Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida, and is Miami's first and only public research university . Founded in 1965, it is designated as a Carnegie "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution . FIU is one of the largest universities in the United States, with approximately 54,000 students enrolled, making it the third-largest university in Florida and the eighth-largest public university in the nation . The university's main campus is the 344-acre Modesto A. Maidique Campus in Westchester, with a second campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, located in North Miami . FIU is organized into 11 colleges and schools offering over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs . It is nationally recognized for its programs in international business (ranked #2 in the U.S.), hospitality management, law, engineering, and computer science . The university operates the Aquarius Reef Base, the world's only underwater research laboratory, located in the Florida Keys . Its athletic teams, the Panthers, compete in NCAA Division I as members of Conference USA (C-USA) . The university's motto is "Spes Scientia Facultas" (Latin for "Hope, Knowledge, Opportunity") .
University Overview
In September 1972, FIU opened its doors to 5,667 students, the largest opening-day enrollment of any American higher education institution in history at that time . The university originally operated as an upper-division institution (serving only junior, senior, and graduate students) and added lower-division classes nine years later . The first commencement was held in June 1973 with 191 graduates .
Under President Modesto A. Maidique (1986–2009), FIU experienced unprecedented growth, tripling in physical size and enrollment, establishing the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, the College of Law, and the School of Architecture, and achieving Carnegie "Doctoral/Research University-Extensive" status in 2000 . In 2009, Mark B. Rosenberg became FIU's fifth president, serving until 2022 . Jeanette Nuñez was appointed as interim president in February 2025 and later confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors in June 2025 . Throughout its history, FIU has evolved from a small upper-division institution into a major public research university serving as an anchor institution for South Florida's academic and economic community
Popular Programs
Business, International Relations, Engineering, Law, Hospitality
Tuition Fees
$6,500 - $19,000/year
Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships, Academic Excellence Awards, Transfer Merit Scholarships, Global First Year Awards
Admission Requirements
GPA 3.0+, ACT 22-28/SAT 1120-1300, Personal Statement, Letters of Recommendation
