Florida State University (FSU) has reported a record 99.2% retention rate for first-year students from the fall to spring semester, according to university officials. This figure, based on data from the 2025-2026 academic year, means that out of 6,425 first-year students who began in the fall, 6,374 remained enrolled in the spring.
FSU President Richard McCullough commented on the achievement: “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. 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 first reached a 99% first-semester retention rate during the 2022-2023 academic year. FSU attributes these gains to continued investments in student success initiatives.
A newly established Student Academic Success division is now led by Joe O’Shea, former Dean of Undergraduate Studies. O’Shea stated: “Across our university, we are collaborating and thinking strategically about how to deliver a rewarding college experience to our students. 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.”
FSU also achieved its highest-ever overall retention rate of 97% in Fall 2025, which tracks first-year students who remain enrolled from their initial fall semester through the following fall. This places FSU fourth among public universities nationwide for this metric. The most recent national average for first-to-second-fall retention was reported at 82% by the U.S. Department of Education.
The university also set a four-year graduation rate record earlier this year at 78%, ranking ninth among public universities nationally.
DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies and acting director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), emphasized the importance of early student engagement: “Fall-to-spring retention rates offer insight into a uniquely important chapter in a student’s life. 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 was ranked No. 1 for Best First-Year Experiences among Florida’s public institutions by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2026” guidebook—a recognition linked to its support programs designed to improve student outcomes.
Support services include an Office of Retention offering transition programs for new undergraduates, guidance on course registration challenges, direct outreach efforts, as well as specialized programs such as Engage 100 and Noles Everywhere for out-of-state students.
Allison Peters, assistant dean of retention and academic engagement, described these efforts: “Our mission is to ensure every undergraduate student feels supported as they navigate their academic journey, especially during the first year. 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.”
Other initiatives highlighted include growth in honors programming and support for first-generation or Pell Grant-eligible students through CARE; living-learning communities for freshmen; and pre-major advising via Advising First.
For more information about FSU’s Division of Student Academic Success, visit academicsuccess.fsu.edu.
