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College Comparison

Florida State University vs Wake Forest University: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

School

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricFlorida StateWake Forest
Acceptance Rate25.4%21.6%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1240–13901390–1510wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)27–3132–34wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$18,786wins$64,758
Avg Net Price$10,997wins$28,746
Median Earnings (10 yr)$61,675$78,158wins
Graduation Rate83.0%90.9%wins
Retention Rate95.6%wins94.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio17:19:1wins
Total Enrollment31,812wins5,471

Verdict

Based on the data above, Wake Forest edges out Florida State on 6 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

Florida State Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
  • Avg Net Price: $10,997
  • Retention Rate: 95.6%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,812

Wake Forest Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 21.6%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1390–1510
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $78,158

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