
11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA


Florida International University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which affirms that it meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation enables the university to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees, ensuring that its programs adhere to recognized criteria for higher education institutions in the southern United States.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many of the university's individual schools and programs have received specialized accreditation from relevant professional agencies. These specialized accreditations serve to validate the quality and relevance of specific programs, particularly in areas such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, which may be critical factors for students concerned about professional licensure and employment prospects after graduation.
Maintaining accreditation requires ongoing evaluation and compliance with standards related to faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support services, and assessment of learning outcomes. For prospective students, the university's accredited status signals a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, which are important considerations when selecting a degree program that will be recognized by employers and other academic institutions.
Florida International University requires applicants to have completed a secondary school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of a secondary school academic record and a minimum grade point average are mandatory components of the application.
Standardized testing plays a significant role in admissions decisions; applicants must provide scores from admission tests, including the SAT or ACT. The university reports that 90% of enrolled students presented SAT scores, with an average composite score around 1150, which places the student body near the 48th percentile nationally. ACT scores are less common among enrolled students, about 10%, with the average ACT score being approximately 24, situated near the 46th percentile.
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. While recommendation letters and other standardized test scores are optional, they are suggested to strengthen the application. Florida International University does not employ an open admission policy, indicating selective admissions rather than universal acceptance.
Credit for prior college coursework and Advanced Placement (AP) credits is accepted, allowing students to potentially reduce their time to degree completion. Computer access is not a prerequisite for application, but the university does offer computer leasing options for students.
The university typically admits just over half of its applicants, reflecting a 59% acceptance rate. This rate is relatively competitive compared to national averages, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.
Florida International University requires prospective undergraduate students to pay an application fee of $30. This fee applies to first-time freshmen and transfer applicants submitted through the university's common application portal.
The university offers fee waivers for eligible students, including those who meet certain income-based criteria or participate in qualifying programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, fee waivers may be available for students who submit a College Board fee waiver form or demonstrate financial hardship as verified by school counselors or advisors.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation or follow the university's prescribed procedures to have the fee waived during the application process.
Florida International University offers its students access to Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs through partnerships with nearby host institutions. While the university itself does not directly operate ROTC detachments on campus, students interested in pursuing military training and commissioning opportunities can enroll in Army ROTC or Air Force ROTC programs at affiliated universities in the Miami area.
These ROTC programs provide structured leadership development, military education, and physical training alongside students' academic studies. Participants receive instruction in military tactics, ethics, and management while preparing for potential careers as commissioned officers. Scholarships and financial assistance options are often available to qualified candidates through these ROTC units.
Prospective students at Florida International University who seek ROTC involvement should coordinate with the ROTC offices at the host schools to arrange their participation and meet program requirements. This collaboration allows them to benefit from ROTC training without Florida International University having on-campus ROTC branches. Such arrangements enable students to engage fully in military preparation while completing their degrees at Florida International University.
Florida International University permits transfer students to enroll in multiple terms throughout the academic year, including fall, spring, and summer semesters. Prospective transfers should note that credit acceptance policies are accommodating, as the university accepts transfer credits and also recognizes credits earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams as well as the DANTES examinations. Additionally, the institution welcomes recommendation letters as part of the transfer application process.
Florida International University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enhance students' global perspectives and academic experiences. These programs include semester-long exchanges, summer sessions, faculty-led trips, and short-term studies that cover a wide range of disciplines.
Students have opportunities to study in countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The university partners with numerous international institutions, allowing participants to earn credit toward their degree while immersing themselves in different cultures and academic environments.
In addition to traditional study abroad options, Florida International University also provides tailored programs that emphasize experiential learning, such as internships and service-learning projects overseas. These programs aim to develop professional skills alongside academic growth.
Many programs are specifically designed to accommodate various academic calendars and career goals, offering flexible durations from a few weeks to an entire academic year. This flexibility helps students integrate international experiences without delaying their graduation plans.
Median composite SAT score
1150Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
10%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
90%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer