Florida State University has reached a new milestone in student success, with a record 82% of its students graduating in four years, the highest four-year graduation rate ever achieved in the State University System of Florida. 

The new four-year graduation rate represents a four-percentage-point jump from last year’s record of 78%. Using the most recent publicly available data, FSU’s Office of Institutional Research projects the new rate would tie the University of Michigan at No. 7 among public universities nationally. 

FSU also maintained its record six-year graduation rate and set a new record for the graduation rate of students who transfer to the university from the Florida College System. 

“An 82% four-year graduation rate is an extraordinary achievement and a new record for FSU and the State University System of Florida,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “We have been very intentional about investing in student success, from advising and academic support to scholarships and other resources that help students stay on track. I could not be prouder of our students or the faculty and staff whose commitment to them has made FSU one of the very best public universities in the country.” 

“An 82% four-year graduation rate is an extraordinary achievement and a new record for FSU and the State University System of Florida. We have been very intentional about investing in student success, from advising and academic support to scholarships and other resources that help students stay on track. I could not be prouder of our students or the faculty and staff whose commitment to them has made FSU one of the very best public universities in the country.” 

– FSU President Richard McCullough

FSU’s four-year graduation rate has climbed nine percentage points in five years, from 73% in 2021 to a record 82% today. 

Graduating students on time has become a hallmark of FSU’s focus on student success. Finishing a degree in four years allows students to enter the workforce or pursue graduate education sooner while avoiding the additional costs associated with extra semesters in college. 

FSU maintained its six-year graduation rate of 86%, which continues to be a university record. 

Transfer students are setting records as well. FSU’s three-year graduation rate for students who transfer with an associate in arts degree from a Florida College System institution reached a record of nearly 85%, the highest in the State University System of Florida. 

The new transfer rate builds on a record 80% rate last year and reflects FSU’s growing emphasis on helping transfer students make a smooth transition to the university and stay on track toward graduation. 

“I’m deeply grateful to all the faculty and staff across FSU who work to provide a world-class education to our students,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “This remarkable new record reflects our university-wide commitment to academic excellence and holistic student support, shown through our investments in advising, teaching, scholarships and programming that help students reach their full potential.”

FSU’s student success strategy relies on a culture of data engagement, where faculty and staff leverage advanced analytics to track student progress continuously across campus and identify early signs that a student may be at risk of falling behind. That information helps university leaders target investments that can help students stay on track to graduate in four years. 

Nearly a decade ago, FSU established the Graduation Planning and Strategies Office, which has improved graduation efficiency and helps students overcome barriers to graduation through its completion campaign. In 2022, this effort earned the Outstanding Advising Program Award from the National Academic Advising Association. 

McCullough created the Office of the Vice President for Student Academic Success in 2025 to bring together and strengthen efforts to recruit, retain and graduate an accomplished student body. 

The latest graduation numbers add to a series of record-setting student success measures at Florida State. The university has achieved a 97% first-year retention rate, placing it among the top four public universities nationally. 

The results also come as demand for an FSU education reaches an all-time high. Florida State received nearly 97,000 applications for its fall 2026 freshman class, the largest applicant pool in university history. 

FSU’s record graduation rates, high student retention and record demand reflect the university’s continued gains in student success and its growing standing among the nation’s leading public universities. 

“Our goal is not simply to bring outstanding students to Florida State,” McCullough said. “It is to give them an outstanding education and help them graduate ready to lead, serve and succeed. Our graduation rate says something powerful about the experience we are providing, and we’re not done yet.” 

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Florida State University has been named among America’s Best-In-State Employers by Forbes.

Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers 2025 list highlights organizations that excel in employee satisfaction and retention. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

FSU placed above several national companies on this year’s list and is one of only three universities in Florida to be recognized by Forbes.

Over 160,000 U.S. employees from companies with at least 500 staff members are surveyed to determine the rankings. Participants were asked to rate how likely they would recommend their employer and other organizations based on reputation and feedback from acquaintances. The top-scoring companies in each state are recognized.

“We are truly honored to be recognized among the best employers in the state of Florida,” said Associate Vice President for Human Resources Renisha Gibbs. “This acknowledgment reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported. Our employees are the driving force behind our achievements, and we’re proud to foster an environment that prioritizes their growth, well-being and satisfaction.”

Florida State University’s ranking in Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers 2025 reflects the university’s intentional efforts to elevate the employee experience. From investing in visionary leadership to launching innovative talent strategies, FSU continues to cultivate a workplace that attracts and retains top-tier professionals. This recognition underscores the university’s commitment to its people and future, affirming that when employees are supported, the institution flourishes.

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