Florida State University has announced it will offer a new admissions plan to prospective undergraduate students applying for the summer and fall 2027 entering class.
FSU’s Office of Admissions will introduce a binding Early Decision option for domestic first-year applicants, expanding opportunities for students who have identified the university as their unequivocal first choice. Applications open Aug. 1.
After a record year of nearly 100,000 applications and a 48% increase in first-year applications over the past five years, Early Decision will allow more students to receive an admissions decision earlier in their senior year of high school.
“Each year, more students tell us that FSU is their top-choice university, and they want to know how to indicate that on their admissions application,” said Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions. “Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express that preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”
The significant rise in applications coincides with recent record-breaking student success at FSU. The school recorded a 97% first-year retention rate last fall, which placed it at No. 4 in the nation among public universities, and a record 78% four-year graduation rate, placing it at No. 9.
Within the state of Florida, FSU ranked No. 1 among public universities for student satisfaction and best value by The Princeton Review, No. 1 for best first-year experiences by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 1 among honors programs by College Transitions.
“I am grateful for all that our faculty, staff and students have done to make FSU such a special place and one of the most sought-after universities in the country,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “Early Decision builds on that momentum by giving students who already know FSU is right for them another admissions option.”
“Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express [their top-choice] preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”
– Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions
Early Decision is a binding plan, requiring that applicants not apply Early Decision to other institutions. FSU will require a written agreement signed by the student, a parent or guardian, and the student’s high school counselor.
Early Decision will run concurrently with FSU’s existing non-binding Early Action option, which remains available exclusively to Florida residents. Both Early Decision and Early Action will share an Oct. 15 application deadline, with decisions released on Dec. 17.
Students admitted through Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and submit their enrollment deposit to FSU by Jan. 15, 2027.
Students applying early will remain eligible for need-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. FSU’s Office of Admissions says students considering Early Decision should use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and financial aid eligibility. Financial aid information will be shared shortly after admission decisions are released to support informed family decision making, provided students complete the FAFSA by Dec. 1.
Early Decision will not be available to those applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program.
Regular Decision and rolling deadlines will continue to be available for students who prefer greater flexibility. A full list of the 2027-2028 application plans, dates and deadlines can be found on the FSU First-Year Dates & Deadlines page.
All applicants, regardless of application plan, will continue to be evaluated through FSU’s holistic review process. The Office of Admissions considers all aspects of an applicant’s record, and no single criterion guarantees admission.
Visit the FSU First-Year Decisions page for eligibility guidelines, timelines and frequently asked questions.