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Florida State University vs Rutgers University

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

25.0% FSU acceptance
68.0% Rutgers acceptance
$62,244 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
Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $12,781
FSU
$21,683
Rutgers
$34,464
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
Rutgers
68.0%
Graduation Rate FSU higher
FSU
83%
Rutgers
82%
Avg SAT Score Rutgers higher
FSU
1310
Rutgers
1340
Starting Salary Rutgers higher
FSU
$59,800
Rutgers
$67,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU Rutgers Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$34,464FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$16,499FSU
Room & Board$12,040$14,820FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%68.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%82%FSU
Average SAT13101340Rutgers
Student-Faculty Ratio21:116:1Rutgers
Enrollment46,94451,000-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,500Rutgers
Starting Salary$59,800$67,200Rutgers
Endowment$1.1B$2.0BRutgers
Campus Size1,427 acres2,685 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | Rutgers = $139,136. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
RutgersSuburban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
Rutgers2,685 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
RutgersNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
RutgersNortheast
Founded
FSU1851
Rutgers1766
Enrollment
FSU46,944
Rutgers51,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or Rutgers harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or Rutgers?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $197,136). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Rutgers offers $14,500/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and Rutgers?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at Rutgers it is 1340. 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 Rutgers graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rutgers have a higher average starting salary ($67,200 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 Rutgers has 16:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and Rutgers compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. Rutgers is in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 2,685 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Rutgers in NCAA D1.