Academic Comparison between FSU and Nova Southeastern

Florida State University and Nova Southeastern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. FSU is a four-year, public school located in Tallahassee, FL and Nova Southeastern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • FSU is a public and Nova Southeastern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Nova Southeastern has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,700) than FSU ($21,683).
  • It is harder to admit to FSU than Nova Southeastern.
  • FSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than Nova Southeastern (1,160).
  • FSU has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Nova Southeastern (23).
  • FSU has more students with 43,889 students while Nova Southeastern has 20,910 students.
  • Nova Southeastern has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while FSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • FSU has more full-time faculties with 1,687 faculties while Nova Southeastern has 879 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Florida State Universityvs.Nova Southeastern University
Tallahassee, FloridaLocationFort Lauderdale, Florida
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$6,517
Out-Of-State$21,683
2025 Tuition & Fees$38,700
82%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$9,655Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,575
24.22 %Acceptance Rates73.21 %
30.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.61 %
1,350SAT Score1,160
30ACT Score23
86 %Graduation Rate63 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate28 %
96 %Retention Rate76 %
43,889Student Population20,910
1,687Number of Faculties879
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services