State University System Matrix Counselor Guide 2025

FLORIDA

SUS 2025-2026 COUNSELOR GUIDE

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IN THE NATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE 9TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

by U.S. News & World Report

FLORIDA 1

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IN THE NATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE 9TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR U.S. News & World Report

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Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

This map was produced by Florida International University.

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 3

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY Founded October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black land-grant university located in Tallahassee, Florida. As the only public HBCU in Florida, FAMU has a longstanding commitment to providing access to highquality, affordable education. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, FAMU was recognized as the No. 1 public HBCU for the sixth consecutive year and ranked No. 1 for Health Science Majors among all HBCUs nationwide. FAMU comprises 14 colleges and schools, offering 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, three professional degrees, and 12 doctoral degrees, preparing students to be leaders in their chosen fields. What distinguishes FAMU is its legacy of empowering students through education, research, and service, guiding them toward successfully achieving their dreams while contributing meaningfully to society. Beyond its main campus in Tallahassee, FAMU extends its reach through several satellite campuses across Florida.

These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

Early Action Non-Binding

Regular Decision

Application Deadline November 1

Application Deadline February 1

Documents Deadline November 14 Decision Notification December 12

Documents Deadline February 14 Decision Notification March 12

Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

Application Deadline May 1 Documents Deadline May 1 Decision Notification Beginning of April

Official transcript required.

Official test scores required.

Essay and letters of recommendation for scholarship only.

admissions.famu.edu | ugrdadmissions@famu.edu | 850-599-3796

4

Rolling Decision

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY Florida Atlantic University calls to the innovative and ambitious as a leader in research and opportunity.

Located in the entrepreneurial heart of South Florida, our Boca Raton campus connects students to resume-building experience, award-winning internships, and cutting-edge research along the coast. At our Wilkes Honors College, students dive into an all-honors curriculum, collaborating with world-renowned faculty on our Jupiter campus.

Ranked among the Top 50 National Universities by Washington Monthly, Florida Atlantic University is one of only 21 institutions in the country to earn both Carnegie Classifications of R1—the highest level of research activity—and Opportunity University, making it a national model for student success. By increasing access to a world-class education that leads to higher earnings, Florida Atlantic is transforming lives and creating generational change.

Early Action Summer/Fall

Rolling Decision Summer/Fall

Application Deadline

October 15, 2025

March 13, 2026

September 15, 2025

Materials Deadline

October 22, 2025

March 13, 2026

September 15, 2025

Decision Notification

December 5, 2026

Rolling

Rolling

Decision Outcomes

Admit | Admit Pathway | Defer | Deny

Admit | Defer | Deny | Waitlist*

Admit | Deny

Freshman Merit Scholarship

Automatic Consideration

January 15, 2026

N/A

Freshman Direct Admit Nursing BSN

January 15, 2026 Complete Application + Materials

Rolling

N/A

STARS Self-Report Test Scores

Spring

Applicants for the College of Nursing must submit official test scores

fau.edu/about/admissions | admissions@fau.edu | 561-297-3040

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 5

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), located in

Early Action Non-Binding

All Applicants

Application Deadline November 1, 2025

Application Deadline March 1, 2026

Decision Released January 31, 2026

Rolling Admission

Academic scholarships for those who qualify

Rolling Admission

beautiful Southwest Florida, has approximately 16,000 students. FGCU is one of the best values in U.S. Higher Education. We have kept the cost of tuition the same for eleven years! The majority of our students (62%) graduate with zero debt. We award $125 million in financial aid & scholarships annually. We are dedicated to student success. Our 65 undergraduate majors and 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio guarantee you’ll get an education with a personal touch and have the support, advising, and guidance to complete your degree on time.

FGCU holds the highest employment rate for graduates

*Freshman merit scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed.

Preference is given to students who apply by the early action date of November 1st.

getting jobs in Florida.

fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid | admissions@fgcu.edu | 888-889-1095

6

Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Florida International University is a Top 50 public university driving talent and innovation in Miami and around the world. As a Preeminent State Research University with Carnegie R1 “Very High Research” designation, FIU combines groundbreaking research, unwavering

