Florida State University lauded for student success in 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings

Florida State University has once again been recognized as one of the Top 25 public universities in the country, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to student success and institutional excellence.

The university rose two spots to No. 21 among public institutions in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings released Sept. 23.

FSU also earned its highest-ever overall ranking among national universities, which includes both public and private institutions, at No. 51 — up three places from last year.

“Our rise in the rankings is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” said President Richard McCullough. “Achieving the highest overall ranking in our university’s history reflects our commitment to academic excellence, student success and impactful research. This recognition enhances our national reputation and strengthens the value of a degree from our institution. As we continue to invest in our community and launch new initiatives, these rankings affirm that we are moving in the right direction and inspire us to reach even greater heights.”

The No. 51 ranking places FSU alongside Case Western Reserve University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest University and William & Mary.

Florida State University’s mission to enhance the student experience while delivering a high-quality education is yielding measurable success. Strong graduation and freshman retention rates, including impressive graduation rates among Pell Grant recipients, continue to reinforce the university’s status as a leading public institution.

Florida State University achieved a record four-year graduation rate of 78% this year, an increase from the previous year’s rate of 76%, placing the institution among the Top 9 public universities nationwide. Retention rates — defined as the proportion of first-year students who remain enrolled from their initial to subsequent fall semesters — increased from 96% last year to a record high of 97% this year.

The university’s commitment to supporting first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients is producing positive outcomes. Florida State climbed four places to No. 31 among public universities on the U.S. News standalone list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which evaluates how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students. FSU also moved up six spots to No. 14 among public universities in the Pell Grant graduation rate metric.

“As we continue to invest in our community and launch new initiatives, these rankings affirm that we are moving in the right direction and inspire us to reach even greater heights.”

– FSU President Richard McCullough

“I think the organizational culture of Florida State University is understanding that people thrive in an environment where people matter — where students matter, faculty matter and staff matter,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “I believe that the investments we’ve made by focusing on people and student success are making a big difference. You’ve got to focus not only on students, but also on the people who give so much to students. At Florida State, we have some of the best faculty in the world, some of the best teachers and researchers, mentoring and shaping students to be successful.”

In the publication’s First-Year Experiences category, FSU achieved a No. 12 ranking among public institutions and No. 1 in the state of Florida, a reflection of the university’s exceptional support programs that drive student success and foster positive learning outcomes. The ranking is based on a survey of college presidents, provosts and admissions deans, highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovative student support.

FSU recently secured the top spot for student satisfaction in the state of Florida, according to The Princeton Review’s latest student survey. Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities, recognized FSU as No. 7 in the nation for Best Student Life and No. 11 for Top Public Universities.

FSU’s holistic approach to student support services includes the option for students to engage in Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), allowing students to gain a supportive network of peers and distinguished faculty as soon as they arrive on campus. The university earned the No. 7 spot among public schools and No. 1 in Florida on U.S. News’ Learning Communities list. For the fall 2025 semester, University Housing offers 10 LLCs, housing more than 650 first-time-in-college students.

“At FSU, we are investing in the student experience to make sure that this big university has a small feel — that students feel connected, have a community and are engaged all around campus,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “We come together as faculty, staff and a fellow student community so that every student feels supported and challenged to grow fully during their time here and launch successfully.”

FSU maintained its No. 31 place among all undergraduate business programs at public schools on U.S. News’ 2026 Best Colleges Rankings list, and it improved its overall standing two places to No. 51. The College of Business’ Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance moved up two spots to No. 2 among the nation’s top public and private RMI programs.

The college’s Real Estate Program checked in at No. 6 among publics and No. 9 overall, with the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing earning the No. 18 spot among public universities and the Accounting Program moving up five spots to No. 20 among publics.

“We are thrilled to see our stellar standings in multiple business disciplines,” said Michael D. Hartline, the college’s dean. “We expect to reach even greater heights as we enter a new era of learning this spring in our new facility, Legacy Hall. Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, our new building embodies the excellence our undergraduate programs offer.”