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
Florida State University is one of the nation’s top 20 public universities in @TIME's inaugural ranking of America’s Best Colleges!
— Florida State University (@FloridaState) August 27, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/QLPwKLFfXp
https://www.on3.com/boards/threads/realignment-redemption-fsu-can-veto-acc-9-game-schedule-plan-per-settlement-4-11.723540/page-3723FSU 20th in FBS and 53rd overall. An area where the school is actually “climbing” https://t.co/zflRBfykHa
— Jeff (@saintwarrick) August 27, 2026
nts
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
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