Florida International University vs University of Miami

Florida International University vs University of Miami

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university in Miami, Florida. It has around 56,000 students and is among the largest universities in the state. Admissions are moderately selective with an acceptance rate of around 59%. The most popular majors are Business, Hospitality Management, Engineering, Computer Science, and International Relations. The graduation level is around 67%, and FIU graduates have a median income of around INR 49,80,000 (after converting $59,800 median earnings a decade after graduation).

University of Miami (UM) is another renowned private research university based in Miami, Florida. It has around 19,000 students, with a significant number of international students. The admissions are extremely competitive, with the acceptance rate standing at roughly 19%. Major courses are Business, Biology, Nursing, Engineering, and Communication. The graduation rate is around 82%, and the median salary of graduates from UM stands at around INR 68,00,000 based on the conversion of the $81,600 median earnings a decade after graduation.

Overview Comparison
Florida International UniversityUniversity of Miami
Collegedunia Score4.4 Out of 105.5 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 401 Times Higher Education 2026
# 582 QS World University 2026
# 401 Times Higher Education 2025
# 201 Times Higher Education 2026
# 314 QS World University 2026
# 201 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 94 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 84 for Law by US News 2025
# 401 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 141 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 176 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -41
PG Programs -31
UG Programs -159
PG Programs -81
Doctorate Programs -79
Acceptance Rate59.0 %19.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1080
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1230
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   18566
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  18428
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 30368 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   53112
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  48720
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 33654 Per Year
placement (average package)

Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Executive MBA: $179,000

BBA: $142,000

MBA: $121,000

Masters in Finance: $101,000

Masters in Science: $94,000

Bachelor (Other): $90,000 


The median salary of the students is around $52K. Some of the top companies where the students include Google, CBS, Apple, L’Oreal, Amazon, Citibank etc. 98% students received jobs or were pursuing education within six months of graduation


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit personal statement

Submit English language proficiency scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts of all previous education

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Submit letters of recommendation

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews8.1/10 Read 5 reviews8.8/10 Read 2 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 131 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 122 for Business by US News 2025
# 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 50 for Business by US News 2025
# 301 for Business by QS World University 2025
# 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
application--
exam scoresDuolingo - 110/160GRE - 304/340IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 125/160GMAT - 550/800IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -54000Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19917
application datesDec 1, 2025 (Admissions Deadline)
Mar 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsFlorida International UniversityUniversity of Miami
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1968
1925
Student:Faculty Ratio21:1
11:1
Male:Female44% Male, 56% Female48% Male, 52% Female
Location Facts

Florida International's 344-acre (139 ha) campus is in the census-designated place of Westchester, a suburban residential area in Miami-Dade County. The Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) in North Miami is Florida International's 200-acre (91 ha) waterfront branch campus.  FIU also has other smaller regional centers located throughout South Florida in both Miami-Dade County and Broward County, serving the local communities in research, continuing studies, and in culture.


The University of Miami has three campuses on more than 400 acres throughout Miami-Dade County. The Coral Gables campus, the University’s main campus, is home to two colleges and eight schools and is located on a 239-acre tract in Coral Gables. Other two campuses are Miller School campus and Rosenstiel School Campus. 


Library

FIU has six libraries, Green Library, FIU's main library; the Glenn Hubert Library (Biscayne Bay Campus), the Wolfsonian Library, the Engineering Library, the Law Library, and the Medical Library. Together, the entire FIU university-wide Library holdings include over 2,097,207 volumes, 52,511 current serials, 3,587,663 microform units, and 163,715 audio visual units. 


The libraries of the University of Miami rank among the top research libraries in North America with a combined collection of over 4 million volumes, with over 100,000 current electronic and print serials. The libraries are located on the Coral Gables, Rosenstiel, and Medical campuses.


Campus Life

The Student Government Association presides over and funds the over 300 student clubs and organizations and honor societies at the university. Florida International University's student housing facilities are managed by the Office of Housing and Residential Life located on the Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC). There are 3,300 students living on campus throughout 10 apartment buildings and 6 residence halls. FIU has many traditions from student spirit groups, alumni association events, and student spirit events. Incoming students can attend Panther Camp, originally a weekend retreat in the summer and now a two-day on-campus event, which began in 2006. FIU has three museums, the Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Florida International University has seventeen varsity sports teams, named the Panthers and they compete in the NCAA Division I. 


Set one foot on campus and you’ll feel it—a vibe that celebrates life, learning, and daily activities that are anything but routine. Capitalizing on its glorious weather, national reputation, and location at the crossroads of the Americas, the University of Miami offers students unparalleled academic support, enrichment activities galore, sports and cultural offerings, wellness and fitness programs, and endless opportunities to explore, engage, and better the community and the world. With exceptional dining options and residential halls, a bounty of social, cultural and academic activities, sporting venues, an easy-to-traverse campus with shuttle service and a myriad of parking options, the University of Miami is home away from home, a place where students who live on or commute to campus can stretch their comfort zones and expand their horizons.


