FIU is ranked as one of the top 10 public commuter colleges in the U.S. by Money Magazine; FIU is also cited in several leading college guides, including Barron's Guide to the Most Prestigious Colleges; and U.S. News and World Report's annual survey of "America's Best Colleges."

The University

The University opened its doors in 1972 with an enrollment of 6,000 students. Today, with fourteen schools and colleges, FIU has grown to over 30,000 students from all 50 states and 120 countries. As a major center of international education, FIU prides itself on the cultural and ethnic diversity of its students and faculty. Students at the University enjoy the advantage of small class size and a student to faculty ratio of 18:1. This dynamic university continues to be rated annually as one of America's best universities by U.S. News and World Report.

The Experience

Although academics are at the heart of FIU, the University offers a wide spectrum of programs to foster personal growth through its many social and cultural activities. Students can enhance their education by joining student chapters of national professional organizations.

The University community actively participates in student government, fraternities, sororities, intramural and varsity sports, or any of the numerous service organizations on campus. In fact, there are almost 200 registered student organizations at FIU.

The City

The city of Miami with its subtropical climate, cultural diversity, and strategic location provides Florida International University students special opportunities for teaching, research, and public service. Miami offers students the academic advantage of attending a university in a major urban environment as well as the cultural and social advantages of such a vibrant location. The city's cultural aspects include several major museums, the Greater Miami Opera, the Miami City Ballet, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Florida and the New World Symphony

The nightlife of Miami offers a variety of restaurants and clubs from trendy South Beach and Coconut Grove to the authentic Caribbean cuisine on Eighth Street. Miami is also a destination for many top Broadway shows and Major Concerts.

For those students who love sports, Miami is the home of six professional sports teams: the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Heat, the Florida Marlins, the Florida Panthers,The Miami Sol and the Miami Fusion..

The cultural and ethnic diversity of this international city is accentuated in annual festivals, such as the Calle Ocho Festival, the Goombay Festival, the Art Deco Weekend, and the Coconut Grove Art Festival.

The academic year is highlighted with many exciting events and activities for FIU students and it is enhanced by our annual average temperature of 77 degrees and over 300 days of sunshine.