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Florida Atlantic University vs Florida State University

Florida Atlantic University is a public university in Boca Raton, FL, and Florida State University is a public university in Tallahassee, FL. Florida State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 24% of applicants against 66% at Florida Atlantic University. Florida Atlantic University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,752 a year against $11,297 at Florida State University. About 84% of students graduate at Florida State University, compared with 63% at Florida Atlantic University. Ten years after enrolling, Florida State University alumni earn a median of about $61,675, against $56,746 for Florida Atlantic University.

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · Public

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boca Raton, FL
Tallahassee, FL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,757
32,212
Acceptance rate
66%
24%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.87 avg
3.47–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1200
1270–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
29–32
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,752
$11,297
Full cost / yr
$21,522
$25,720
In-state tuition
$4,879
$5,656
Out-of-state tuition
$17,324
$18,786
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,022
$5,938
$30k - $48k
$4,135
$6,963
$48k - $75k
$8,106
$10,496
$75k - $110k
$14,440
$14,991
Over $110k
$16,854
$19,239
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
84%
Freshman retention
84%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,647
$49,814
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,746
$61,675
Median debt at graduation
$17,236
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
23%
First-generation students
39%
28%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Oct 15
Early action
Oct 15
Oct 15
Regular decision
Mar 12
Dec 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Florida Atlantic University or Florida State University harder to get into?
Florida State University is harder to get into. It admits about 24% of applicants, compared with 66% at Florida Atlantic University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Florida Atlantic University or Florida State University?
Florida Atlantic University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,752 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $11,297 at Florida State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Florida Atlantic University and Florida State University?
Before aid, Florida Atlantic University costs about $21,522 a year and Florida State University about $25,720. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Florida Atlantic University or Florida State University?
Florida Atlantic University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,022 there, against about $5,938 at Florida State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Florida Atlantic University or Florida State University?
Florida State University is the larger of the two, with about 32,212 undergraduates against 23,757 at Florida Atlantic University.
Does Florida Atlantic University or Florida State University have a better graduation rate?
Florida State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 63% at Florida Atlantic University.
Do graduates of Florida Atlantic University or Florida State University earn more?
Florida State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,675 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,746 for Florida Atlantic University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Florida Atlantic University and Florida State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Florida Atlantic University requires SAT or ACT scores. Florida State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Florida Atlantic University and Florida State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1200 at Florida Atlantic University and 1270–1410 at Florida State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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