Understanding Florida State University Tuition Costs

Determining the actual cost of attendance is an important next step for newly admitted students or those just interested in attending FSU. This article breaks down the various components that make up the cost of attending Florida State University (FSU), including tuition, fees, and other expenses. It also explores financial aid options and recent changes impacting out-of-state students. The average State University System student pays $270 for a bachelor’s degree after factoring in Florida’s investment in financial aid, marking the sixth consecutive year of decline.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are set by the Florida Legislature. Florida State University's tuition is $6,517 for in-state and $21,683 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Florida State University is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

Out-of-State Tuition Increase

For the first time in two decades, out-of-state students choosing Florida State University will have to pay a little extra. Starting this fall, out-of-state students at Florida State will be paying 10% more for their tuition. It's the first increase at FSU since 2011. The cost per credit hour for undergraduate students has increased from $481 to about $530.

According to Board Chair Peter Collins, this increase was overdue to offset university operating costs. He stated, "We want to provide a really high-quality education for as cheap as possible, but there's got to be an increase at some point because costs have gone up for 14 years, and it just costs a lot more to operate the university." FSU enrolled about 7,800 out-of-state students last school year.

Student body president Carson Dale believes it's a move that would keep FSU competitive. "It's important that we are attractive as a university, not only in affordability but in providing good services, and we can't do that if we don't have the revenue streams to make that happen."

Total Cost of Attendance

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Florida State University, the total cost is $26,261 for in-state students and $41,427 for out-of-state students.

The undergraduate cost of attendance is initially set at 26 credit hours (13 hours per term). The amount of tuition a student pays is based on the number of classes they take.

Additional Expenses

Housing: Living on-campus (as most first-year students often do) can add to the overall cost of attendance. The estimated cost of housing is developed by averaging the costs for select on-campus residence halls as well as a selection of off-campus apartments located near the FSU campus.
Food: The estimated cost of food for a semester is based on the cost of the Open Access dining plan through Seminole Dining (if a student opts for a dining plan).
Books and Supplies: The cost of books, course materials, supplies, and equipment course materials varies from semester to semester, depending on the number and type of classes taken. Buying new books, used books or renting books also affects the cost.
Transportation: Estimated transportation costs for students are calculated to ensure that students have adequate funding for travel home, plus average daily travel using the US Department of Transportation estimates. The mileage is calculated using the state reimbursement rate.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses are calculated using the IRS national standards for food, clothing and other items for a single person.
Loan Origination Fees: If applicable, an average fee is included to cover the cost of a federal student loan origination.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Key Financial Aid Statistics for FSU

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 49.37%
Average Aid Package: $13,622
Average Net Price: $15,815 per year

Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Types of Financial Aid Awarded

Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. The average award is $11,126.
Need-Based Loan Amount: Loans must be paid back. The average amount is $4,223.
Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $18,643.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Jun 30 (The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.)

Affordability Ranking

News & World Report also ranked Florida as No. 1 for tuition and fees.

Read also: Affording ECU

Within the SUS, over 17,000 fewer resident undergraduate students took out loans in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20, while 77% of resident undergraduate students did not take out any loans.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment

Setting of Tuition

Tuition is set annually by the Florida Legislature, with additional local and university fees set by the Florida State University Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors. Some courses are assessed additional costs for online fees, labs, materials and supplies, and general cost recovery.

Distance Learning

Distance Learning academic programs are offered through academic departments as fully-online programs of study. These rates are unique to programs offered fully online through the Office of Distance Learning, not programs which are generally offered online separate from a distance learning academic program.

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

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