts the operating budget will increase to $5 billion.

Clark also said there would be big changes at the university, more students living on campus, more research buildings, and more student services.

Jonathan Fozard, vice president of FSU's Information Technology Services, challenged the group to think about "how amazing healthcare can be, how amazing the impact of FSU can be."

He said: The sky's the limit.


‘Just the beginning’: Chamber, city leaders bet big on FSU Health

Part of that vision, as presented in great detail through layered talking points, high-production videos and workshops, comes with the rollout of an FSU Health enterprise — which is designed to "bring researchers, educators, and clinical partners under one umbrella to transform health and healthcare in Florida" from a flagship academic medical center at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

Throughout the weekend, healthcare was touted as the next big industry and economic engine for Tallahassee.

Moving beyond the merger's controversial origin story, FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH President and CEO Mark O'Bryant stood together and pitched the possibilities at one workshop.

Under terms of the sale, the university will pay the city $109 million for their hospital land and assets over a 30-year period, while FSU will invest $100 million in existing hospital facilities and another $150 million on the newly branded FSU Health. The university also has "aspirational plans" to invest $1.7 billion in healthcare improvements, contingent upon legislative appropriations and state and federal grants.

McCullough said the community-based model for hospitals is tough because of population challenges.

"We're dedicated to spending $350 million into the Tallahassee hospital. We're building an over $400 million hospital in Panama City Beach," he said. "We had plans to make investments that could be in the buildings, into healthcare in this region ... when you have the opportunity to change and help people, it's imperative that you do it."

O'Bryant said that when it comes to change, there's always some level of confusion. He said the hospital was never against FSU being the landlord or ultimately becoming the dominant brand over TMH.

"We just wanted to make sure that got right," he said. "I think a lot of people, in the process of the back and forth, felt that there was this strong adversarial relationship."

Final deal between TMH and FSU could be weeks away

Leaders and physicians at both FSU and TMH highlighted the benefits of the acquisition and grandiose goals for making the hospital one of the best in the nation for overall care.

But before that can happen FSU and TMH still need to finalize a deal, hammering out more than a dozen issues ranging from branding to logistics to governance.

Following the packed workshop, both O'Bryant and McCullough spoke with the Tallahassee Democrat and said they're close to a final deal that would one day rebrand TMH as FSU Health.

"Academic health centers aren't light-switch strategies," O'Bryant said. "You don't flip a switch and become one. They evolve over time. You heard some of the things we're working on now are already progressing."

Together, he said the institutions are merging some of their IT functions and applying for additional residency and fellowship programs to bring training to more doctors, adding "all of this is just step by step by step."

In addition, a new Health Research and Collaboration Building on TMH's campus plans to open the first three floors in October. It will include a designated area for family residency practice, simulation labs, a wet lab and clinical research spaces.

"It's not like one of those things and all of a sudden we are an academic health center," O'Bryant said. "This is a highly, highly complex deal. There are so many pieces, you have to have them all together. It's all a fabric ... I would say there's not a projection, but I would say we're talking weeks."

He said negotiators are working to develop a plan "10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now."

"So it's not just getting it done now," he said. "We want to make sure we get it right."

McCullough said that once a final decision is reached, the university will evaluate the overall facility and identify necessary infrastructure investments, implement immediate hiring initiatives and develop long-term strategic plans for growth.

He said the university has access to more resources, including both state and federal funding that would be used to improve the hospital's ability to do more and serve more residents.

One example addresses healthcare deserts in rural counties. FSU's College of Medicine was awarded $19.2 million last week, the most of all applicants, with focuses on food insecurity, behavioral health, preventive care, workforce development and telehealth. McCullough said FSU wouldn't have received the federal grant without the TMH partnership and acquisition of the assets.

"Without the partnership, we wouldn't be able to access that," McCullough said. "So that's the power that we're going to bring, and that's just the beginning."


FSU Health: New FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building

 


NFL Top 100 Players by College

 


The 10 most controversial BCS/CFP decisions of all time

 


Florida State's Jack Whaley makes history, wins U.S. Amateur Golf Championship

 Florida State's Jack Whaley makes history, wins U.S. Amateur Golf Championship

The Florida State men’s golf team has its first-ever U.S. Amateur Champion as Jack Whaley beat Jay Leng Jr., 4&3, over 36 holes to claim the biggest title in amateur golf on Sunday.

Whaley now earns exemptions into three of the four Majors: The U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the British Open at St. Andrews and The Masters.

US Am Championship Match Thread


GO NOLES! Whaley US Am Champ! 








Miles Russell / Walker Cup Team




"FSU has the potential to have three players in the Walker cup.

Miles was actually named to the team a couple weeks ago as one of the first four selections, the rest of the team was announced yesterday.

