FSU offers new Early Decision admissions option for 2027

In April, Florida State announced a binding Early Decision option for domestic first-year applicants starting in the summer 2027 semester. This expands admission opportunities for future ‘Noles who recognize FSU as their absolute first choice.

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This decision comes after an influx in applicants. For the 2025–26 academic year, FSU received 85,831 applications. Over the past five years, first-year applications to FSU have increased by 48%.

“Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express [their top-choice] preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process,” FSU Assistant Vice President Hege Ferguson said in a university press release.

How does Early Decision work?

Students applying Early Decision cannot apply Early Decision to any other university, but Regular Decision and rolling deadlines are still available for students who prefer a bit more flexibility in their admissions process.

Florida residents may also apply Early Action to get a head start, and unlike Early Decision, it does not create a binding decision if accepted.

Students applying to talent-based programs such as Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA or the CARE Summer Bridge Program are not eligible for Early Decision.

Need-based financial aid and scholarships are still available to those applying Early Decision. The Net Price Calculator is a useful tool for students to utilize to estimate potential costs and eligibility for financial aid. The Tuition and Estimated Costs page is another resource for students and families to explore when considering the financial commitment of attending FSU.

FSU aims to support students through Early Decision opportunity

The new admissions option comes as FSU continues to emphasize student success and support. The university’s efforts to support students are reflected in the university’s record-breaking academic outcomes.

In 2025, FSU reported that it has broken its own academic records. Its 78% four-year graduation rate put it in the Top 9 in the nation, and its 97% first-year retention rate puts the university in the Top 4 in the nation.

“We want all students to know that we are here to support their biggest dreams and goals, and to help connect them with the resources and mentors they need to reach their highest potential,” FSU Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea said in a public statement.

Parents and Students tap into FSU Early Decision

That emphasis on supporting students extends beyond the university, as community members have also highlighted Early Decision as a useful option for students navigating the college application process.

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Christine Keefe (@floridaschoolmom) makes TikTok videos as an informed parent about the Florida college application process. Keefe has amassed almost 30k followers, and called FSU “her favorite school” in a July video.

“I’m not a college consultant,” Keefe said to the FSView. “I’m just a mom on the internet, [but] I do keep up with the Florida college stuff. I do think Early Decision is a really neat option for kids to have access to, and I’m excited to see how it goes.”

For prospective students, the appeal of Early Decision can extend beyond the admissions process or FSU’s recent academic success. FSU’s vibrant student life and extracurricular opportunities make it a top choice for many students like Hailey Simmons, who expressed a desire to become involved on campus if admitted.

“I chose to apply to FSU [Early Decision] because of my interest in their student life and majors, and I am working towards trying out for cheer [at FSU],” Simmons said to the FSView. “I am excited to officially tour and see how the application process goes.”

The Early Decision option offers Simmons and other prospective students a chance to pursue their academic interests while becoming part of the FSU community.

As FSU enters the 2027 admissions cycle, Early Decision gives prospective students another path to demonstrate their commitment to the university. For students who are certain that FSU is their first choice, the binding option provides an earlier admissions decision and allows them to begin planning for their future as Seminoles.

Early Decision and Early Action applications are due October 15. All deadlines for first-year applications can be found here. Early Decision is the only binding option, requiring that students pay their admissions deposit by Jan. 15.

Anna Bullock is the Deputy News Editor for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU and Tallahassee communities. Email our staff at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on FSU News: FSU offers new Early Decision admissions option for 2027

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Reporting by Anna Bullock, Deputy News Editor, FSView / FSU News

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This story was originally published September 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM.