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Florida State University vs NYU

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

25.0% FSU acceptance
12.2% NYU acceptance
$193,172 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
NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $38,755
FSU
$21,683
NYU
$60,438
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
FSU
25.0%
NYU
12.2%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
FSU
83%
NYU
87%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
FSU
1310
NYU
1480
Starting Salary NYU higher
FSU
$59,800
NYU
$74,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU NYU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$60,438FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$60,438FSU
Room & Board$12,040$21,578FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%12.2%NYU
Graduation Rate83%87%NYU
Average SAT13101480NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio21:18:1NYU
Enrollment46,94459,144-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$38,960NYU
Starting Salary$59,800$74,100NYU
Endowment$1.1B$6.2BNYU
Campus Size1,427 acres230 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | NYU = $172,224. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
NYUUrban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
NYU230 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
NYUNCAA D3
Region
FSUSouth
NYUNortheast
Founded
FSU1851
NYU1831
Enrollment
FSU46,944
NYU59,144

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or NYU harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 25.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or NYU?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while NYU offers $38,960/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and NYU?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at NYU it is 1480. 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 NYU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $59,800). 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 NYU has 8:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and NYU compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. NYU is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 230 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NYU in NCAA D3.