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 ranking includes 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.

The post Florida State University ranks among nation’s top 20 public universities in new TIME ranking appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University continues to solidify its reputation as a premier public institution, securing the No. 11 spot in Niche’s 2026 Top Public Universities in America rankings.

The university climbed to No. 7 nationally for Best Student Life, a testament to FSU’s engaging and supportive campus environment. Overall, Florida State was ranked in the Top 11 in 13 different categories by Niche.

“These rankings are a testament to Florida State University’s comprehensive excellence,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “They highlight the strength of our academic programs and the vibrant nature of our campus community.”

Drawing on data from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche — a platform known for producing in-depth profiles of every U.S. school and college, supported by more than 140 million reviews and ratings from students and alumni — evaluates institutions annually based on areas such as academics, admissions, finances and student life.

FSU topped Niche’s Best Greek Life list at No. 1. FSU’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice earned the No. 2 spot in Niche’s 2026 rankings of Best Colleges for Criminal Justice for the second consecutive year. The university also earned the No. 3 spot on the Best College in Florida list.

Each year, Niche evaluates a wide range of academic and campus life factors. In the 2026 report, FSU stood out in several key areas, including:

The post Florida State University continues to shine in Niche’s 2026 Best College Rankings appeared first on Florida State University News.

The Florida State University College of Business retained its No. 1 status among four-year public schools on Niche’s recently released 2026 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America lists and rose to the No. 3 spot among publics on its 2026 Best Colleges for Business in America list.

For the past three years, the college has secured Niche’s top billing for its accounting and finance offerings, and this year it also stands No. 5 among all schools teaching accounting and finance nationwide. Also new this year, the college gained Top 10 status on the overall list of Best Colleges for Business in America.

“These rankings further demonstrate the preeminent status of our degree programs, and it means even more to us that feedback from our students and alumni is a significant part of the assessment,” said Michael D. Hartline, dean of the college. “Our graduates are certainly happy with their FSU business education and the future career trajectory it provides.”

“These rankings further demonstrate the preeminent status of our degree programs, and it means even more to us that feedback from our students and alumni is a significant part of the assessment.”

– Michael D. Hartline, dean of the College of Business

Niche created its rankings for prospective students searching for the right college fit. According to its website, the research company determines a school’s rankings by assessing “trusted data and honest feedback from real students.” It sources much of the input data from the U.S. Department of Education, including acceptance rates, admission yields, graduation rates, retention numbers and ratios of students per faculty member. Visitors to Niche’s website benefit from in-depth profiles of every college and university in the United States, each with ratings and reviews. The site lists nearly 9,000 reviews for FSU specifically.

“My experience at Florida State University was life-changing,” wrote one of the unnamed reviewers. “The resources were nearly unlimited. The academics pushed me to expect more out of myself than I thought I was capable of and gave me the ability to explore subjects that broadened me as a person.”

The reviewer also lauded the relationships made while at FSU.

“I am still in contact … and plan to maintain those throughout my lifetime. I became a better student and a better person during my amazing time at FSU.”

Along with the rankings, Niche determines grades for various categories at each university. FSU overwhelmingly received A’s on its Niche report card, including A+ for Academics, Athletics, Professors and Student Life.

Hartline added that the word is spreading about the quality of FSU and the College of Business.

“Our laser focus on student success, our investments in new programs, additions of stellar faculty, and the January 2026 opening of our new facility, Legacy Hall, ensure that our students excel both while they are with us and after they graduate,” said Hartline. “It’s a wonderful time to be a Seminole!”

For more information on the College of Business, visit business.fsu.edu.

The post Niche rankings affirm high quality of FSU business programs appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post FSU makes Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Employers 2025 appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University has reached a historic milestone, earning its highest ranking ever at No. 10 in Niche’s 2025 report of Top Public Universities in America. 

Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities, highlights the university’s commitment to academic quality, vibrant student life and overall value in its annual report. 

“This recognition really shows how hard our faculty, students and staff have been working,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “It’s proof of the academic excellence, innovative research and vibrant campus life we have here at Florida State University. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, and it’s great to see that people are noticing the amazing things happening at FSU.” 

Niche produces in-depth profiles of every school and college in the United States, with more than 140 million reviews and ratings from students and alumni. For its annual rankings, the company examines data from the U.S. Department of Education on academics, admissions, finances and student life. 

