2025 Florida College Updates from FSU, UCF, UF, USF, and Other Florida Public Universities
For nine straight years, Florida’s higher education system has been ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The State University System (SUS) of Florida serves more than 354,000 students and comprises 12 member institutions: UF, FSU, USF, UCF, FAU, FGCU, FIU, UNF, Florida Poly, New College of Florida, UWF, and FAMU. Recently, Florida’s top college advisors at International College Counselors attended exclusive admissions workshops for the Florida SUS, where representatives from all 12 universities shared key insights and Florida college updates.
Across the board, admissions officers noted that this year’s freshman class had some of the strongest applicant profiles they have ever seen. Below are a few highlights from the workshop. While the points may appear somewhat varied and are presented in no specific order, they reflect what the college representatives emphasized as most important.
If you have any questions about applying to Florida’s public universities or their admissions process, please reach out to us. With our headquarters in Florida and a track record of helping thousands of students earn admission to the state’s schools, we offer deep expertise and guidance.
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UNIVERSITY CENTRAL FLORIDA (UCF), Orlando
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
Fall GPA: 4.11-4.57; Summer GPA: 3.98-4.38
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1310-1430; Summer 1190-1240; ACT: Fall 28-32; Summer 24-27
Overview
Over 66,000 students applied to UCF last year, a 16% increase from the previous year. In total, 25,629 students received offers of admission, and the school welcomed approximately 8,200 first-year students to campus, including 73 National Merit Scholars. The majority applied and were accepted through UCF’s new, non-binding Early Action option.
New majors include a B.S. in Health Information Management, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies, and a B.S.B.A. in Business Analytics. The Burnett Honors College offers top-performing students an elevated academic experience with small, discussion-based classes, personalized advising, priority registration, and access to undergraduate research. Students must apply separately in addition to submitting the university admission application.
For the last seven consecutive years, UCF has been named the #1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industry by Aviation Week Network. They were also ranked #1 in the world for their hospitality and tourism school by ShanghaiRanking and #5 in the world for their undergraduate game design programs by The Princeton Review and PC Gamer.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (UF), Gainesville
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
Fall GPA: 4.5-4.7; Summer GPA: 4.5-4.7
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1390-1510; Summer 1260-1410; ACT: Fall 31-34; Summer 28-32
Overview
The University of Florida, ranked the #4 Public University by Forbes, received a record 92,000 applications last year, admitting approximately 18,200 students. Students may enter UF via different pathways, including the traditional summer or fall entry; Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE)—a hybrid program where students start their first two years of classes online, and then finish their degree on campus; Innovation Academy (IA)—a spring/summer program where students select from over 30 majors and earn their degree with a minor in Innovation; Gator Engineering at Santa Fe, or Gator Design and Construction at Santa Fe.
UF’s Honors Program offers smaller classes, signature experiences, and personalized support. Students may live in the new Honors Village, a Living Learning Community that includes four residence halls, advising offices, and coursework.
UF has the lowest tuition among any school ranked in the Top 50 national universities. The school offers 120 majors across 16 colleges and 1,000 student organizations, ranging from academic and gaming clubs to dance and politics clubs. UF is a leader in Artificial Intelligence, offering 200 AI courses across all majors and several AI undergraduate certifications. The Princeton Review ranked UF’s alumni network #5 in the nation for internships, career opportunities, and alumni connections. UF is the only university to have won three NCAA DI titles in men’s football and basketball, most recently securing the 2025 men’s basketball championship.
Students applying Early Action (for Florida residents only) must submit their application by November 1 and submit all materials by November 8. UF will not include the ACT Science section for admissions, only the Reading, Math, and English sections.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY (FAU), Boca Raton and Jupiter
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
Fall GPA: 3.78-4.35; Summer GPA: 3.36-4.02
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1100-1280; Summer: 1010-1180; ACT: Fall: 22-28; Summer 20-25
Wilkes Honors College Middle 50% Admitted Student Profile
GPA: 4.12-4.58; SAT: 1240-1430; ACT: 26-32
BS/MD Program Requirements
GPA: 4.3+; SAT of 1490+ or an ACT of 33+; US Citizen or Permanent Resident
School of Nursing Minimum Requirements
GPA: 3.6+; SAT of 1200+ or an ACT of 25+
Overview
FAU received 57,740 applications last year, a 26% increase in applications from last year, and admitted 27,772 students, a 59% admit rate. The school welcomed over 4,300 students on campus, including 192 in the Wilkes Honors College. FAU is a Carnegie R1 Research University, a preeminent distinction that places it among the top institutions in the nation for very high research activity. The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience partners closely with FAU, offering joint research opportunities, graduate training, and access to cutting-edge neuroscience facilities. The BS/MD program continues to be highly competitive and welcomed 12 students to campus this year. Construction is underway on Talon Hall, a residential hall for upperclassmen with 674 beds, with a targeted open date for fall 2027.
