Florida International University: A Deep Dive into Student Demographics
Florida International University (FIU), Miami's public research university, has grown into one of the largest universities in the nation. With a student body of more than 54,000 and over 330,000 alumni, FIU plays a vital role in South Florida. This article explores the demographics of FIU's student population, providing insights into its diversity, enrollment trends, and graduation rates.
A World-Class Institution
FIU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, both on campus and fully online. Designated as a Preeminent State Research University, FIU emphasizes research as a major component in its mission. The Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work and the Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences' Discovery Lab are examples of colleges and schools setting new standards through research initiatives.
General Information
Founded in 1965 by the Florida Legislature, FIU opened to students in 1972. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Florida International University is ranked No. #98 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #1 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The university's intercollegiate sports teams, the FIU Panthers, compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and the Conference USA (C-USA).
Enrollment Overview
In the fall of 2023, FIU had a total enrollment of 54,085 students. The undergraduate enrollment was 44,045, while the postgraduate enrollment was 10,040. This reflects FIU's growth into a much larger traditional university.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment
In 2023, 61.8% of students were enrolled full-time, totaling 33,332 students. The part-time enrollment was 20,621.
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Race and Ethnicity
FIU's student body is notably diverse. As of 2023:
- 64% Hispanic or Latino (34,555 students)
- 11.3% Black or African American (6,117 students)
- 10.1% White (5,470 students)
- 2.8% Asian
- 1.99% Two or More Races
- 0.0538% American Indian or Alaska Native
- 0.0315% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders
This composition highlights FIU's significant representation of Hispanic and Latino students compared to the national average for Doctoral Universities, which is 46.5% White, 15.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.78% Black or African American.
Race and Ethnicity by Sex
The most common race/ethnicity and sex grouping at Florida International University is Hispanic or Latino female (6,614 degrees awarded). There were 1.59 times more hispanic or latino female recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino male (4,156 degrees).
Enrollment by Gender within Race and Ethnicity
Among full-time undergraduate students:
- Hispanic or Latino Female: 37.1%
- Hispanic or Latino Male: 27.6%
- Black or African American Female: 6.77%
Among full-time graduate students:
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- Hispanic or Latino Female: 29%
- Hispanic or Latino Male: 16.1%
- White Female: 10.1%
Geographic Diversity
FIU attracts students from various locations:
- 3.55% of FIU students come from out of state.
- 14.16% come from out of the country.
The undergraduate student body includes students from 30 states (including Washington D.C.).
Age Diversity
FIU demonstrates a good ability to attract students of all ages, with a student age diversity score of 83.89 out of 100. While the university attracts traditional college-aged students (18-21), it also serves a significant number of older students.
Costs and Financial Aid
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Florida International University is $4,721, which is $26,283 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $10,742.
Financial Aid Statistics
- 61% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants in 2023.
- 18% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.
- Sixty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $8,722.
Admissions
Florida International University received 25,034 undergraduate applications in 2023, which represents a 44.3% annual growth. Out of those 25,034 applicants, 14,729 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 58.8% acceptance rate. The university has an overall enrollment yield of 35.1%, representing the number of admitted students who ended up enrolling.
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Acceptance Rate
In 2023, the undergraduate acceptance rate of Florida International University was 58.8% (14,729 admissions from 25,034 applications). This is lower than the acceptance rate of 2022, which was 63.9%. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants grew by 44.3%, while admissions grew by 33%.
SAT Scores
91% of enrolled first-time students submitted SAT scores with their applications in 2023.
Graduation and Retention Rates
FIU's graduation and retention rates provide insights into student success:
- Graduation Rate: The four-year graduation rate is 59%.
- Retention Rate: The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Florida International University was 92%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Florida International University had a retention rate higher than its peers.
- In 2023, 42% of students graduating from Florida International University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 67% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 71% within 200%.
Graduation Rate by Race and Sex
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Florida International University is Female and Asian (87% graduation rate). Across all Doctoral Universities, Asian Female students have the highest graduation rate (74.3%).
Degrees Awarded
In 2023, 17,350 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Florida International University. 60.9% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 39.1% awarded men.
Race & Ethnicity by Share
The most common race/ethnicity at Florida International University is hispanic or latino (10,770 degrees awarded). There were 5.26 times more hispanic or latino recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (2,049 degrees).
Most Common Majors
In 2023, the most common bachelor's degree concentration at Florida International University was General Psychology with 1,548 degrees awarded.
Sex Breakdown for Common Majors
In 2023, 6,786 degrees were awarded to men at Florida International University, which is 0.642 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (10,564).
Most Common Male Majors
In 2023, 456 degrees were awarded to men at Florida International University in General Computer & Information Sciences, which is 3.97 times more than the 115 female recipients with that same degree.
Most Common Female Majors
In 2023, 1,437 degrees were awarded to men at Florida International University in General Psychology, which is 5.66 times more than the 254 male recipients with that same degree.
Career Outcomes
Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $47,768.
Common Industries by Major
The most common industries for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Florida International University are General medical and surgical hospitals, and specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals (761,931 people), Elementary & secondary schools (751,936 people), uninformed (735,884 people), Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (589,451 people), and Outpatient care centers (298,919 people).
Campus Environment
FIU's main campus, the Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC), is located in Westchester, Florida. It spans 344 acres and houses most of the university's colleges, schools, administrative offices, and facilities. The Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) in North Miami is a 200-acre waterfront branch campus.
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