SUS 2025-2026
COUNSELOR GUIDE
#1
IN THE NATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE 8TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR by U.S. News & World Report
FLORIDA
IN THE NATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE 8TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR U.S. News & World Report
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
Documents Deadline November 14
Decision Notification December 12
Application Deadline February 1
Documents Deadline February 14
Decision Notification March 12
Official transcript required.
Official test scores required.
Application Deadline May 1
Documents Deadline May 1
Decision Notification Beginning of April
Essay and letters of recommendation for scholarship only.
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.
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), located in 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 getting jobs in Florida.
Early Action Non-Binding All Applicants
Application Deadline November 1, 2025
Decision Released January 31, 2026
Academic scholarships for those who qualify
Application Deadline March 1, 2026
Rolling Admission
Rolling Admission
*Freshman merit scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. Preference is given to students who apply by the early action date of November 1st.
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 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 recognition among the best in the nation.
Early Action 1, Non-Binding Scholarship deadline for Florida HS graduates
Application Deadline November 3, 2025
Decision Released December 11, 2025
Scholarships awarded for those who qualify
Early Action 2, Non-Binding
Application Deadline December 17, 2025
Decision Released January 21, 2026
Scholarships awarded for those who qualify
All Applicants Final
Application Deadline March 4, 2026
Decision Released April 2, 2026
Dual enrollment transcripts are not required but are recommended
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 than all state universities (MyFloridaFuture).
Early Action Non-Binding
Application Deadline November 15, 2025
Decision Released December 1, 2025
Academic Scholarships for those who qualify
Early Action 2 All Applicants
Application Deadline January 15, 2026
Decision Released March 1, 2026
Academic Scholarships for those who qualify
Application Deadline March 1, 2026
Decision Released March 15, 2026
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.
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 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 Laboratory, celebrated fine and performing arts programs, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Florida State University consistently delivers an affordable, high-quality education and is ranked No.10 Public University in the Nation (Niche, 2025).
Early Action Non-Binding Florida Residents Only Priority Application
Application Deadline October 15, 2025
Completed by October 22, 2025
Decision Released December 12, 2025
Application Deadline December 1, 2025
Complete by December 8, 2025
Decisions released February 13, 2026
Application Deadline March 1, 2026
Complete by March 8, 2026
Decision Released April 2026
Deadline for the University Honors Program and automatic scholarship consideration: December 1.
Self-report all test scores.
Link the STARS.
Upload an essay.
Upload a list of activities.
NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
New College of Florida was named the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly in 2023 and is the Honors College of Florida. New College provides students with limitless opportunities for success through a highly 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.
Early Action Non-Binding
Application Deadline November 1, 2025
All Applicants
Application Deadline February 1, 2026
Application Deadline April 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline May 1, 2026
Admission June 30, 2026
Academic Scholarships for those who qualify
Academic Scholarships for those who qualify
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.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The University of Central Florida was founded in 1963 to 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 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
Early Action Non-Binding All Applicants
Application Deadline
Application Deadline October 15, 2025
Application Completed by November 15, 2025
Decisions Released December 5, 2025
SPARK required.
Official test scores required.
Summer - March 1 Fall - May 1
Summer - March 1 Fall - May 1
Rolling Admission
FALL SEMESTER
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
As a preeminent research institution, the University of Florida (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.
Early Action Non-Binding All Applicants
Application Deadline November 1, 2025
Decision Released January 23, 2026
Application Deadline January 15, 2026
Decision Released March 13, 2026
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
The University of North Florida (UNF) is situated on 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? unf.edu/admissions
Priority Application All Applicants
Application Deadline November 1, 2025
Decision Released November 19, 2025
Priority Scholarship Deadline January 15, 2026
Final Application Deadline April 1, 2026
Rolling Admission
Rolling Admission Applications must be completed by April 15
Self-reported transcripts and test scores are acceptable for admissions and official documents are required for enrollment.
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 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), 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.
Priority Application Date To be considered for scholarships
Application Deadline November 1, 2025 Application Deadline January 15, 2026
Decision Released December 10, 2025
Academic Scholarships for those who qualify
SSAR required.
All Applicants
Academic Application Deadline March 1, 2026
Decision Released Rolling Admission Rolling Admission
Academic Scholarships for those who qualify
Official test scores required.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
The University of West Florida fosters an innovative, studentcentered 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 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.
All Applicants
Application Deadline April 1, 2026
Decisions Released October 15, 2025 Rolling Thereafter
SSAR required.
Official test scores required.
Scholarship Consideration
Scholarship Consideration Deadline December 1, 2025
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:
Florida Shines: floridashines.org
Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook: dlss.flvc.org/florida-counseling-for-future-education-handbook Florida College Access Network: floridacollegeaccess.org