About Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial University is one of America's oldest historically black universities, tracing its Baptist roots back to 1879. The Miami Gardens campus serves 1,299 students in a large suburban setting, building on nearly 150 years of educating African American leaders. This private institution maintains its religious heritage while offering modern programs that prepare students for careers in business, education, and the sciences. The student body is 77% Black, reflecting the university's mission to serve underrepresented communities.
Students pay an average net price of $18,675 after financial aid, with 66% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $36,624 ten years after leaving school, though the 30% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees. Those who do graduate carry a median debt load of $30,063 with monthly payments around $319. The numbers suggest financial challenges for students and families, particularly given the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
The Lions compete in 15 NAIA sports with 384 total athletes sharing over $2.7 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 900 students, creating a close-knit residential community. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, though the 57% retention rate indicates many students struggle to stay enrolled through graduation.
Students pay an average net price of $18,675 after financial aid, with 66% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $36,624 ten years after leaving school, though the 30% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees. Those who do graduate carry a median debt load of $30,063 with monthly payments around $319. The numbers suggest financial challenges for students and families, particularly given the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
The Lions compete in 15 NAIA sports with 384 total athletes sharing over $2.7 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 900 students, creating a close-knit residential community. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, though the 57% retention rate indicates many students struggle to stay enrolled through graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Florida Memorial University serves as a historically Black Baptist institution focusing on undergraduate education and community service. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively personalized attention in small class settings. However, only 30.20% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many students face completing their degrees. The school emphasizes liberal arts education alongside professional programs, with particular strength in business, education, and social work. As an HBCU, Florida Memorial prioritizes creating supportive academic environments for African American students while preparing them for careers in service-oriented fields. The university's Baptist heritage influences its commitment to developing both intellectual and moral leadership in students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.2%
- Retention Rate
- 56.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,624
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $57,318 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,250 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $22,087 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $16,478 |
Campus Life
Florida Memorial University sits just 20 miles north of downtown Miami in suburban Miami Gardens. With housing for 900 students and total enrollment of 1,299, about 69% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The South Florida location means year-round warmth and humidity - pack sunscreen and light clothes, not winter coats.
As a historically Black university founded in 1879, FMU has deep traditions rooted in Baptist heritage and academic excellence. The Lions compete in 15 NAIA sports with 384 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. With 77% of students being Black and 81% from in-state, the community feels distinctly Floridian and culturally connected. Students often head to nearby Miami beaches or explore the city's active nightlife on weekends. The suburban setting provides a quieter study environment while keeping urban opportunities accessible. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name, fostering mentorship relationships that extend beyond the classroom into campus traditions and student organizations.
As a historically Black university founded in 1879, FMU has deep traditions rooted in Baptist heritage and academic excellence. The Lions compete in 15 NAIA sports with 384 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. With 77% of students being Black and 81% from in-state, the community feels distinctly Floridian and culturally connected. Students often head to nearby Miami beaches or explore the city's active nightlife on weekends. The suburban setting provides a quieter study environment while keeping urban opportunities accessible. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name, fostering mentorship relationships that extend beyond the classroom into campus traditions and student organizations.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 900 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1879
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 58°–76°F
- July Avg
- 76°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 62.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Florida Memorial University draws primarily from Florida's Black community, with over three-quarters of students identifying as Black and about 80% coming from in-state. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve lower-income families. The student body splits fairly evenly between men and women. As one of the nation's oldest historically Black colleges and universities, Florida Memorial maintains strong ties to South Florida's African American community. The Baptist-affiliated institution continues its founding mission of providing educational opportunities to students who might otherwise lack access to higher education.
- Men
- 46.5%
- Women
- 53.5%
- White
- 2.9%
- Black
- 77.4%
- Hispanic
- 3.8%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 81.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 66.2%
Location
Florida Memorial University sits in Miami Gardens, just 15 miles northwest of downtown Miami. The suburban campus serves 1,299 students in one of South Florida's fastest-growing communities. Miami Gardens is home to Hard Rock Stadium and offers the energy of metropolitan Miami without the urban intensity. Students enjoy year-round warm weather and easy access to beaches, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities in the greater Miami area. About 81% of students come from within Florida, drawn to the familiar climate and in-state advantages. The location provides a residential college feel while keeping big-city amenities within reach. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida Memorial University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Miami Gardens, Florida 33054-6199
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,624
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,228
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 19.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $319/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,063
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Florida Memorial University?
Florida Memorial University accepts 69.94% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. As a historically Black Baptist university founded in 1879, FMU focuses on serving underrepresented students in South Florida.
How much does Florida Memorial University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,675, with 66.21% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $17,963, making this HBCU relatively affordable for low-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Florida Memorial University?
Florida Memorial University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,299 enrolled students. The small size allows for personalized attention, though the 56.88% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life.
What are the graduation rates at Florida Memorial University?
Only 30.20% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 33.14%. Despite the challenging outcomes, 92.7% of graduates find employment, and the university continues its mission of educating primarily African American students in Miami Gardens.
Where do students live at Florida Memorial University?
The campus houses up to 900 students, with room and board costing $9,656 annually. Located in the Miami Gardens suburb, students experience both the tight-knit HBCU community and access to greater Miami opportunities.
Does Florida Memorial University offer athletic scholarships?
Florida Memorial distributes $2,729,036 in athletic scholarships across 15 varsity sports and 384 total athletes. The Lions compete in NAIA athletics, providing opportunities for student-athletes at this historically Black institution.
