Students at Florida International University earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
Graduates achieve meaningful financial outcomes that place the university in the top tier for both affordability and long-term return on investment.
Azimuth ranks Florida International University among the top performers nationally for overall value, reflecting its exceptional combination of affordability and strong long-term outcomes. What makes FIU distinctive is how effectively it serves a diverse student body—over 40% are Pell Grant recipients and more than 41% are first-generation college students—while still delivering earnings that place graduates in the top 25% nationally ten years after enrollment.
FIU operates as a designated "Mobility Engine," meaning it combines broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $60,249 ten years out, substantially outperforming what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage of nearly $28,000 above expectations places FIU in the top tier nationally for value-added outcomes, demonstrating the university's ability to elevate student prospects regardless of background.
As a large public research university in Miami, FIU offers the scale and diversity of a major metropolitan institution with net prices that remain remarkably affordable across all income levels. The university's 74% six-year graduation rate, combined with strong career outcomes and minimal student debt burden, makes it a compelling option for families seeking both educational quality and financial sustainability.
Florida International University offers a diverse program portfolio that creates multiple pathways to career success and strong earnings outcomes. Psychology dominates enrollment with 1,370 graduates annually, combining high volume with solid long-term returns that contribute significantly to the university's overall economic impact. Biology, with 826 graduates, serves as a foundation for healthcare and research careers, while Computer Engineering represents the highest earnings potential at $72,274 ten years out.
The university's strength lies in balancing accessibility with quality across fields. While Computer Engineering delivers premium earnings for its 110 graduates, programs like Psychology and Biology provide solid middle-class outcomes for much larger student populations. This approach reflects FIU's mission as a comprehensive research university that serves diverse student interests while maintaining strong connections to Miami's dynamic job market.
FIU's location in Miami enhances program value across disciplines, providing access to international business, healthcare systems, technology companies, and financial services. The university's large scale—graduating substantial cohorts annually—creates meaningful alumni networks and employer relationships that benefit students across all majors, from high-earning technical fields to foundational liberal arts programs.
Florida International University delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates across a wide range of academic programs. Ten years after enrollment, FIU graduates earn a median of $60,249, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for long-term earnings. More impressive is the university's value-added performance—graduates earn nearly $28,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this success. Psychology leads in total impact with 1,370 graduates earning solid mid-career returns, while Biology enrolls 826 students annually in a foundational program that feeds into healthcare and research careers. Computer Engineering represents the highest-earning pathway, with graduates earning $72,274 ten years out, demonstrating FIU's strength in high-demand technical fields. The university's location in Miami provides access to diverse industries including international business, healthcare, technology, and finance, creating multiple pathways for career advancement and earnings growth over time.
Florida International University stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,112 annually in net price, placing FIU among the most affordable options nationally for Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families see costs of $11,393 per year, while even high-income students pay only $17,313—remarkably reasonable for a major research university in a metropolitan area.
Debt levels remain manageable for most FIU students. Typical graduates leave with $16,500 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,973, reflecting families' confidence in the investment while keeping parent debt at sustainable levels. The combination of low net prices and strong post-graduation earnings creates a favorable debt-to-income ratio that allows most borrowers to manage repayment comfortably using standard payment plans.
Florida International University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
