Florida International University

Florida International University

(FIU)

Florida International University is a public research university in Miami ranked number one in the nation for social mobility among national universities. FIU's international business program ranks among the top three nationally, reflecting its deep connections to Latin America and the global business community. The university serves one of the most diverse student bodies in the country and offers strong programs in hospitality, engineering, and the sciences.

Mascot: Panther

Notable Alumni

Andy Garcia (acclaimed film actor)Mike Lowell (World Series MVP)Danny Pino (actor, Law & Order: SVU)

At a Glance

Acceptance Rate
55%
SAT (Required)
1070–1250
Avg GPA
3.70
Enrollment
45K
Setting
Urban
Founded
1965

Cost

Tuition (In-State)$7K
Tuition (Out-of-State)$19K
Room & Board$14K
Est. Annual Total (In-State)$20K
Est. Annual Total (Out-of-State)$33K

Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.

Top Programs & National Ranking

Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.

Highlights

#3 nationally in international business
Top-5 hospitality program in the US
#1 in social mobility among national universities

Athletics

Division
NCAA Division 1
Conference
Conference USA
View on NCAA.com

Campus Experience

Social Life
Quiet
Academic Pressure
Relaxed
Greek Life
Minimal
Campus Beauty
Functional

FIU is Miami's commuter university — 92% of students live off campus, and there's no Greek Row or traditional residential college experience. Greek life at under 4% is negligible. The campus comes alive during events, but weekend energy dissipates quickly. The huge upside is Miami itself: internships, nightlife, and cultural richness are at your doorstep.

A large, flat commuter campus in suburban Miami with mostly modern concrete and glass buildings reflecting rapid growth over recent decades. Tropical vegetation and some newer signature buildings add visual interest, but the campus lacks cohesive architectural identity.

Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.

Safety

Campus SafetySafe

FIU has a low on-campus crime rate with a full University Police Department, 24/7 patrols, electronically secured dorms, and late-night transportation.

Neighborhood SafetySafe

FIU's main campus is in a suburban area of western Miami-Dade, which is generally safer than Miami's urban core. Moderate crime rates typical of South Florida suburbs.

Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.

Plan Your Visit

Guided Tour

Schedule: Weekdays year-round; limited availability -- book early

Duration: About 90 minutes

Tours available at both MMC (main) and Biscayne Bay campuses. Tours have limited spots and fill quickly. Not offered during university holidays, the first week of classes, or spring break. Group tours: email tours@fiu.edu.

Book a Tour
Self-Guided Tour

Virtual tour available online. The 300+ acre MMC campus and waterfront BBC campus are both open for self-guided exploration.

Tour Resources
Insider Tips
Do NOT step on the university seal at the Graham Center entrance -- FIU legend says it will delay your graduation for years or prevent it entirely. Even on crowded days, students walk around it.
Visit the Biscayne Bay Campus for a totally different vibe: a sandy beach overlooking Biscayne Bay, kayaking through mangroves, and the Panther statue in Panther Square outside the Wolfe Center.
Explore the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum (free, open Tue-Sun) and the 11-acre nature preserve on MMC that contains a rare Pine Rockland ecosystem found almost nowhere else on Earth.
Check the schedule for Stocker AstroScience Center open nights -- FIU's 24-inch telescope opens to the public a few times per semester for free stargazing.
Best Time to Visit

November through March when Miami weather is perfect (70s-80s) and campus is in full swing. Avoid June-September when heat and humidity are oppressive and summer sessions thin out campus life. The Trail of the Torch in fall is FIU's biggest tradition and draws huge crowds.

Getting There

Metered visitor parking throughout both campuses; pay at Parkeon kiosks or text lot code to 727563 (PayByText). MMC address: 11200 SW 8th St, Miami 33199. BBC: 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami 33181. Miami International Airport (MIA) is 15 min from MMC. Miami-Dade Transit bus routes serve both campuses. No direct Metrorail connection -- a car is recommended.

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