About Florida International University
Florida International University serves 38,761 students in Miami and has become one of the most diverse campuses in America. With 67.68% Hispanic enrollment, this public research university reflects the cultural makeup of South Florida better than almost any other major university. Notable graduates include rapper Pitbull and actor Andy Garcia, both of whom embody the school's connection to Miami's entertainment and business scenes. The large suburban campus accepts 63.86% of applicants, making it accessible while still maintaining academic standards with an average SAT score of 1155.
The financial picture works well for most students. In-state tuition costs $6,565, but the average student pays just $9,133 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years after graduation, which easily covers the typical debt load of $16,500. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,112 net price, making this one of the better college deals in Florida. Monthly loan payments average $175, which represents a manageable portion of graduate earnings.
FIU competes in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and awards over $7.6 million in athletic scholarships. The Panthers play in Conference USA and maintain a rivalry with Florida Atlantic University. With 95.62% of students coming from in-state, this feels like Florida's university, serving the state's growing and changing population.
The financial picture works well for most students. In-state tuition costs $6,565, but the average student pays just $9,133 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years after graduation, which easily covers the typical debt load of $16,500. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,112 net price, making this one of the better college deals in Florida. Monthly loan payments average $175, which represents a manageable portion of graduate earnings.
FIU competes in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and awards over $7.6 million in athletic scholarships. The Panthers play in Conference USA and maintain a rivalry with Florida Atlantic University. With 95.62% of students coming from in-state, this feels like Florida's university, serving the state's growing and changing population.
Academics & Faculty
Florida International University operates as a major research university with a student-faculty ratio of 24:1, which means larger class sizes but access to faculty conducting real research. The school serves 38,761 students and maintains a solid 74% six-year graduation rate despite being less selective than flagship state schools. FIU is particularly strong in business, engineering, and public health, with programs that reflect Miami's role as a gateway to Latin America. The university attracts students who want the resources of a big research school while staying close to home, as 96% of students come from Florida. You'll find serious academic options without the pressure of ultra-competitive admission standards.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 97.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.9%
- Retention Rate
- 91.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,249
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $166,709 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $108,649 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Master | $84,653 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $84,599 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $78,971 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $75,204 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Master | $74,200 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $73,949 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,274 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,685 |
Campus Life
Florida International University sits in the heart of Miami's suburban sprawl, where you'll need sunscreen year-round but can leave the winter coat at home. Only 4,403 students live in campus housing despite the massive 38,761 enrollment, which means most students commute from across South Florida. This creates a campus that feels busy during class hours but empties out quickly afterward.
The student body reflects Miami's incredible diversity, with 67.68% Hispanic students making FIU one of the most Latino universities in the country. You'll hear Spanish and English mixing in conversations as students grab Cuban coffee between classes. With 95.62% of students coming from Florida, weekends often mean heading home to family or exploring Miami's beaches, nightlife, and cultural scenes just minutes away. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for introductory courses. Campus traditions include the annual Homecoming festival and passionate support for the Panthers football team, though the commuter culture means school spirit shows up more at big games than daily campus life.
The student body reflects Miami's incredible diversity, with 67.68% Hispanic students making FIU one of the most Latino universities in the country. You'll hear Spanish and English mixing in conversations as students grab Cuban coffee between classes. With 95.62% of students coming from Florida, weekends often mean heading home to family or exploring Miami's beaches, nightlife, and cultural scenes just minutes away. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, especially for introductory courses. Campus traditions include the annual Homecoming festival and passionate support for the Panthers football team, though the commuter culture means school spirit shows up more at big games than daily campus life.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,403 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
87 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 29 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Burglary | 12 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 58°–76°F
- July Avg
- 76°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 69.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
FIU draws mostly local students, with 96% coming from Florida, making it a true community university for Miami. The student body is 68% Hispanic, reflecting the city's demographics and the school's role as a gateway for first-generation college students. With 40% receiving Pell Grants, FIU serves many working-class families who see education as their path to the middle class. The slight majority of women (56%) fits with FIU's strong programs in nursing, education, and business that traditionally attract more female students.
- Men
- 44.2%
- Women
- 55.8%
- White
- 8.9%
- Black
- 11.1%
- Hispanic
- 67.7%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 95.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.4%
Location
Florida International University sits in Miami, the heart of South Florida's bustling metropolitan area. The campus spans across a large suburban setting within one of America's most international cities, where Spanish is heard as often as English on the streets. Miami's tropical climate, beaches, and status as a gateway to Latin America create a unique environment that mirrors the university's student body, which is 67.68% Hispanic. The city's booming business district, art scene, and nightlife provide countless internship and job opportunities for FIU's 38,761 students. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida International University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Miami, Florida 33199
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,249
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,979
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $175/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Florida International University?
FIU accepts 63.86% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1155. The university serves as Miami's primary public research institution, making quality education accessible to a diverse student body of nearly 39,000 students.
How much does Florida International University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,133 annually, with in-state tuition at just $6,565. The university keeps costs low for Miami families, as 95.62% of students are Florida residents and 40.42% receive Pell Grants for low-income students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Florida International University?
FIU maintains a 24:1 student-faculty ratio across its large research university structure. The school retains 91.61% of first-year students, demonstrating strong support systems despite its size as one of the largest universities in the United States.
What do Florida International University graduates earn after college?
FIU graduates earn a median salary of $60,249 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of $16,500. The university has built a strong reputation for social mobility, helping first-generation college students from Miami's diverse communities launch successful careers.
Where is Florida International University's campus located?
FIU sits in suburban Miami with housing for 4,403 students on campus. The university operates on a semester system and fields 14 NCAA Division I sports teams as the Panthers, competing in Conference USA with $7.6 million in athletic scholarships.
How diverse is Florida International University's student body?
Hispanic students comprise 67.68% of FIU's enrollment, making it one of America's top Hispanic-serving institutions. The university proudly serves as a gateway to higher education for Miami's immigrant communities, with notable alumni including rapper Pitbull and actor Andy Garcia representing its cultural impact.
