Florida State vs. New College of Florida

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL with New College of Florida in Sarasota, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida State University is larger than New College of Florida based on total student enrollment (43,889 students vs. 881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, FL (Midsize City setting); New College of Florida is in Sarasota, FL (Small City setting).
• Florida State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. New College of Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida State University 17:1; New College of Florida 8:1.

Florida State vs. New College of Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida State or New College of Florida? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at New College of Florida than Florida State ($9,078 vs. $15,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida State University are 2.5% lower than at New College of Florida ($13,474 vs. $13,825).
• New College of Florida is 22.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida State (about $1,260 more per year; $6,916.00 vs. $5,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.4% higher at New College of Florida than at Florida State University (about $11,158 more per year; $29,944.00 vs. $18,786.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New College of Florida than at Florida State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by New College of Florida students is 87% larger than aid received by Florida State University students ($17,348 vs. $9,279).

Florida State vs. New College of Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Florida State or New College of Florida? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between New College of Florida and Florida State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida State University (1340) is 190 points higher than at New College of Florida (1150).
• Incoming Florida State students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at New College of Florida).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida State University 1270/1410; New College of Florida 1060/1245.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida State University 29/32; New College of Florida 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida State - Required; New College of Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida State Mar 1, 2027; New College of Florida May 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman New College of Florida students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Florida State (3.7).
• New College of Florida has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than Florida State (24.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Florida State vs. 18.5% at New College of Florida.

Florida State vs. New College of Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida State and New College of Florida? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Florida State University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than New College of Florida's (68%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New College of Florida graduates have a $5,891 lower median loan debt than Florida State graduates ($14,859 vs. $20,750).
• Among borrowers, New College of Florida graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Florida State graduates ($153 vs. $214).
• More New College of Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Florida State students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.