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Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Vires, Artes, Mores (Latin)("Strength, Skill, Character")

Public research university
Type
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Florida State University

Florida State University: A historic research powerhouse forging tomorrow's leaders with strength and character.

Step into the vibrant academic world of Florida State University, a public research powerhouse nestled in Tallahassee. As a preeminent institution within the State University System of Florida, FSU holds the distinction of being chartered in 1851, making its campus the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state. Today, it stands as a beacon of discovery, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending," drawing nearly 45,000 students from every U.S. state and 130 countries.

FSU is renowned for its significant contributions to research and innovation. It proudly hosts Florida's only national laboratory, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, and played a crucial role in the commercial development of the life-saving anti-cancer drug Taxol. Beyond scientific breakthroughs, the university enriches the cultural landscape by operating the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which serves as the State Art Museum of Florida and one of the nation's largest museum/university complexes.

From its origins in 1851, FSU's history is deeply intertwined with the fabric of Florida. Initially established to train teachers and educate the public, it even transformed into "The Florida Military and Collegiate Institute" during the Civil War, with its cadets famously defending Tallahassee in the Battle of Natural Bridge. This rich heritage of resilience and commitment continues to shape an academic environment dedicated to fostering "Vires, Artes, Mores" – Strength, Skill, and Character – in every student. With 17 colleges, robust research programs, and a dynamic student life, FSU offers an engaging and comprehensive university experience.

Key Highlights

  • A preeminent public research university and Florida's oldest continuous site of higher education, chartered in 1851.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research spending," with annual R&D expenditures of over $414 million.
  • Home to Florida's only national laboratory, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
  • Instrumental in the commercial development of the anti-cancer drug Taxol.
  • Operates the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the State Art Museum of Florida and one of the nation's largest museum/university complexes.
  • FSU's Seminoles sports teams compete in NCAA Division I ACC, boasting 19 all-time national athletic championships.
  • An annual budget of $3 billion and an estimated economic impact of $15.5 billion for Florida.

Timeline

1823
U.S. Congress sets plan to create a higher education system in Florida.
1851
Florida Legislature authorizes the creation of two seminaries; FSU is chartered.
1857
The West Seminary (predecessor to FSU) is officially awarded to Tallahassee.
1858
The school becomes coeducational by incorporating the Female Institute.
1860
Military instruction begins, and the seminary becomes 'The Florida Military and Collegiate Institute'.
1865
Cadets participate in the Battle of Natural Bridge; the school reopens after the Civil War.
1947
Florida State College for Women becomes co-educational Florida State University (inferred from former names).

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Florida State University

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College of Medicine

Professional medical education with campuses in Daytona Beach, Fort Pierce, Orlando, Pensacola, and Sarasota.

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