Early Action 1, Non-Binding Scholarship deadline for Florida HS graduates

Early Action 2, Non-Binding

All Applicants Final

Application Deadline November 3, 2025

Application Deadline December 17, 2025

Application Deadline March 4, 2026

Decision Released December 11, 2025

Decision Released January 21, 2026

Decision Released April 2, 2026

Academic Scholarships awarded for those who qualify

Academic Scholarships awarded for those who qualify

commitment to student success, and experiential opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting cities. With strengths in the environment, health, technology, and innovation, FIU is home to more than 54,000 students enrolled in nationally recognized programs in the arts and sciences, business, medicine, law, engineering, and computer science. U.S. News & World Report ranks FIU among the nation’s Top 50 public universities, while The Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly rank FIU the No. University 1 in Florida. FIU is also ranked No. 4 in the U.S. by Times Higher Education for global impact, and dozens of its programs consistently earn

A complete application includes: Application Application fee or waiver

Dual enrollment transcripts are not required but are recommended

Official high school transcript SAT/ACT/CLT score

recognition among the best in the nation.

admissions.fiu.edu | admiss@fiu.edu | 305-348-7000

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 7

FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY Florida Polytechnic University is the state’s only public all-STEM university specializing in engineering and applied science education.

Florida Poly offers an innovative curriculum designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Located in Lakeland, Florida, the cutting-edge campus is equipped with state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces. Students benefit from small classes, personalized faculty mentorship, and hands-on experience through internships, Capstone Projects, and industry partnerships. Florida Poly is one of the most affordable universities in the state and among other STEM-focused universities in the nation.

In 2024 we ranked No. 2 best value public college in the Southeast which combines affordability and academic performance (U.S. News and World Report), No. 1 for grads with lowest student debt in the state (U.S. Department of Education), and No. 1 for highest salaries with our graduates earning higher incomes one-year after graduation

Early Action Non-Binding

Early Action 2

All Applicants

Application Deadline November 15, 2025

Application Deadline January 15, 2026

Application Deadline March 1, 2026

Decision Released December 1, 2025

Decision Released March 1, 2026

Decision Released March 15, 2026

Academic Scholarships for those who qualify

Academic Scholarships for those who qualify

Rolling after March 15

Unofficial transcripts and test scores may be used for initial admission decision.

Official academic records required of all students intending to enroll.

No essay requirement for admission.

than all state universities (MyFloridaFuture).

floridapoly.edu/admissions-and-aid | admissions@floridapoly.edu | 863-874-4774

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Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY Florida State University is designated as a Preeminent Research University, serving more than 43,000 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries. Located in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, FSU offers more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs— including medicine and law—taught by exceptional faculty who are leaders in their fields. FSU’s unwavering commitment to student success results in some of the

Early Action Non-Binding Florida Residents Only

Priority Application

All Applicants

Application Deadline October 15, 2025 Completed by October 22, 2025

Application Deadline December 1, 2025 Complete by December 8, 2025

Application Deadline March 1, 2026 Complete by March 8, 2026

Decision Released December 12, 2025

Decisions released February 13, 2026

Decision Released April 2026

highest retention and graduation rates in the nation.

Its welcoming campus is home to a growing research enterprise, the world-class National High Magnetic Field

Deadline for the University Honors Program and automatic scholarship consideration: December 1.

Laboratory, celebrated fine and performing arts programs,

Self-report all test scores.

and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Florida State

Link the STARS.

University consistently delivers an affordable, high-quality

Upload an essay.

education and is ranked No.10 Public University in the Nation (Niche, 2025).

Upload a list of activities.

admissions.fsu.edu | admissions@fsu.edu | 850-644-6200

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 9

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA New College of Florida was named the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington

Early Action Non-Binding

Monthly in 2023 and is the Honors College of Florida. New College provides students with limitless opportunities for success through a highly

All Applicants

Application Deadline November 1, 2025

Application Deadline February 1, 2026

Application Deadline April 1, 2026

Final Application Deadline May 1, 2026

Rolling Admission

Rolling Admission

Rolling Admission

June 30, 2026

Academic Scholarships for those who qualify

Academic Scholarships for those who qualify

individualized education that combines academic excellence, undergraduate research opportunities, and career preparation experiences. Students can choose from more than 50 undergraduate programs across a range of academic fields in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, or pursue a master’s degree in applied data science or marine mammal science. On July 1, 2024, New College was accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a full member of The Sun Conference.

STARS required for admissions. Official transcripts required for enrollment.

Self-reported test scores are acceptable for admission. Official test scores required for enrollment.

Essay required.

