Florida State University is again ranked as one of the Top 25 public universities in the country, earning recognition for its innovative approach and providing outstanding first-year experiences for students in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2025” guidebook released Sept. 24.  

In the publication’s First-Year Experiences category, FSU achieved a No. 7 ranking among public institutions and No. 1 in the state of Florida, a testament to 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.

“Florida State University is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed from day one,” said President Richard McCullough. “We continue to invest in a robust array of student support initiatives, and they are yielding exceptional results.”

Florida State also earned recognition by its peers as one of the nation’s “Most Innovative Schools,” which acknowledges universities making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities. FSU checked in at No. 21 among public universities, based on a survey of college presidents, provosts and admissions deans.  

FSU maintained its No. 23 spot among public universities, fueled by its impressive 86% six-year graduation and 96% freshman retention rates. FSU also made gains in categories that measure faculty salaries, full-time faculty, student-faculty ratio and standardized test scores of first-year students. 

“Florida State University faculty and staff are dedicated to student success,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “Students are achieving excellence during their careers at FSU because of our teams that support their hard work as they build pathways to four-year graduation and successful careers.”  

Florida State’s emphasis on supporting first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients is also producing positive outcomes. The university climbed two places to No. 35 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’s most recent cohort of Pell Grant recipients scored a six-year graduation rate of 83%, just shy of the graduation rate for the entire student population. 

“FSU is all in when it comes to investing in student success and reaching new heights in academics and research. These are the things that truly matter to our students, their families, and the people of Florida.” 

– FSU President Richard McCullough

Earlier this fall, Florida State University reached a significant milestone, earning its highest ranking ever at No. 10 in Niche’s 2025 Top Public Universities in America. 

Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities, also recognized FSU’s vibrant student life and outstanding academic programs in several categories. 

Princeton Review also ranked FSU No. 1 among public universities for student satisfaction on its “Their Students Love These Colleges” list. Based on survey results of 168,000 students at 390 schools, the ranking underscores unparalleled student satisfaction at FSU. 

FSU’s inclusion in these rankings stems from targeted investments in student success initiatives, guided by the analysis of numerous data points. 

These investments have allowed FSU to expand its specialized advising teams to improve student engagement and provide personalized support for students, especially in their first year. The university also has grown its Presidential Scholars and Honors programs and the footprint of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, or CARE, which provides additional support for first-generation students and others who have historically encountered extra financial barriers to education, such as Federal Pell Grant recipients. 

“FSU is all in when it comes to investing in student success and reaching new heights in academics and research,” McCullough said. “These are the things that truly matter to our students, their families, and the people of Florida.” 

The university’s mission to improve the overall student experience is producing tangible results. FSU reached a university-record freshman retention rate of 96% for the past two years and ranks No. 8 among public universities in the metric, according to U.S. News. In addition, FSU set new highs with a 76% four-year graduation rate and an 86% six-year graduation rate.  

“FSU has a world-class undergraduate education. It really is unmatched,” said Joe O’Shea, associate provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies. “It’s a culture that is special and has been built here over generations. Students at Florida State feel like they belong, like they are part of this institution and that they are cared for, that we have their back, and that the faculty will go above and beyond in and out of the classroom to empower them to grow to their full potential. It’s such a magical experience to see students thrive.” 

The U.S. News Best Colleges guidebook also featured a significant climb in the rankings for FSU’s undergraduate business and nursing programs, which are determined solely by peer assessments. 

“Florida State University faculty and staff are dedicated to student success. Students are achieving excellence during their careers at FSU because of our teams that support their hard work as they build pathways to four-year graduation and successful careers.”  

–  Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs

The Florida State University College of Business jumped to No. 31 among all of the nation’s undergraduate business programs at public schools, up seven spots from No. 38 last year. The newest standings earn FSU the No. 2 position among all undergraduate business programs at Florida’s state universities. 

Leading the way, the college’s Real Estate Program secured a new high standing of No. 4 among public schools, up from No. 6 last year. The Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance maintained its No. 4 spot among all of the nation’s top public and private RMI programs, and FSU’s undergraduate Accounting Program returned to Top 25 status among fellow public schools. 

“Every day we focus on equipping new generations of business leaders with the sound financial, technical and soft skills they need to make an immediate, positive impact in their chosen careers,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the FSU College of Business. “The success of enrolled students and future graduates is our primary goal, so we are always encouraged when new rankings reflect our high standards and growing preeminence.” 

The College of Nursing’s undergraduate program soared 39 places to No. 33 among public universities, driven by state and university investments. Undergraduate student enrollment has quadrupled over the past two years while maintaining a personalized dedication to each student’s success, and Dean Jing Wang expects the college’s upward trend to continue.  

“This is another history-making moment for our boldly rising College of Nursing,” Wang said. “Every day, we are discovering new ways to implement innovative approaches to educate new nurses in the state of Florida and beyond. None of this could be done without the dedication of our talented faculty members and staff. But most importantly, I want to acknowledge our amazing students who continue to set the bar high and our alumni who are saving lives every day. I’m proud of our college’s bold action to create better health for all.”