Florida State University has broken its own records in graduation and retention rates, securing its role as a formidable national leader in student academic success.
FSU achieved a record 78% four-year graduation rate this year, up from last year’s 76%, landing it in the Top 9 in the nation among public schools. FSU’s 6-year graduation rate matched last year’s, at 86%.
“Student success is at the heart of everything we do, and these record-setting graduation and retention rates reflect the impact of our investments,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “With academically talented students, a dedicated faculty and staff, and a supportive environment, Florida State continues to set the standard for one of the best undergraduate experiences in the nation.”
Retention rates, which measure how many first-year students stay enrolled from their first to second fall semesters, rose from last year’s 96% to a new record of 97% this year. FSU is in the Top 4 in the nation in retention among public universities.
“These rates are a reflection of FSU’s unwavering commitment to student success,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “I’m so proud of our talented faculty, staff and students for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence. They help make FSU a special place where students grow, thrive and ultimately graduate ready for the next phase of their life and career.”
The Vice President for Student Academic Success position was recently established to advance FSU’s student-centered mission and lead the university’s efforts to recruit, retain and graduate an accomplished student body at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
We want all students to know that we are here to support their biggest dreams and goals, and to help connect them with the resources and mentors they need to reach their highest potential.
– Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea
Student academic success initiatives at FSU include specialized academic advising, tutoring, workshops and coaching services; support and guidance for groups who face unique circumstances, such as those who are first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients; high-impact enrichment opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships and study abroad programs; robust programming for high-achieving students in the Honors and Presidential Scholars programs; and support for faculty members as they balance cutting-edge research with impactful teaching.
“This is an exciting time for student success at FSU,” O’Shea said. “We want all students to know that we are here to support their biggest dreams and goals, and to help connect them with the resources and mentors they need to reach their highest potential. Our students benefit from FSU’s unique blend of academic excellence and deep sense of community and care for one another.”
FSU sets state of Florida record for transfer student graduation rate
FSU also set a new record for itself and among all institutions in the State University System of Florida for transfer student graduation rates, with over 80% of students graduating in three years or less after transferring to FSU with an associate in arts (AA) degree from schools within the Florida College System.
“Students who transfer to FSU from other institutions play an important role in our university community, lending unique perspectives to the student body,” said Heather Bishop, assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies. “We provide transfer students with success coaching, peer mentoring and specialized programming to expose them to university resources and create a transfer community in which they can thrive at FSU and graduate on time.”
About 25% of undergraduate students at FSU have transferred from other institutions, and FSU supports them through the “Thrive25” initiative run by Transfer Student Services. In addition to the Transfer Connections and Success course for first semester students and the option to be matched with a peer mentor or transfer success coach, transfer students can join the nationally recognized Tau Sigma honor society, attend specialized engagement events, participate in the Transfer Student Union and serve as peer mentors in the Transfer Leadership Institute.
FSU works closely with its two largest feeder schools, Tallahassee State College (TSC) and Miami Dade College, to ensure a smooth transition for students. In addition to providing academic program maps, FSU provides enhanced advising and support that helps students transfer to FSU after earning their AA degree.
FSU has also made recent investments in helping students who transfer to FSU after earning 12-15 hours of credit at Tallahassee State College through the FSU Next Program admissions pathway.
Students admitted into FSU Next Program spend their fall semester at TSC and transfer in the spring to FSU. During their fall semester, they are also enrolled in FSU’s “Gateway to Garnet and Gold” course, which takes place on the FSU campus and introduces them to university life.