In this article, we will be comparing two prominent universities in Florida: Florida International University (FIU) and the University of South Florida (USF). We will look at various aspects of both institutions, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By examining these factors, we aim to provide a comprehensive comparison that will help prospective students make informed decisions about their higher education choices.
CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
FIU Overview
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. Established in 1965, FIU has grown into one of the largest universities in the United States, with a total enrollment of over 58,000 students in 2020. The university offers more than 190 degree programs through its 11 colleges and schools, covering a diverse range of fields such as engineering, business, hospitality management, and the arts.
FIU Costs & Tuition
FIU is known for its affordability, with in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students amounting to approximately $6,565 per year. Out of state students can expect to pay around $18,963 per year. These costs are subject to change, and additional expenses such as room, board, and textbooks should also be taken into account when calculating the overall cost of attendance.
FIU Admissions
Admission to FIU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 58%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities and leadership experience during the admissions process.
FIU Degrees Offered
FIU offers a wide range of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certifications. Some popular undergraduate programs include business, communication, engineering, and hospitality management. The university also offers a variety of online degree programs, providing flexibility for students with busy schedules or those who prefer remote learning.
FIU Academics
FIU is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and hospitality management. The university’s faculty is highly qualified, with many holding advanced degrees and conducting research in their respective fields. Students can also take advantage of research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their academic experience.
FIU Diversity
FIU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 142 countries. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and ranks among the top universities in the nation for awarding degrees to minority students. FIU also offers numerous resources and support services for students from diverse backgrounds, including cultural clubs, academic support, and career services.
FIU Students
FIU’s student body is made up of over 58,000 students, with approximately 54,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students. The university has a diverse range of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, professional associations, and recreational sports. There is also an active Greek life on campus, with several fraternities and sororities available for students to join.
FIU Campus
FIU’s main campus, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, is located in Miami, Florida, and covers 342 acres. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. In addition to its main campus, FIU also operates several satellite campuses and centers throughout South Florida, allowing students to access university resources and programs closer to home.
FIU Alumni
FIU has a strong alumni network, with over 215,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mirta Ojito, and NBA player Raja Bell. The university’s alumni association offers various resources and services for graduates, including networking opportunities, career services, and access to university events.
FIU Rankings
FIU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings, FIU is ranked #95 among public universities and #187 overall among national universities.
FIU Outcomes
FIU has a strong track record when it comes to student outcomes, with a graduation rate of 63% and an employment rate of 84% within six months of graduation. The university’s career center offers a variety of resources and services to help students secure internships, jobs, and other career opportunities upon graduation.
USF Overview
The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1956, USF enrolls more than 50,000 students across its 14 colleges, offering over 180 undergraduate majors and degree programs. USF is known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, and the arts.
USF Costs & Tuition
For in-state undergraduate students, the tuition and fees at USF amount to approximately $6,410 per year. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $17,324 per year. These costs are subject to change, and other expenses such as room, board, and textbooks should be considered when calculating the total cost of attendance.
USF Admissions
Admission to USF is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 48%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The university also takes into account factors such as extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership experience during the admissions process.
USF Degrees Offered
USF offers a variety of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certifications. Popular undergraduate programs include health sciences, engineering, business, and visual and performing arts. The university also offers numerous online degree programs, providing additional flexibility for students with busy schedules or those who prefer remote learning.
USF Academics
USF is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of health sciences, engineering, and business. The university’s faculty members are highly qualified, with many holding advanced degrees and conducting research in their respective fields. Students can also take advantage of research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their academic experience.
USF Diversity
USF has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 138 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and offers numerous resources and support services for students from diverse backgrounds, including cultural clubs, academic support, and career services.
USF Students
USF’s student body is made up of more than 50,000 students, with approximately 43,000 undergraduate students and 11,000 graduate students. The university has a wide range of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, professional associations, and recreational sports. There is also an active Greek life on campus, with several fraternities and sororities available for students to join.
USF Campus
USF’s main campus, the Tampa campus, is located in Tampa, Florida, and covers 1,913 acres. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. In addition to its main campus, USF also operates two additional campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, providing students with access to university resources and programs closer to home.
USF Alumni
USF has a strong alumni network, with over 327,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include astronaut Nicole Stott, professional wrestler Titus O’Neil, and actor Johnathan Fernandez. The university’s alumni association offers various resources and services for graduates, including networking opportunities, career services, and access to university events.
USF Rankings
USF consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings, USF is ranked #46 among public universities and #103 overall among national universities.
USF Outcomes
USF has a strong track record when it comes to student outcomes, with a graduation rate of 75% and an employment rate of 86% within six months of graduation. The university’s career center offers a variety of resources and services to help students secure internships, jobs, and other career opportunities upon graduation.
FIU vs USF Cost Comparision
When comparing the costs and tuition of FIU and USF, both universities offer affordable options for in-state students. FIU’s in-state tuition and fees amount to approximately $6,565 per year, while USF’s in-state tuition and fees are around $6,410 per year. For out-of-state students, FIU’s tuition and fees are approximately $18,963 per year, compared to USF’s $17,324 per year. While the difference in cost for both in-state and out-of-state students is not significant, USF is slightly more affordable in both categories.
FIU vs USF Admissions Difficulty
The acceptance rates for both FIU and USF indicate that admission to these universities is moderately competitive. FIU’s acceptance rate is around 58%, while USF’s acceptance rate is slightly lower at 48%. Prospective students are required to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and personal statements for both institutions. Extracurricular activities and leadership experience are also considered during the admissions process. Overall, USF appears to be slightly more selective when it comes to admissions.
FIU vs USF Academic Difficulty
Both FIU and USF are known for their strong academic programs, with well-qualified faculty members and numerous opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad experiences. While the academic rigor of specific programs and majors may vary between the two institutions, both universities maintain a commitment to providing high-quality education to their students.
FIU vs USF Outcome Comparision
In terms of student outcomes, both FIU and USF have strong graduation rates and employment rates within six months of graduation. FIU’s graduation rate is 63%, with an employment rate of 84%. USF has a higher graduation rate of 75%, with an employment rate of 86%. Based on these statistics, USF has a slight edge when it comes to student outcomes.
In conclusion, both Florida International University and the University of South Florida are reputable institutions with strong academic programs, diverse student bodies, and robust resources for student success. Prospective students should consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, and desired degree programs when making their decision between the two universities.