No separate scholarship application is required for most NCF scholarships.

ncf.edu/admissions | admissions@ncf.edu | 941-487-5000

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Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA The University of Central Florida was founded in 1963 to

Early Action Non-Binding

All Applicants

Application Deadline October 15, 2025

Application Deadline Summer - March 1 Fall - May 1

Application Completed by November 15, 2025

Summer - March 1 Fall - May 1

Decisions Released December 5, 2025

Rolling Admission

provide talent, research expertise, and advanced degrees for the emerging space industry. In a relatively short time, Orlando’s hometown university has emerged as a major metropolitan research university with internationally recognized academic programs in engineering, science, healthcare, hospitality, and the arts. We have expanded access and learning pathways, grown our student population, and extended our physical and digital footprints to support business migration and population growth in Florida. Our student body reflects the future of Florida and America, composed of diverse, entrepreneurial, creative, and community-minded innovators. We are invested in unleashing the

SPARK required.

Official test scores required.

potential within every individual, enriching the human experience through discovery and innovation, and propelling broad-based prosperity for the many communities we serve.

ucf.edu/admissions/undergraduate | admission@ucf.edu | 407-823-3000

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 11

SUMMER SEMESTER

Total Enrollment

Total Undergraduate Enrollment (2024)

Anticipated class size

Average or middle 50% FTIC GPA

Middle 50% Admit FTIC SAT

Middle 50% Admit FTIC ACT

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

9,296

7,863

300

3.16 – 3.88

1030 – 1150

19 – 24

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

30,854

23,755

1,000

3.36 – 4.02

1010 – 1180

20 – 25

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

15,962

13,864

400

3.12 – 4.21

1020 – 1160

19 – 24

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

54,037

39,470

3,900

3.9 – 4.5

1060 – 1180

22 – 25

FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

1,618

1,769

200

3.96

1130

23

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

43,871

32,711

2,200

4.1 – 4.5

1280 – 1370

28 – 30

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA

881

852

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

69,316

59,644

3,400

3.98 – 4.38

1190 – 1240

24 – 27

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

61,936

38,246

1,600

4.5 – 4.7

1260 – 1410

28 – 32

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA

16,575

13,869

1,500

3.23 – 3.71

960 – 1140

18 – 24

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

48,732

37,000

2,990

3.61 – 4.18

1110 – 1220

23 – 26

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

14,797

9,959

60

3.47 – 4.08

990 – 1200

19 – 25

NAME OF INSTITUTION

This matrix was produced by Florida International University.

12

Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

FALL SEMESTER

Middle 50% FTIC CLT

Anticipated class size

Average or middle 50% FTIC GPA

Middle 50% Admit FTIC SAT

Middle 50% Admit FTIC ACT

Middle 50% FTIC CLT

STARS/SPARK

Self-Reported Test Scores

2+2 Program

54 – 73

1500

3.69 – 4.25

1080-1230

22 – 27

61 – 73

YES

NO

IGNITE

81 – 97

4,400

3.78 – 4.35

1100 – 1280

22 – 28

87 – 98

YES

YES

Link2FAU

51 – 72

2,400

3.79 – 4.54

1070 – 1240

21 – 26

56 – 73

NO

NO

Destination FGCU

72 – 82

2,000

4.1 – 4.6

1250 – 1390

27 – 31

86 – 93

NO

NO

Connect4Success

N/A too few

330

3.48 – 3.86

1206

27

76

YES

YES

N/A

N/A too few

4,000

4.3 – 4.6

1370 – 1460

30 – 33

N/A too few

YES

YES

Aspire Transfer Program through TSC (Traditional, Elite, Honors, Online Options)

N/A

300

3.7 – 4.3

1060 – 1240

22 – 27

63-83

YES

YES

Guaranteed Admission Program

81 – 88

4,900

4.11 – 4.57

1310 – 1430

28 – 32

92 – 100

YES

NO

Direct Connect to UCF

N/A too few

5,900

4.5 – 4.7

1390 – 1510

31 – 34

N/A too few

YES

YES

Gator Engineering @ Santa Fe; Gator Design and Construction @ Santa Fe

49 – 63

1,500

4.00 – 4.53

1100 – 1300

22 – 28

51 – 75

YES

YES

Transfer2UNF

71 – 85

3,800

4.03 – 4.55

1260 – 1410

27 – 31

86 – 97

YES

NO

FUSE

57 – 68

1,494

3.58 – 4.22

1020 – 1230

20 – 27

48 – 69

YES

NO

2UWF

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 13

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA As a preeminent research institution, the University of Florida

