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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,462 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,964 |
| Room and Board | $13,080 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,174 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,288 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,003 |
| $30–48k | $7,873 |
| $48–75k | $10,925 |
| $75–110k | $14,568 |
| $110k+ | $18,200 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
FIU graduates maintain manageable debt levels that support long-term financial health and career flexibility. Median student debt of $16,500 falls $3,500 below the peer median of $20,000, ranking at the 83rd percentile nationally for controlled borrowing.
Debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,736 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with minimal debt while others require more substantial borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means typical graduates devote roughly 27% of their first-year earnings to debt service, well within sustainable ranges for long-term financial stability.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,973 with monthly payments of $184, indicating manageable family debt levels for those who utilize federal parent lending. The combination of controlled student debt and strong earnings beyond expectations creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial success.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
FIU delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and strong earnings outcomes. The university generates $27,923 in earnings beyond expectations at the 97th percentile nationally, demonstrating exceptional value creation for students and families.
Median earnings of $60,249 exceed the peer median slightly, while debt levels remain $3,500 below peer averages, creating favorable long-term financial outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 indicates sustainable debt burdens that allow graduates career flexibility and financial mobility.
Net pricing $6,457 below peer institutions, combined with above-average earnings outcomes, positions FIU among the strongest value propositions in public higher education. The university's top 5% performance in earnings beyond expectations reflects institutional effectiveness in supporting student success across diverse academic programs and career paths.
FIU's financial aid system effectively reduces costs for diverse student populations, with 40.4% of undergraduates receiving Pell grants indicating substantial need-based aid distribution. The $11,423 average financial aid savings demonstrates the university's commitment to affordability through federal, state, and institutional funding sources.
Net pricing that falls $6,457 below peer institutions suggests generous aid policies and efficient cost management. The substantial gap between sticker price ($20,556) and average net price ($9,133) indicates that most families pay significantly less than published costs.
Aid concentration toward lower-income students aligns with FIU's role as a Mobility Engine institution, enabling access for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education. The university's location in Miami, combined with its diverse student body composition, requires sophisticated financial aid packaging to serve first-generation and immigrant families navigating college costs.