Weaver has already been named to the GB&I team. Whaley will likely get a spot with winning"


Ranking all 17 ACC schools by tuition, cost of attendance

 

Ranking all 17 ACC schools by tuition, cost of attendance

ACC cost of attendance rankings (out-of-state/private)

  1. Duke: $103,975
  2. Miami: $98,872
  3. Wake Forest: $98,730
  4. Syracuse: $98,544
  5. SMU: $96,388
  6. Boston College: $95,978
  7. Stanford: $94,140
  8. Virginia: $84,976
  9. Cal: $83,900
  10. North Carolina: $70,264
  11. Virginia Tech: $66,906
  12. Pitt: $66,134
  13. Georgia Tech: $55,314
  14. NC State: $54,779
  15. Florida State: $44,336
  16. Louisville: $43,810
  17. Clemson: $43,742

ACC cost of attendance rankings (in-state/private)

  1. Duke: $103,975
  2. Miami: $98,872
  3. Wake Forest: $98,730
  4. Syracuse: $98,544
  5. SMU: $96,388
  6. Boston College: $95,978
  7. Stanford: $94,140
  8. Cal: $54,674
  9. Pitt: $44,400
  10. Virginia Tech: $43,276
  11. Virginia: $42,014
  12. Georgia Tech: $30,928
  13. North Carolina: $28,840
  14. NC State: $28,490
  15. Louisville: $27,464
  16. Florida State: $26,438
  17. Clemson: $15,760

How FLORIDA STATE FOOTBALL Preps Its Iconic ‘Tomahawk’ HELMETS | EQ.HQ


 

Thursday, August 13, 2026

FSU College of Medicine awarded $19 million in federal grants to strengthen healthcare in rural Florida

 


FSU College of Medicine awarded $19 million in federal grants to strengthen healthcare in rural Florida

Florida State University has been awarded more than $19 million in grants through the Rural Health Transformation Program to launch six new projects and provide resources to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities throughout the state. 

The five-year, $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. The program is designed to help states transform and update healthcare delivery by improving access, quality and outcomes, thereby strengthening rural communities.  

Florida received nearly $210 million this year and, through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), awarded more than $180 million to fund proposals across the state.  

“FSU received the largest award among Florida’s higher education institutions and was the state’s second-largest recipient overall, said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This remarkable investment reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our faculty, and the important work being done through FSU Health and the College of Medicine to address healthcare challenges in communities across our state. These projects will expand access to care, strengthen local healthcare resources, and help deliver better outcomes for rural Floridians.” 

The FSU College of Medicine was uniquely positioned to apply for these grants, as its community-based, collaborative structure is focused on developing partnerships with a special emphasis on providing care to underserved patients throughout Florida.  Additionally, the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, part of the FSU College of Nursing and led by Professor Lisa Hightow-Weidman, had a long track record of working with patients in a variety of locations by pioneering digital health tools and systems that could help improve individual health outcomes. 

AHCA made collaboration a key requirement for the grant proposals, noting that partnerships should help expand reach, close gaps and make the most of shared resources. 

“Community partnerships are essential to building a healthier Florida,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine and president of the Florida Medical Association. “We know how important it is to bring healthcare directly into the communities that need it most. I saw that firsthand as a family physician in rural Gadsden County in Florida’s Panhandle, and in my work across the state, I continue to see gaps in care that we can help close. Rural Floridians deserve access to high-quality, compassionate care. Meaningful progress will take collaboration, innovation and a sustained commitment to the people we serve.”  

“FSU received the largest award among Florida’s higher education institutions and was the state’s second-largest recipient overall,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This remarkable investment reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our faculty, and the important work being done through FSU Health and the College of Medicine to address healthcare challenges in communities across our state.” 

FSU’s grant proposals focus on key rural health challenges, including food insecurity, behavioral health, preventive care, workforce development and telehealth. To guide planning and funding, AHCA identified Florida’s rural counties, as defined by state law, and grouped them into four regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. The FSU College of Medicine, in collaboration with the FSU College of Nursing and IDHI, developed proposals for the Northwest and Southwest regions, where it already has established programs and partnerships.  

The Northwest Region is a central hub for FSU Health, with a new FSU Health Hospital under construction in Panama City Beach and the FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building scheduled to open this fall on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus. In Southwest Florida, the college operates its Immokalee Health Education Site and sponsors residency and fellowship programs at several hospitals. 

The two projects in Northwest Florida receiving funds will tackle food insecurity, preventive care and at-home care. Four new projects to launch in Southwest Florida will focus on workforce development, behavioral health, telehealth, food insecurity, preventive care and at-home care.  

“These projects reflect exactly why FSU Health was created: to bring together research, clinical expertise and community partnerships to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing Floridians,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By focusing on rural communities, we can help turn discovery and innovation into practical solutions that expand access, improve outcomes and strengthen the health of people across the state.” 

Heather Flynn, professor and chair of the FSU College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, played a key role in shepherding the grant process along and assembling teams of researchers, healthcare providers and community organizations to develop solid plans that will have a direct impact on the health and lives of Floridians. No stranger to collaborative work, Flynn is also director of the FSU Center for Behavioral Health Integration 

“One of the main things I learned through this process is that there are a lot of extremely dedicated, high-quality clinicians, staff and administrators in the rural areas that are doing everything they can to help the patients and families in their communities with a system that is not connected and one that needs a lot of improvement and innovation,” Flynn said. “You’ve got all of these different healthcare centers, sites, organizations — all doing the best they can with the resources they have — to provide access and quality care to patients and families — and they know they don’t have what they need to do that adequately. So, it’s very frustrating.  

“I learned people are very eager to partner,” Flynn added. “Of course, there are always business considerations that may pose some barriers to those partnerships, but what I learned is people are willing to look past that and work together to fill those gaps in rural areas.” 

Flynn said the work must move quickly: Sept. 30 is the federal deadline for demonstrating significant progress in launching the projects. 

“We could not make this happen without the support of the university as well as the faculty and staff who are working diligently to ensure we meet this deadline and begin to make a positive impact on the health of people across the state,” she said.