Early Action Non-Binding

All Applicants

Application Deadline November 1, 2025

Application Deadline January 15, 2026

Decision Released January 23, 2026

Decision Released March 13, 2026

(UF) pushes the world forward by challenging convention and ourselves. Our 11 colleges offer more than 120 undergraduate and 200 graduate degrees. We also offer training within our five professional schools: dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. With limitless opportunities for undergraduate research, involvement with over 1,000 student organizations, mentoring from world-class faculty, and residential living-learning communities, students can create a college experience as unique as they are.

admissions.ufl.edu | freshman@admisssions.ufl.edu | 352-392-1365

14

Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA The University of North Florida (UNF) is situated on

Priority Application

All Applicants

Application Deadline November 1, 2025

Final Application Deadline April 1, 2026

Decision Released November 19, 2025

Rolling Admission

Priority Scholarship Deadline January 15, 2026

Rolling Admission Applications must be completed by April 15

a beautiful 1,381-acre campus between Jacksonville’s beaches and downtown, with an enrollment of around 17,000 students. Dedicated to seeing our students thrive, UNF offers high-quality academics, personalized attention, robust resources, and a vibrant student life.

Diverse learning experiences that include internships, research, and study abroad opportunities, which UNF students participate in at twice the national average, lead to strong job placement for graduates. And did we mention that The Wall Street Journal ranked Jacksonville the 2nd hottest job market in America in 2024?

Self-reported transcripts and test scores are acceptable for admissions and official documents are required for enrollment.

unf.edu/admissions | admissions@unf.edu | 904-620-1111

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 15

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA The University of South Florida is located in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Together, our campuses serve approximately 50,000 students pursing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and professional degrees. Across our 13 colleges, undergraduates choose from more than 200 majors, minors, and concentrations, from business and engineering

Priority Application Date

To be considered for scholarships

All Applicants

Application Deadline November 1, 2025

Application Deadline January 15, 2026

Academic Application Deadline March 1, 2026

Decision Released December 10, 2025

Decision Released Rolling Admission

Rolling Admission

Academic Scholarships for those who qualify

Academic Scholarships for those who qualify

to arts and USF Health. U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for five consecutive years, and in 2023 USF earned its highest ranking ever among all universities public or private. Also in 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU),

SSAR required.

Official test scores required.

a prestigious group of leading universities in United States and Canada. High-impact global research is central to USF’s mission as one of only four Preeminent Research Universities in Florida.

usf.edu/admissions | admissions@usf.edu | 813-974-3350

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Florida SUS | 2025 - 2026

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA The University of West Florida fosters an innovative, student-

All Applicants

Scholarship Consideration

Application Deadline April 1, 2026

Scholarship Consideration Deadline December 1, 2025

centered culture focused on academic excellence and engagement. Consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, UWF serves over 14,500 students on its 1,600-acre Pensacola campus and boasts a network of more than 100,000 alumni.

With 70 undergraduate programs, UWF offers a personalized educational experience characterized by small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and vibrant student organizations. The university actively promotes undergraduate research and

Decisions Released October 15, 2025 Rolling Thereafter SSAR required.

Official test scores required.

scholarly engagement both in and beyond the classroom.

UWF is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education, with generous scholarship opportunities that empower students to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

uwf.edu/admissions | admissions@uwf.edu | 850-474-2230

2025 - 2026 | Florida SUS 17

U.S. News & World Report ranks Florida’s Higher Education #1 in the country! With 12 members of the State University System and 28 members of the Florida College System. Florida offers a wide range of programs, degrees and experiences. Please visit floridashines.org.

The Talented Twenty Program: The Talented Twenty Program is part of the Governor’s Equity in Education Plan. The purpose is to guarantee admission to students who succeed in their respective K-12 public schools, and to encourage students to strive for better grades and a rigorous curriculum. The Florida Department of Education and Florida Board of Governors has created a frequently asked questions document to assist public school counselors with navigating the process. Please visit www. fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/talented-twentyprogram/ for details and step-by-step instructions.

Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs: Students must submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) to the Office of Student Financial Assistance for programs such as the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Jose Marti Scholarship and Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans. Please visit floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org.

AA degrees for graduating seniors: A high school student earning dual enrollment credit and/or an AA degree in high school is considered a firsttime in college student and should submit an application as a first-year student, not as a transfer. Earning the AA while in high school does not guarantee admission into a specific state university.

RESOURCES:

2025-2026

Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook: dlss.flvc.org/florida-counseling-for-future-education-handbook Florida College Access Network: floridacollegeaccess.org

9042840546_08/25

Florida Shines: floridashines.org