The new 22,000 sq. ft. Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building, home of FAU’s Holocaust Education and Jewish Studies, will open in the spring of 2027. After a 45-win season, the FAU softball team has earned a spot in the national Top 25 rankings.
Students may self-report their standardized test scores, except for the College of Nursing, which requires official test scores. October 15th is the Early Action deadline, January 15th is the merit scholarship deadline, and March 20th is the priority housing date for guaranteed housing.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (USF), Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
GPA: Fall 4.03-4.55; Summer 3.61-4.18
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1260-1410; Summer 1110-1220; ACT: Fall 27-31; Summer 23-26
Overview
Over 48,000 students call USF home. Last year, the school received 74,259 applications, admitted 31,000, and welcomed 6,700 to their freshman class. Students take classes across its three campuses: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Students enjoy life on the Gulf Coast, with top-ranked beaches, easy access to professional sports and amusement parks, and access to Fortune 500 companies for internships and jobs. With over 240 majors across 14 colleges and over 740 clubs and organizations, students have multiple opportunities to pursue their goals and passions.
The Tampa campus’ signature programs include Computer Science, Nursing, Engineering, Design, Art & Performance; St. Pete’s signature programs include Marine Biology, Graphic Arts, Sustainability Studies, and Digital Communication; and the Sarasota-Manatee signature programs include Business Analytics & Information Systems, Elementary Education, and Nursing.
USF launched the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing, the first university in Florida to open a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity. The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine was ranked #1 in Florida by U.S. News and World Report. The school began construction on a new football stadium in April 2025, slated to open in fall 2027.
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY (FGCU), Fort Myers
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
Fall GPA: 3.79-4.54; Summer 3.12-4.21
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1070-1240; Summer 1020-1160; ACT: Fall 21-26; Summer 19-24
Overview
Located in breathtaking Southwest Florida, FGCU offers multiple ways to learn: service-learning, experiential learning, internships, and undergraduate research. Approximately 16,000 students call FGCU home, taking advantage of the 66 undergraduate majors and 54 minors. New to FGCU is a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Hospitality & Tourism Management; a $22 million donation towards the Marieb College of Health & Human Services; food delivery robots on campus; and an expansion and renovation of the Cohen Student Union. FGCU’s School of Nursing achieves a 100% NCLEX pass rate. Students enjoy a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 74% of classes are taught by full-time faculty. First-year housing in the South Village (SoVi) includes a resort-style pool, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom options, suite-style living, a rec center, and buffet-style dining. FGCU has not had a tuition increase in 10 years, and 61% of students graduate with no debt.
FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (FLORIDA POLY), Lakeland
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
GPA – Fall 4.1; Summer 3.96
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1160-1360; Summer 1130; ACT: Fall 25-31; Summer 23
Overview
Florida Poly is Florida’s only all-STEM public university. Students may enroll in 13 majors, including Applied Math, Business Analytics, Engineering (multiple fields), Computer Science, Data Science, and Physics. The school was ranked as having the highest salaries of graduates among Florida’s state universities by MyFloridaFuture and placed in the nation’s top 10 for Best Career Outcomes by WalletHub. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report ranked the university among the Top 20 Public Engineering Programs that do not offer a Ph.D. Now in its 12th academic year, the school has increased its student body to 1,770 students.
