Colleges in Tallahassee: Compare the Schools
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Tallahassee has a population of around 200,000 — and 66,000 college students call Florida’s capital home. That might make Tallahassee the best college town in the Sunshine State.
If you’re considering colleges in Florida, check out Florida State University and Florida A&M. These colleges in Tallahassee are affordable, especially for Florida residents, and they offer hundreds of on-campus and online programs. Plus, you’ll need a college degree to qualify for many of the highest-paying careers in Tallahassee.
Colleges in Tallahassee
We've spotlighted the two four-year nonprofit universities in Tallahassee. You can use the information below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2022.
Florida State University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $14,003
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Total Student Enrollment: 44,161
A public institution dating back to 1851, FSU enrolls the most students of the colleges in Tallahassee. From its main campus, which is nearly 500 acres, FSU offers over 280 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The research university also has a strong athletics program and many online programs. You can major in computer science, financial planning, or criminology through Distance@FSU, which offers online graduate degrees.
Florida A&M University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $11,583
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Total Student Enrollment: 9,215
Founded in 1887, Florida A&M is a public HBCU. The university prioritizes affordability and offers many strong STEM programs. Enroll at the main campus in Tallahassee or check out satellite campuses in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami. Florida A&M also offers online degrees.
Many of the university’s most popular majors are offered on campus as well as online, including criminal justice, psychology, and nursing. You can also earn an MBA online.
Featured Online Programs
FSU vs. Florida A&M: 3 Key Differences
- School Size: FSU is significantly larger than Florida A&M. The largest college in Tallahassee, FSU enrolls over 44,000 students, including nearly 33,000 undergrads. Florida A&M has a student body of 9,200.
- Cost: The tuition rates at FSU and Florida A&M are around $5,700 for Florida residents, but Florida A&M reports a lower net price after factoring in financial aid. Students pay an average net price of $11,580 at Florida A&M, compared to $14,000 at FSU.
- Popular Majors: Psychology and criminal justice are popular majors at both FSU and Florida A&M. But finance, marketing, and political science rank among the most popular majors at FSU, compared to business administration and health sciences at Florida A&M.
5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Tallahassee
Many of the highest-paying jobs in Tallahassee require a bachelor’s degree. Here are some of the best-paying job titles in Florida’s state capital, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Marketing Manager (Mean Annual Salary: $136,970): Marketing managers oversee marketing strategies and analyze the effectiveness of campaigns. Careers as a marketing manager require a bachelor’s degree and experience.
- Computer and Information Systems Manager (Mean Annual Salary: $128,010): Tech managers oversee information security, software development, and database administration projects. These careers require a bachelor’s degree plus experience.
- Actuary (Mean Annual Salary: $107,750): Actuaries use statistical and mathematical methods to evaluate risk. They often work in the insurance field. Actuaries need a bachelor’s degree.
- Software Developer (Mean Annual Salary: $98,910): Software developers design apps, conduct tests to identify bugs, and update software. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
- Public Relations Manager (Mean Annual Salary: $96,700): Public relations managers oversee brand strategy, media strategy, and organizational communications. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree plus experience.
What's the Cost of Living in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee has an affordable cost of living compared to other cities. According to Payscale, Tallahassee’s cost of living is 4% below the national average. The city’s housing costs are 12% lower than average, which can help college students afford living expenses. For example, the city’s median rent is around $1,200 per month.
Both of Tallahassee’s universities charge affordable tuition rates, particularly for in-state students. Florida undergrads can expect to pay around $5,700 per year in tuition and fees, which is over $3,000 less than the national average.
College students can save money by living with roommates, applying for scholarships and grants, and working while in school. Both FSU and Florida A&M offer online programs, which can help busy students balance classes with their work schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Tallahassee
What are the most popular majors at Florida A&M?
The most popular majors at Florida A&M include business administration, health sciences, criminal justice, and psychology. Those majors reported the highest number of bachelor’s degrees granted in 2022, according to NCES data.
What are the most popular majors at FSU?
The most popular majors at FSU include psychology, finance, criminal justice, and political science, according to NCES data. Those majors reported the highest number of bachelor’s degrees granted in 2022.
What is the largest college in Tallahassee?
The largest college in Tallahassee is Florida State University. The public university enrolled over 44,000 students in fall 2022. Tallahassee’s next-largest college is Florida A&M, which enrolls around 9,200 students, according to NCES data.
