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Florida State University vs University of Texas at Austin

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

25.0% FSU acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$78,508 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $19,387
FSU
$21,683
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate UT Austin higher
FSU
83%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score UT Austin higher
FSU
1310
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UT Austin higher
FSU
$59,800
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$41,070FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$11,448FSU
Room & Board$12,040$12,280FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%29.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%87%UT Austin
Average SAT13101370UT Austin
Student-Faculty Ratio21:117:1UT Austin
Enrollment46,94452,384-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,990UT Austin
Starting Salary$59,800$68,500UT Austin
Endowment$1.1B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size1,427 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
UT AustinSouth
Founded
FSU1851
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
FSU46,944
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or UT Austin harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UT Austin have a higher average starting salary ($68,500 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.