Starting in Fall 2026, a new NAIA athletics program will launch on campus: men’s baseball, soccer, and cross country, along with women’s softball, soccer, and cross country, and all the new sports programs will offer athletic scholarships. Some unique clubs and organizations include the K-POP KREW, LEGO Society, The Force Institute, and the Trading Card Game Club. Florida Poly is located between Tampa and Orlando, within 60 miles of more than 11,000 technology and engineering firms. All students are required to do an internship before graduation. Arguably, the school has the nicest residential halls, with flat screen TVs and washer/dryers in every suite-style unit. The school is building a new Esports gaming arena.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (FSU), Tallahassee
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
GPA: Fall 4.3-4.6; Summer 4.1-4.5
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1370-1460; Summer 1280-1370; ACT: Fall 30-33; Summer 28-30
University Honors Programs’ Middle 50% Admitted Student Profile
GPA: 4.4-4.7; SAT: 1400-1510; ACT: 31-34
Overview
This year, FSU received approximately 87,000 applications, admitted 30% of applicants, and welcomed a first-year class of about 6,200 students. It was the most competitive application cycle ever. The Honors Program has 900 students, 60 of whom are Presidential Scholars. National Merit Finalists are no longer guaranteed admission to the University Honors Program—all students will need to apply, and the school will introduce an Honors waitlist this year. Students must apply by December 1 to be eligible for the Honors Program.
FSU recently introduced a housing waitlist along with the new Off-Campus Student Life department, which provides renter education and a housing guide. In January 2026, the university will also celebrate the opening of Legacy Hall, a 218,000 sq. ft. facility that will serve as the future home of the College of Business.
FSU Health is an initiative aimed at transforming health care delivery in North Florida. It includes a state-of-the-art academic center in Panama City Beach set to open in 2028 and an academic health center in Tallahassee set to open in 2026. FSU offers 275+ degree programs and 55+ combined Bachelor’s/Master’s pathways. A new major, the B.A. in Community Music, explores the role of music in everyday life. Offering over 650 active student organizations, students stay involved in community service groups, honor societies, Greek Life, sports clubs, and student government. FSU is home to the celebrated Flying High Circus, one of only two collegiate circuses in the nation. Florida students have an October 15 Early Action deadline, and all students may apply Regular Decision by December 1.
NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA (NCF), Sarasota
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
GPA: Fall 3.7-4.3
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1060-1240; ACT: Fall 22-27
Overview
New College of Florida is the smallest of the Florida public schools, with 900 undergraduate students, an average class size of 13 students, and an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. New College’s academic structure challenges students to think deeply, write powerfully, and question everything. The school offers 50 Areas of Concentration (majors) in humanities, sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. New this year is the International & Area Studies (IAS) concentration. Students tailor their courses each semester with a faculty advisor and complete an original research or creative project before graduation. The school also offers Independent Study Projects (ISPs), a full month each year for student-led exploration. Students’ report cards include letter grades and GPAs, along with narrative evaluations that provide meaningful feedback from professors. Life on campus includes 18 NAIA athletic teams, 50+ student organizations, and waterfront living.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA (UNF), Jacksonville
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
GPA: Fall 4.00-4.53; Summer 3.23-3.71
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1100-1300; Summer 960-1140; ACT: Fall 22-28; Summer 18-24
Overview
UNF is a place where students will soar, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Starting with the fall 2025 class, UNF guarantees experiential internships, research, or other professional opportunities for every undergraduate student. Also new this fall is Osprey Ridge, a residence hall for honors students. New majors include Environmental Natural Science, Environmental Principles & Practice, and Fintech. Students may earn a BS in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, the only degree of its kind in Florida and one of only a few in the country. In 2026, the school will open the UNF Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena, featuring 42 gaming stations, a competition stage, a broadcast studio, and a console zone.
The school has the highest enrollment in school history with 17,600 students. UNF offers more than 100 majors and 81 undergraduate minors. Students can get involved in over 200 clubs. Due to its location, mild climate, and outstanding quality of life, the city has been named the #2 Hottest Job Market in America by The Wall Street Journal and the 4th Fastest-Growing City in the US by the U.S. Census Bureau.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA (UWF), Pensacola
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
GPA: Fall 3.58-4.22 Summer 3.47-4.08
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1020-1230; Summer 990-1200; ACT: Fall 20-27; Summer 19-25; CLT 48-69
Overview
This July, the University of West Florida welcomed their new president, Manny Diaz Jr. The school is on track to enroll 15,000 total students. Students enrolled in the Kugelman Honors Program receive benefits like research support, exclusive summer study abroad opportunities, priority registration, an honors advisor, and access to a Living Learning Community. Students participate in more than 130 student organizations, including 17 fraternity and sorority chapters and 15 NCAA DII athletic teams. This past May, the men’s golf team won the NCAA DII National Championship.
