Florida State University Achieves Top 25 Ranking in 2026 U.S. News
Florida State University (FSU) has secured its place among the Top 25 public universities in the United States, as highlighted in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings released on September 23, 2025. The university has improved its standing by rising two positions to No. 21 among public institutions and achieving its highest overall ranking at No. 51 among all national universities, which includes both public and private entities.
President Richard McCullough expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing that the rise in rankings underscores the dedication of the university’s community. “Our commitment to academic excellence, student success, and impactful research is reflected in this recognition,” he stated. This latest ranking positions FSU alongside other esteemed universities such as Case Western Reserve University, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Tech.
The university’s focus on enhancing the student experience has yielded impressive results, particularly in graduation and retention rates. FSU reported a record four-year graduation rate of 78%, a notable increase from 76% the previous year. This statistic places FSU among the Top 9 public universities in the nation. Furthermore, the retention rate for first-year students has reached an all-time high of 97%, up from 96% last year.
FSU’s commitment to supporting first-generation students and those receiving Pell Grants has also been recognized. The university improved its ranking to No. 31 among public universities in the category of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which evaluates institutions based on their success in graduating economically disadvantaged students. Additionally, FSU advanced six spots to No. 14 in the Pell Grant graduation rate metric.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark highlighted the university’s organizational culture as a driving force behind its success. “People thrive in an environment where they matter,” he noted. “The investments we’ve made in focusing on both students and faculty are making a significant difference.”
In the First-Year Experiences category, FSU achieved a ranking of No. 12 among public institutions, and it holds the top position in Florida. This ranking reflects the effectiveness of the university’s support programs that contribute to positive student outcomes. The rankings are derived from a survey of higher education leaders, affirming FSU’s commitment to academic excellence and innovative student support.
Additionally, FSU was recognized for student satisfaction in Florida, as reported by The Princeton Review. The university was ranked No. 7 nationally for Best Student Life and No. 11 among Top Public Universities according to Niche, a research company specializing in educational rankings.
FSU’s holistic approach to student support includes Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), which foster supportive networks for new students. The university has secured the No. 7 position among public schools and the top spot in Florida on U.S. News’ Learning Communities list. For the fall 2025 semester, FSU will offer ten LLCs, accommodating over 650 first-time college students.
Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea emphasized the importance of creating a connected community within the university. “We want every student to feel supported and challenged to grow fully during their time here,” he said.
In the business education domain, FSU maintained its ranking of No. 31 among undergraduate business programs at public schools, while improving its overall standing to No. 51. The College of Business’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance climbed to No. 2 among the nation’s top programs, while the Real Estate Program ranked No. 6 among public schools.
Dean Michael D. Hartline expressed enthusiasm for the college’s achievements and the potential for future growth. “We expect to reach even greater heights as we enter a new era of learning in our new facility, Legacy Hall,” he stated. “Our new building embodies the excellence our undergraduate programs offer.”
Florida State University’s latest rankings reflect its unwavering dedication to fostering student success, enhancing educational quality, and promoting inclusivity, solidifying its position as a leading public institution in the United States.
