What Is It Known For?
Florida International University stands as a prominent public research university in Miami, Florida. Established in 1965 when Florida’s Governor signed Senate Bill 711 into law, FIU has grown into one of South Florida’s anchor institutions over its 50-plus-year history. The university tackles some of today’s greatest challenges through research and innovation while serving a diverse student body of approximately 56,000 students.
Beyond its main campus, FIU operates four satellite locations throughout South Florida, making education accessible across the region. The university offers more than 190 degree programs, many ranking among the nation’s best for academic excellence and return on investment.
Degrees & Certifications
FIU provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across numerous disciplines. Some of the programs offered here include:
- International Business
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Law (Juris Doctor)
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Students at FIU can choose between on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. The university offers morning, afternoon, and evening classes to support full-time students and working professionals alike. Many degrees also include clinical experiences or externships, especially in programs such as Nursing, Public Health, and Physical Therapy, ensuring students gain hands-on experience before graduation.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. FIU is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance Rate
The university maintains an overall acceptance rate of 50%, with fall admissions at 33% and summer admissions at 68%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average annual cost at Florida International University is $9,133, which includes tuition, living costs, books, supplies, and fees minus average federal financial aid. Actual costs vary based on residency status and program selection.
Prospective students should use FIU’s Net Price Calculator and Tuition Calculator for personalized cost estimates, including potential financial aid.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communication
- Finance
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Marketing
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
Professional Services
- Art
Healthcare
- Health Services Administration
- Nursing (BSN)
- Nursing (MSN)
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
- Public Health
Skilled Trades
- Construction Management
- Electrical
Technology
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
- Telecommunications and Networking
Real Estate
- Real Estate
Campus Locations
Miami 1101 Brickell Ave Miami, FL 33131
Miramar 1930 SW 145th Avenue Miramar, FL 33027
Miami Beach 420 Lincoln Rd. Suite 440 Miami Beach, FL 33139
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Florida International University (FIU) is a highly-ranked, rapidly growing public research institution celebrated for its strong academic outcomes, exceptional diversity, and beautiful, modern campus in a vibrant city. The main areas of criticism focus on issues with administrative offices, inconsistent student support services, and housing capacity for upperclassmen.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Academic Ranking and ROI: FIU is highly regarded, with one reviewer noting its Wall Street Journal ranking as No. 1 university in Florida for student outcomes (post-graduation salaries and career prospects). It is consistently seen as a school that provides a great return on investment (ROI).
Vibrant, Diverse, and Safe Campus: The campus is frequently described as “vibrant,” “huge,” “beautiful,” and “well-maintained” with a mix of modern architecture. Its location in Miami adds a “unique energy, culture, and opportunity” that students appreciate.
Strong Academic Programs and Professors: Students praise the “great” education and “excellent professors” who are often industry experts and committed to student success. Specific programs in Business, Engineering, Hospitality, and the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine are noted for their strength.
Abundant Resources and Activities: The Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC) is lauded for being “endless,” providing extensive recreational facilities (indoor/outdoor courts, gym), numerous clubs, and great food options.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Financial Aid Inconsistency: A significant volume of criticism is aimed at the administrative side of the university. Students report Financial Aid requesting different documents depending on the staff member they speak to, creating confusion and delays.
Lack of Post-Degree Support and Career Services: One graduate described the career center as “useless” and expressed regret, stating there was “No post degree support for job hunting.” Another graduate who struggled with unemployment since 2008 felt the degree did not lead to job success.
Transfer Credit and Registration Issues: Transfer students specifically report difficulties, with one stating “No transfer credits transferred” and calling the registration process a “circus.” Another review noted a “worthless degree” for transfer students due to credit issues.
Housing and Social Life: A common complaint is that the university will “kick out junior and seniors off campus” to make room for freshmen, forcing older students into expensive off-campus housing. Some students also lament the lack of a “real college feel” and a commuter-heavy environment.
Inconsistent Online Program Quality: One review noted that “FIU Online is a joke,” describing the classes as simply repackaged PowerPoint slides and articles, leading to a self-taught experience.
Momentum
FIU has extremely strong momentum in national rankings, academic rigor, and research (Carnegie R1 designation), which directly translates to excellent post-graduation outcomes and a high ROI. However, this growth has clearly strained the university’s support infrastructure. FIU’s challenge is to match its academic prestige and rapid growth with consistent, organized, and helpful administrative and career development services to better support its students throughout their entire academic and job-seeking journey.