One year after graduation, 80% of grads are employed (at $40k+) or continuing their education. UWF was awarded a $32.5 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant to expand its research programs in cybersecurity and computational intelligence, like AI. UWF’s new, state-of-the-art sports medicine facility recently opened and will serve more than 370 student-athletes. The College of Science and Engineering added a new Civil Engineering major this fall.
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY (FAMU), Tallahassee
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
Fall GPA: 3.69-4.25; Summer GPA: 3.16-3.88
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1080-1230; Summer 1030-1150; ACT: Fall 22-27; Summer 19-24
Overview
FAMU is the only Historically Black University (HBCU) land-granted institution in Florida. The school enrolls nearly 10,000 students and has been ranked the #1 public HBCU in the nation. Students have the opportunity to choose from 54 majors offered by the university’s 14 colleges and schools. The three areas of expertise include: (1) Health, Pharmacological Research, Allied Health Sciences and Workforce Readiness, (2) Business Innovation in Supply Chain, Accounting, and Cyber Policy, and (3) Architecture, Agricultural Engineering, and Environmental Design. The award-winning Marching “100,” one of the nation’s oldest college bands, has performed at the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl, and other prestigious events. On “Set Friday,” students enjoy stepping and musical performances at Knight Foundation Plaza. FAMU proudly boasts a 94.6% retention rate and welcomes students to join the FAMU-ly.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (FIU), Miami
Middle 50% of Admitted First-Time-in-College 2025 Freshmen
Fall GPA: 4.1-4.6; Summer 3.9-4.5
Standardized Tests – SAT: Fall 1250-1390; Summer 1060-1180; ACT: Fall 27-31; Summer 22-25
Overview
FIU welcomed 5,900 new first-year students this year. The school is growing with new majors, buildings, and personnel changes. New this year is a Business and Government Leadership major and the opportunity to add CS to biology and psychology degrees so that students will be more competitive in these fields. A new Engineering and Computer Science building will open in the spring; they’re breaking ground on a new 1,200-bed residential hall for upperclassmen; and the new CasaCuba, a new cultural and academic center, is slated for completion in 2027. For students interested in healthcare, FIU is building a new Baptist Health Center on campus with the region’s only pediatric academic hospital. Unique to FIU is Medina Aquarius, the only operational underwater science lab in the world. Dr. Diana Azzam’s laboratory is poised to be the first CLIA-certified lab in Florida dedicated to functional cancer drug testing. Coach Willie Simmons joined FIU as the school’s new football coach in December 2024, and Mat Dunn joined as the new women’s soccer team coach in March 2025.
FIU prides itself on its students having strong job prospects after graduation, hands-on learning experiences, and a sense of belonging. FIU’s Early Action deadline for Florida students is November 3, while their All First-Year Application deadline is December 17.
OTHER UPDATES
CollegeBoard is expanding its offerings and will add two new AP courses for the 2026-27 school year: AP Cybersecurity and AP Business with Personal Finance. In the 2027-28 school year, students will have the opportunity to take AP Networking. Starting this year, Florida students who earn the AP Capstone Diploma can qualify for Florida Bright Futures.
ACT has been rolling out the recently launched enhanced ACT assessment that includes a shorter test, more time per item, more flexibility, expanded online testing, and content updates. The Science section is optional and is not required for admission to any SUS institution or for eligibility for the Florida Bright Futures scholarship.
Last year, over 140,000 students took the Classic Learning Test (CLT). In 2023, SUS adopted the test as an alternative standardized test for admissions. The test may also be used for Bright Future scholarship eligibility and to fulfill graduation requirements. The exam focuses on principles of classical education.
Cambridge Advanced (AICE) is Florida’s fastest-growing acceleration program, with over 135,000 students in 294 Florida high schools taking Cambridge Advanced in 2023-24. Over 7,970 Florida students earned the Cambridge AICE Diploma in 2024. In the 2026-27 year, there will be four new syllabi replacing AS & A Level History.