The ranking reflects FSU’s rising reputation as one of the top public universities in the nation. FSU, bolstered by record graduation and retention rates, scored an A+ for Academics. The university also earned A+ marks for Student Life, Professors and Athletics. 

Niche also ranks different aspects of college life and academic programs in its annual report. Some of FSU’s highlights in the 2025 Niche report include: 

• No. 1 for Best Greek Life Colleges in America 

• No. 2 for Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America 

• No. 6 for Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America 

• No. 7 for Best Colleges for Education in America 

• No. 7 for Best Colleges for Sport Management in America 

• No. 8 for Best Student Life in America 

• No. 10 for Best College Athletics in America 

• No. 12 for Best Colleges for Business in America 

• No. 15 for Best Big Colleges in America 

The post Florida State University achieves No. 10 ranking in Niche’s 2025 Top Public Universities in America  appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University rose one spot to No. 21 among the nation’s top public universities in Forbes’ latest rankings, reinforcing its reputation for exceptional value, strong earning potential for graduates and manageable student debt. 

The ranking highlights FSU’s ability to provide students with an excellent return on investment through affordable tuition, low debt burdens and impressive alumni earnings. This recognition underscores FSU’s commitment to delivering a world-class education that remains both accessible and affordable. 

“Being named among Forbes’ Top 25 Public Colleges reflects our ongoing dedication to academic excellence and student success,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “It shows we’re delivering on our promise to offer an outstanding education at an excellent value.” 

The university’s financial approach played a key role in its high ranking. Notably, only 32% of FSU undergraduates leave with debt, averaging $14,500 – well below the national average of $29,400. In addition, 86% of FSU students receive grant aid, averaging $8,731 per student, which further eases the financial burden on graduates. 

“FSU has maintained the same tuition rates for 11 consecutive years, making us one of the most affordable options for students seeking a top-tier education,” McCullough said. “Our students get the best of both worlds: an education that prepares them for successful careers without the heavy financial strain.” 

Forbes’ ranking methodology evaluated all four-year public colleges with at least 300 undergraduates, with a strong emphasis on alumni salaries and weighing student debt levels, graduation and retention rates and return on investment. FSU places among the nation’s elite public institutions, alongside universities known for both academic rigor and strong financial outcomes. 

“FSU’s high ranking by Forbes is even more exceptional when you consider the number of graduates we produce in critical fields that may not necessarily be high-paying but are high value to our state, our country and our world, such as nursing, education, public service and the arts,” McCullough said. “I’m proud of FSU’s broad mission to serve all areas and needs now and in the future.” 

This latest recognition from Forbes adds to FSU’s list of accolades, including ranking among the Top 25 public universities on U.S. News and World Report’s list, and further solidifies its position as a leading institution that provides exceptional educational value and prepares students for successful futures. 

The post FSU climbs to No. 21 among Forbes’ Top 25 public colleges appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University College of Law has been selected as the nation’s third ranked law school for best quality of life and sixth ranked law school for best professors. The college also finished first in the country for greatest resources for women and sixth for greatest resources for minority students.

The rankings were published by the Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools for 2024 list. Data from the rankings includes surveys the publication conducted in 2024 from 168 law school administrators and surveys over the past three academic years from 18,400 students enrolled at the schools.

“We are thrilled to be ranked the nation’s third best law school in terms of student quality of life and sixth best in terms of our professors,” said Dean Erin O’Connor. “Students often tell us that our collegial atmosphere and the quality of our professors are their favorite things about FSU Law, so it is gratifying to be ranked among the nation’s top law schools in those areas. Providing our students with a positive, academically rigorous experience is key to their success in law school and beyond.”

“Students often tell us that our collegial atmosphere and the quality of our professors are their favorite things about FSU Law, so it is gratifying to be ranked among the nation’s top law schools in those areas. Providing our students with a positive, academically rigorous experience is key to their success in law school and beyond.”

– College of Law Dean Erin O’Connor

The quality of life ranking is based on student answers to survey questions about sense of community, whether differing opinions are tolerated in the classroom, school location, quality of social life and research resources.

The best faculty ranking is based on student answers to survey questions concerning the quality of professors as teachers and professor accessibility outside of the classroom.

For more information, visit law.fsu.edu.

The post FSU College of Law earns high national rankings for student quality of life and best faculty appeared first on Florida State University News.