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Florida State University vs Indiana University Bloomington

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

25.0% FSU acceptance
80.0% IU acceptance
$71,836 FSU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Founded
1820
Enrollment
47,527
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $17,501
FSU
$21,683
IU
$39,184
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
IU
80.0%
Graduation Rate FSU higher
FSU
83%
IU
80%
Avg SAT Score FSU higher
FSU
1310
IU
1240
Starting Salary FSU higher
FSU
$59,800
IU
$58,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU IU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$39,184FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$11,614FSU
Room & Board$12,040$12,498FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%80.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%80%FSU
Average SAT13101240FSU
Student-Faculty Ratio21:115:1IU
Enrollment46,94447,527-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$13,900IU
Starting Salary$59,800$58,900FSU
Endowment$1.1B$3.6BIU
Campus Size1,427 acres1,940 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | IU = $151,128. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

IU Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMedia

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
IUSuburban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
IU1,940 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
IUNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
IUMidwest
Founded
FSU1851
IU1820
Enrollment
FSU46,944
IU47,527

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or IU harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or IU?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $206,728). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while IU offers $13,900/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and IU?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at IU it is 1240. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do FSU or IU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of FSU have a higher average starting salary ($59,800 vs $58,900). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
FSU has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio while IU has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and IU compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. IU is in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,940 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and IU in NCAA D1.