Admit rate has ranged 72%–94% over the last 5 years — notably volatile, though the latest figure above (72%) falls outside that window. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Stetson University is Florida's oldest private university, a place where the genteel traditions of the Old South meet the entrepreneurial energy of the Sunshine State. With a campus that feels like a botanical garden in historic DeLand, Stetson offers a surprisingly intimate and hands-on education—think 10:1 student-to-faculty ratios and a focus on undergraduate research—within a relaxed, sun-drenched environment where Greek life and NCAA Division I athletics shape the social scene. It's a school for students who want the close-knit community and faculty attention of a liberal arts college, but with the practical, career-oriented programs and vibrant campus life of a larger university.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
2,297
In-state tuition
$57,410
Out-of-state tuition
$57,410
Graduation Rate
62%
Meets Full Need
For Presidential Scholars
First-Year Retention
Data in Common Data Set
Demonstrated Interest
Check Common Data Set C7
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$51,642
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,642
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.7×
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
Graduation rate
62%
First-year retention
78%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
62%
Pell (lower-income) share
37%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
27%
Financial health
2.5 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Finance and Financial Management Services$48,667
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations$44,776
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$42,012
Business Administration, Management and Operations$39,009
Marketing$37,748
Accounting and Related Services
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
2
Per 1,000 students
0.54
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
138
Summer high
89°F
Winter low
55°F
Annual rain
56.8"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
92
Scholarly works
2,143
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
2.6%
Bottom → top quintile
36%
From bottom quintile
7%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Stetson University?
Stetson University's acceptance rate is approximately 72% (DeLand, FL), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Stetson University?
Admitted students at Stetson University typically score 1060–1270 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Stetson University cost?
At Stetson University, the average net price (after aid) is about $19,372 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Stetson University?
Stetson University enrolls approximately 2,297 undergraduate students.
Where is Stetson University located?
Stetson University is located in DeLand, FL.
Admissions
Stetson's admissions process is notably accessible compared to many private universities, but it's becoming more selective. The university reports receiving over 11,500 applications for a recent cycle and admits a significant portion, though the profile notes that "each year's freshman class profile is more impressive than the last." Applicants can apply through several pathways: Early Decision (which is binding), Early Action (non-binding), and Regular Decision. The advantage to applying early is clear—sources indicate an Early Decision significantly higher than the overall rate. The admissions office considers a range of factors, and while the is the definitive source for the importance of criteria like rigor of secondary school record, class rank, GPA, and standardized test scores, applicants should consult the official CDS for the most current details on how factors like demonstrated interest are weighted. The admissions team is available via phone and email for support throughout the process.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$36,674
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness$36,312
Political Science and Government$32,569
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Stetson's academic identity is built on a foundation of liberal arts learning amplified by strong, professionally-focused schools. Students can choose from over 95 majors and minors across its colleges. The most popular majors cluster in business, management, marketing, and related support services; social sciences; and visual and performing arts. Other commonly viewed and strong programs include health sciences, psychology, digital arts, biology, music, communication & media studies, and education. The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is a cornerstone of the experience, facilitating close mentorship and undergraduate research opportunities. This intimate scale means classes are small and faculty are accessible, creating an environment where students are known by name. The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on, experiential approach, preparing graduates not just with knowledge but with practical skills.
Life at Stetson revolves around its lush, residential campus in DeLand, a small city with a historic downtown just a short drive from Daytona Beach and Orlando. The university strongly encourages on-campus residence, stating that living on campus helps students "create new friendships, encounter leadership and career prospects." Campus life is active and tradition-rich, with a wide range of student organizations, events, and signature activities showcased in the university's own video series. Greek life is a visible part of the social fabric, with sororities and fraternities contributing to the community. Athletics also play a major role; Stetson fields NCAA Division I teams (the Hatters) in the ASUN Conference, with basketball, baseball, and other sports drawing school spirit. From the food in the dining halls to the resources in the library, the university aims to create a comprehensive and supportive living-learning environment.
Stetson's outcomes reflect its blend of liberal arts and professional preparation. The six-year graduation rate is a key metric, and sources report a rate of 63%. Post-graduation, alumni enter diverse fields. Median earnings for graduates six years after starting are reported in one source as $44,792, though specific earnings can vary significantly by major. For example, data shows graduates in some fields earning median salaries around $46,408, while others, such as Visual and Performing Arts, may start closer to $23,950. The university's Office of Institutional Research provides interactive reports on retention and graduation outcomes for first-time, full-time undergraduates, offering transparency into student success trends. These figures underscore that a Stetson degree is an investment with a tangible return, particularly for students who leverage the university's career services and alumni network.
As a private institution, Stetson's sticker price is substantial, but the university works to make attendance feasible through significant financial aid. The average —the cost after grants and scholarships are applied—is a critical figure for families. Various sources cite different net price averages, highlighting the importance of using the university's official Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate. A large majority of students (over 73%) receive some form of financial aid, with average aid packages being considerable. Stetson promotes its scholarships and grants, and for a select group of high-achieving students (Presidential Scholars), the university has announced a policy to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. While Stetson is not broadly listed among institutions with a universal "no-loan" policy for all students, its aid packages often include a favorable mix of gift aid, which families report can make the offer compelling. All students receiving aid must agree to the university's financial aid terms and conditions.
Stetson carves out a distinctive niche by refusing to be pigeonholed. It's not quite a sleepy liberal arts college, nor is it a massive research university. Instead, it offers a high-touch, undergraduate-focused experience within a dynamic, full-featured campus community. The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while D-I athletics and an active Greek system provide a classic American college social scene. Its location is another unique asset: the historic, walkable charm of DeLand offers a cohesive college town feel, yet the beaches of Daytona and the opportunities of Orlando are within easy reach. Furthermore, Stetson is evolving. As noted in its own materials, its freshman classes are becoming increasingly competitive, suggesting a university on the rise, keen on attracting driven students while holding fast to its commitment to community and personalized education. For a student seeking a sunny, engaging environment where they can be both a known individual and part of a vibrant whole, Stetson presents a compelling and singular option.
Stetson University seal · sourceStetson Law Campus - Stetson Law · sourceStetson Selected for Southern Living's 'Most Beautiful College Campuses in the South' - Stetson Today · sourceStetson University | DeLand, FL 32723 · source
