Florida State University (FSU) has reported a record 99.2% retention rate for first-year students from the fall to spring semester, marking one of the highest rates in the nation. For the 2025-2026 academic year, out of 6,425 first-year students who began in the fall, 6,374 remained enrolled through the spring.
“We’re proud to sustain nationally recognized graduation and retention rates and to have a new university record with a 99.2% fall-to-spring retention,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “These outcomes reflect the holistic support and engagement we provide students, helping them feel at home at FSU and succeed in an academically invigorating environment.”
The university previously set a record during the 2022-2023 academic year by reaching a 99% first-semester retention rate for the first time. FSU attributes these results to ongoing investments in student success initiatives.
Recently, FSU established the Student Academic Success division and appointed Joe O’Shea as vice president to lead efforts aimed at recruiting, retaining, and graduating students. “Across our university, we are collaborating and thinking strategically about how to deliver a rewarding college experience to our students,” said O’Shea. “Our fall-to-spring retention rates show that we take our commitment seriously to give all students from all backgrounds a world-class education at FSU and to set them up for success right away.”
In Fall 2025, FSU also achieved its highest-ever overall retention rate of 97%, measuring how many first-year students stay enrolled from their first to second fall semesters. This placed FSU fourth among public universities nationwide. The most recent national average for this metric is 82%, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Earlier this year, FSU reached a four-year graduation rate record of 78%, ranking ninth nationally among public universities.
“Fall-to-spring retention rates offer insight into a uniquely important chapter in a student’s life,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies and acting director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE). “The fact that so many of our students who complete their first semester return to school after winter break shows that they are finding community, connecting with their professors, and accessing the resources that help them succeed. We’re proud of the work we do to help students feel at home from Day 1.”
FSU has been ranked No. 1 for Best First-Year Experiences among public institutions in Florida by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2026” guidebook.
The university’s Office of Retention supports undergraduates with programs focused on transition and engagement during their first year, including assistance with course registration challenges and personalized outreach.
Through programs like Engage 100—which introduces new students to campus resources—and Noles Everywhere—which connects out-of-state students with peer leaders—FSU aims to build strong support networks both on and off campus. The office also leads initiatives supporting course repeaters and campaigns promoting timely graduation through balanced course loads.
“Our mission is to ensure every undergraduate student feels supported as they navigate their academic journey, especially during the first year,” said Allison Peters, assistant dean of retention and academic engagement. “From innovative engagement programs to personalized outreach, we strive to help students build strong connections, effectively utilize university resources, and engage in meaningful educational activities.”
Recent enhancements include growth in both the University Honors Program—now ranked No. 1 in Florida—and Presidential Scholars Program for high-achieving students. These programs offer interdisciplinary courses, specialized advising, dedicated housing options, classroom space, and study areas.
Support services have also expanded for first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students through CARE (Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement), which now provides funding opportunities as well as mentoring services such as advising and life coaching.
FSU offers eleven living-learning communities where first-year students can live alongside peers with similar interests; these communities contributed toward earning FSU top marks among Florida’s public schools on U.S. News & World Report’s Learning Communities list for its latest rankings.
Additionally, Advising First provides guidance before major selection through College Life Coaching programs and targeted support for exploratory majors.
For more information about FSU’s Division of Student Academic Success visit academicsuccess.fsu.edu.