Hostel#On campus - $10882
#Off campus (not with family) - $12090
#Off campus (with family) - $7396
#On campus - $13666
#Off campus (not with family) - $16926
#Off campus (with family) - $3062
Famous Alumni

Carlos Alvarado-Larroucau, francophone writer, poet, essayist, professor

Liz Balmaseda, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist

Steve Benen, political writer and contributor to and producer of The Rachel Maddow Show

Aimee Carrero, actress, Young & Hungry, Elena of Avalor

Janet Dacal, Broadway actress and singer, known for her role as Carla in In the Heights

Allie DiMeco, actress and musician, known for her role as Rosalina in Nickelodeon's The Naked Brothers Band


Rony Abovitz , founder of MAKO Surgical Corp

Will Allen, urban farmer and recipient of MacArthur Foundation's "Genius Award" 

Ralph Alvarez, board member at Dunkin' Donuts and former president and chief operating officer of McDonald's Corporation 

Micky Arison, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation and owner of Miami Heat 

Bakr bin Laden, former chairman of Saudi Binladin Group and half-brother of Al-Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden


City Life

Miami is one of the most vibrant metro areas in the U.S., and it's well on its way to becoming one of the largest international business hubs in the world. In Miami, each neighborhood reflects its diverse communities and adds to the character of the area and Miami-Dade County. Miami proper draws young professionals with a multitude of trade and banking careers, while Miami Beach still has a party-hard atmosphere. Miami residents can be found taking advantage of their coveted weather by relaxing on the beach or enjoying nearby natural areas, including Biscayne National Park and the Everglades. The cost of living in Miami is higher than the national average, with the most expensive investment being housing. Residents often enjoy many of the same activities as vacationers, including lounging on the beach. Sports fans fill the metro area's stadiums to cheer on professional basketball, baseball and football teams, while active residents pass the time playing golf, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.


Known for its dynamic nightlife, spectacular white-sand beaches, and thriving modern art scene, Miami’s culture is vibrant and diverse with a strong Caribbean and Latin-American influence. From Jean-Georges Vongerichten to Thomas Keller, some of the greatest chefs on the planet have planted their culinary flag in Miami. And, of course, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s best Cuban food calls Miami its home, as well. Its reputation as America’s playground is well deserved. For more than twenty years, the Port of Miami has been known as the Cruise Capital of the World, holding the title as the largest cruise passenger port in the world. Boasting nearly 150 parks, gardens, playgrounds, and recreation areas, Miami is considered a Top 10 U.S. destination for both golf and deep-sea fishing, as well. Then, of course, there’s the coastline. From South Beach to Cape Florida State Park, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches can be found in Miami. The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Miami to be around $3,700 a month (excluding housing). For a single person, the cost of living drops to around $1,000 a month (also excluding housing).

Homeowners in Miami often spend more than the national average. However, residents don’t have to pay income taxes or taxes related to pensions, Social Security, or inheritance. 


Weather
Comparison Notes

Florida International University vs University of Miami

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

University of Miami One of the top-ranked private research universities, UM is ranked 314 in QS World University Rankings 2026, and further up in U.S. News (in the Top 100 nationwide). It is also extremely strong in medicine, marine sciences, law, business, and engineering.Florida International University Ranked 582 in QS 2026, FIU is a globally recognized public university with an international reputation for hospitality & tourism management (top 10 globally), business, public affairs, engineering, and international relations

General Information

University of Miami: A private research university in Coral Gables, Miami. It admits around 19,000 students (undergraduate and graduate) and has a more select, smaller campus culture. FIU A public research university in Miami, Florida, with around 55,000 students. It has an international, diverse student body and is one of the largest universities in the nation.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UM is Highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 19%. Popular programs include business, biology, marine science, nursing, and law/medicine.

FIU is Largely accessible, with an acceptance rate of  59%. Hospitality, business, international relations, and engineering are favorite programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

UM: A Very High Research Activity institution (R1), UM has research leadership facilities on medicine, marine science, climate change, and engineering. Its Miller School of Medicine and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science are globally renowned.

FIU: Another R1 university, FIU is well represented in environmental studies, hospitality, business, and disaster resiliency. It features the Wall of Wind hurricane simulator and has a significant international research presence in Latin America and the Caribbean

Cost & Financial Aid

UM: As private, it is expensive—around USD $58,000 annually for undergraduates. But it offers generous merit scholarships and need-based assistance, including to international students.

FIU: Less expensive, with around USD $18,500–$20,500 per year for international students (in-state is significantly lower at ~$6,500). Awards regional and merit scholarships, particularly to Latin American and Caribbean students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UM Grads enjoy very good career opportunities with very high median salaries, particularly in medicine, business, law, and marine sciences. The alumni are well represented in U.S. industry, global finance, and health care.
FIU Grads are strongly employable in South Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean, notably in business, hospitality, public sector work, and international relations. FIU's alumni network is very strong regionally and well linked internationally in hospitality and business.