Florida International University combines broad accessibility with exceptional economic mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, FIU generates earnings beyond expectations at the 97th percentile while serving substantial shares of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, demonstrating proven pathways to upward economic advancement.
With well above average outcomes, driven by strong earnings relative to educational investment
With excellent performance, combining controlled costs and generous financial aid
With top-tier performance, driven by substantial enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With exceptional performance among the highest we track, reflecting the university's ability to generate strong economic outcomes for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Mobility Engine: Top 10 nationally
Florida International University ranks #9 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, achieving the 99.9th percentile with exceptional mobility performance among the highest we track. Located in Miami, Florida, this large public university maintains moderately selective admissions with a 58.8% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic outcomes for diverse student populations.
FIU enrolls 40.4% Pell-eligible students and 41.4% first-generation students, demonstrating exceptional access compared to typical four-year institutions. Graduates earn $27,923 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 97th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years after enrollment, placing FIU in the 72nd percentile for long-term earnings while maintaining debt levels below peer institutions. This combination of broad accessibility, diverse student enrollment, and strong economic advancement places Florida International University firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions convert educational opportunity into sustained upward earnings mobility for students from all backgrounds.
Florida International University delivers exceptional return on investment through manageable costs and strong earnings uplift. Graduates earn $27,923 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, achieving top-tier performance at the 97th percentile on this critical measure.
Median earnings of $60,249 ten years after enrollment reflect solid career outcomes, with earnings spanning from $37,426 at the 25th percentile to $87,897 at the 75th percentile across diverse academic programs. Low-income graduates earn $51,000, demonstrating FIU's effectiveness in supporting upward mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Students seeking strong economic mobility outcomes at a large, accessible public university. Well-suited for first-generation students (41.4%) and Pell-eligible students (40.4%) who want proven pathways to above-average post-graduation earnings with manageable debt levels.
Florida International University admits approximately 58.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places FIU in the Moderately Selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that FIU is more selective than typical four-year public universities, requiring stronger academic preparation than many comparable institutions. With nearly 60% acceptance, qualified students have reasonable admission prospects, though the university does evaluate applications holistically rather than operating with open enrollment.
Students should view FIU as a realistic option if their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles, while still preparing a balanced college list that includes institutions with higher acceptance rates. The moderate selectivity allows FIU to enroll academically prepared students while maintaining its commitment to access and diversity.
For students seeking a large public research university with strong career outcomes, FIU's admission rate provides a favorable balance of accessibility and academic rigor. Applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness through coursework, grades, and standardized test performance while highlighting experiences that align with the university's diverse, urban mission.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Florida International University's published cost of attendance reaches $20,556 per year, including $6,565 in-state tuition, $12,156 for room and board, and $1,350 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $18,963, though the majority of FIU students are Florida residents benefiting from in-state rates.
However, the average student pays just $9,133 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $11,423 from the sticker price through grants, scholarships, and need-based assistance. This net price of $9,133 falls $6,457 below the peer median of $15,590, positioning FIU as significantly more affordable than comparable public universities.
The university's cost structure reflects its mission to provide accessible higher education in an expensive metropolitan area, with financial aid policies designed to support the 40.4% of students eligible for Pell grants. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $7,112 for the lowest-income students to $17,313 for families earning over $110,000 annually, demonstrating progressive pricing that concentrates aid on those with greatest financial need.
This affordability profile enables FIU to serve diverse student populations while maintaining manageable debt levels.
FIU graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth and strong long-term career outcomes. Median earnings rise from $47,768 six years after enrollment to $54,465 at eight years and $60,249 at ten years, representing solid 26.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 12,032 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures across the university's diverse academic portfolio. The institution generates exceptional earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning $27,923 more than predicted based on student demographics and program mix, placing FIU at the 97th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $51,000, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings distribution shows meaningful career path diversity, with outcomes ranging from $37,426 to $87,897 reflecting differences in program choice and post-graduation roles.
Approximately 20.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Computer Engineering, General.
110 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
117 graduates
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
79 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
174 graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
80 graduates
Florida International University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranks #12 nationally and #1 in Florida, graduating 574 students with median earnings of $50,191 and an exceptional value score of 87.1.
Communication and Media Studies ranks #41 nationally and #1 in Florida, producing 588 graduates with median earnings of $48,868 and strong value performance. International Business ranks #15 nationally and #1 in Florida, graduating 585 students with median earnings of $56,343.
Brewery/Brewpub Operations Management ranks #16 nationally and #2 in Florida with 641 graduates. Psychology represents the university's largest program, graduating 1,370 students annually with strong completion rates.
Adult and Continuing Education ranks #28 nationally and #1 in Florida, reflecting FIU's commitment to serving diverse student populations including working adults and career changers.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida Atlantic University Higher acceptance rate (14.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 46 miles away; similar graduate earnings | FL | 73% | $56,746 | Compare |
St. Thomas University Higher acceptance rate (40.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 14 miles away; similar graduate earnings | FL | 99% | $54,272 | Compare |
Florida Gulf Coast University Higher acceptance rate (17.9 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 100 miles away; similar graduate earnings | FL | 77% | $54,560 | Compare |
Thomas More University Higher acceptance rate (38.2 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | KY | 97% | $59,384 | Compare |
University Of Mary Washington Higher acceptance rate (27.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | VA | 86% | $60,613 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of California-Los Angeles Similar quality tier (#8 ranked) | CA | 9% | $82,511 | #8 | Compare |
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California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Similar quality tier (#10 ranked) | CA | 74% | $71,902 | #10 | Compare |
The University Of Texas At Austin Similar quality tier (#11 ranked) | TX | 29% | $75,121 | #11 | Compare |
California State University-Long Beach Similar quality tier (#7 ranked) | CA | 47% | $64,403 | #7 | Compare |
California State University-Los Angeles Similar quality tier (#12 ranked) | CA | 92% | $59,211 | #12 | Compare |