Florida State University vs UNC: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Florida State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Florida State University vs UNC at a glance
Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and UNC 15.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,605 at Florida State University and $11,305 at UNC. Six-year graduation rates are 85.8% and 91.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and UNC 15.3%, so UNC is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,605 a year at Florida State University and $11,305 at UNC; Florida State University costs $2,700 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $4,332 at Florida State University and $2,212 at UNC.
- 85.8% of students graduate within six years at Florida State University, against 91.1% at UNC.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $68,225 for Florida State University and $81,094 for UNC; UNC is $12,869 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,000 at Florida State University and $12,086 at UNC.
- Florida State University enrolls 32,212 students (midsize city) and UNC 20,752 (small city).
Side by side
Florida State University and UNC in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Florida State University | UNC |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 15.3% |
| Applicants | 65,235 | 50,729 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1410 | 1390–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 28–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,605 | $11,305 |
| Tuition, in state | $5,656 | $9,095 |
| Tuition, out of state | $20,116 | $45,228 |
| Cost of attendance | $25,144 | $26,949 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,332 | $2,212 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,290 | $2,989 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,953 | $6,761 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,367 | $12,883 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,085 | $24,276 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.8% | 91.1% |
| First-year retention | 96.1% | 96.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $68,225 | $81,094 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $12,086 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $148 | $137 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 32,212 | 20,752 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Tallahassee, FL | Chapel Hill, NC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Florida State University reports 78 bachelor's programs and UNC 51; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- English Language and Literature, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Questions about Florida State University vs UNC
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Florida State University or UNC?
UNC is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Florida State University admits 24.2% of applicants and UNC admits 15.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Florida State University 1270–1410; UNC 1390–1530.
Which is cheaper, Florida State University or UNC?
Florida State University has the lower average net price after grants: $8,605 a year at Florida State University against $11,305 at UNC. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $4,332 and $2,212. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Florida State University or UNC graduates earn more?
UNC graduates earn more at the median: $68,225 ten years after entry for Florida State University and $81,094 for UNC. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,000 and $12,086.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Florida State University or UNC?
UNC does: 85.8% of Florida State University students graduate within six years, against 91.1% at UNC.
How big are Florida State University and UNC?
Florida State University has 32,212 students in Tallahassee, FL and UNC has 20,752 students in Chapel Hill, NC.