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Florida State University vs University of Maryland

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

25.0% FSU acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$83,668 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
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $18,623
FSU
$21,683
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
FSU
83%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
FSU
1310
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Maryland higher
FSU
$59,800
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$40,306FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$11,505FSU
Room & Board$12,040$14,334FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%44.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%88%Maryland
Average SAT13101410Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio21:118:1Maryland
Enrollment46,94441,200-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,200Maryland
Starting Salary$59,800$70,900Maryland
Endowment$1.1B$2.3BMaryland
Campus Size1,427 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
MarylandNortheast
Founded
FSU1851
Maryland1856
Enrollment
FSU46,944
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or Maryland harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or Maryland?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at Maryland it is 1410. 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 Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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 Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and Maryland compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.