Background
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Florida International University (FIU) is Miami’s only 4-year public research university. It’s classified as a top-tier Research University with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.
FIU was built on the site of an abandoned airfield. The founders set up shop in the former air traffic control tower at Tamiami Airport. They structure now sits in the center of campus and is known as FIU’s Ivory Tower.
Classes began in 1972.
FIU has two main campuses in western Miami-Dade County and in North Miami.
FIU ranks 1st in the nation for awarding bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanic students.
50 percent of teachers in Miami-Dade public schools have a degree from FIU.
- Known for: Â FIU is among the 25 largest public universities in the country. Famous alumni include actor Andy Garcia, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, basketball star Carlos Arroyo, and NASA launch director Omar Baez, Jr.
- Cost: Â $201.66 in tuition and fees per credit hour for in-state students, $614.96 for out-of-state.
- Class size: The University says classes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 18:1.
- Student facts: Total student population is 46,000. Minorities represent 85% of the student body.
- Fun fact: FIU’s football team captured its first title in school history in 2010. The FIU Golden Panthers defeated the University of Toledo 34-32 at the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl in Detroit, Michigan. Panther colors are blue and gold.
