Record numbers of Florida State University undergraduate students are earning their degrees in four years or less thanks in part to significant investments by university leadership to enhance the academic experience. 

FSU’s four-year graduation rate reached a new high of 76%, up from 75% last year, while the university’s retention rate maintained a stellar 96%, matching last year’s record. Using the most recent publicly available data, FSU’s Office of Institutional Research projects these numbers will secure FSU in the Top 10 among all public universities nationally in both categories. 

“These record-breaking graduation and retention rates are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff,” said President Richard McCullough. “We are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience that supports our students’ success from day one.” 

The six-year graduation rate also climbed to 86%, up from last year’s record of 85%, which is projected to rank FSU in the Top 20 among public universities.  

Notably, FSU’s three-year graduation rate for transfer students shot up to 78.3% from last year’s 74.4%, which led all State University System institutions. The university’s six-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients is 83%. 

FSU has achieved these results through strategic investments in student success initiatives. Key among them are enhancements to academic advising and the introduction of supportive programs designed to guide students through their educational journey. 

“Our investments in comprehensive advising and student support programs are paying off in remarkable ways,” McCullough said. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.” 

“Our investments in comprehensive advising and student support programs are paying off in remarkable ways. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.”                                                                                                                                                                                                  — President Richard McCullough

FSU is continuously expanding its student success teams, including Advising First, Academic Guides and Transfer Student Services, who actively engage with students and offer personalized support, including targeted financial assistance. This includes the Graduation Planning and Strategies Office, where student success teams help former students who left FSU without finishing their degree to re-enroll and graduate. Since May 2017, over 3,600 students have been supported in achieving degree completion through this initiative. 

FSU’s recent investments to expand the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, or CARE, also have been integral to improving graduation rates. Through CARE, the university provides additional support for first-generation students and others who have historically encountered extra financial barriers to education, such as Federal Pell Grant recipients. The CARE Summer Bridge program continues to grow with a record number 389 students participating in the six-week program this summer, while more than 700 additional students are supported by CARE through Quest Scholars and the Illuminate Program.  

Engage 100 supports and engages students during their first year at FSU. The initiative offers a peer community and resources to aid in students’ transition and success. Enrollment in Engage 100 is mandatory for nearly all first-year students and there are now opportunities for new transfer students.    

The Learning Assistant Program is another way FSU is maximizing student success. The LA Program enables active-learning strategies in critical courses, particularly in STEM, with embedded peer learning assistants (LAs). FSU’s LA program is among the largest of its kind in the nation.  

“I am extremely proud of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives, and I deeply appreciate our donors whose generous contributions make many of these programs possible,” said Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea. “Their support empowers our students to develop as leaders who graduate ready to take on the world.” 

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Florida State University achieved record retention and four-year graduation rates this year, boasting two significant accomplishments in student success as it welcomes one of its most academically advanced freshman classes. 

The retention rate, which measures how many first-year students stay enrolled from one fall semester to the next fall, reached 96% for the first time in FSU history, and the four-year graduation rate landed at a new high of 75%, according to data that will be part of the State University System’s 2024 Accountability Plan. 

“This is exciting news that underscores FSU’s commitment to student success,” said President Richard McCullough. “Faculty, staff and administrators from every corner of campus are focused on seeing our students graduate on time with a degree that will help them pursue a meaningful career and contribute to their communities.” 

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