Florida International University
Miami, FL
Quick Facts
“Spes Scientia Facultas (Latin)”("Hope, Knowledge, Opportunity")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Florida International University
Miami's R1 powerhouse: FIU offers vast opportunities at one of Florida's largest universities.
Florida International University (FIU) is a vibrant and rapidly growing public research powerhouse nestled in the heart of Westchester, Florida. As one of the largest universities in the nation, FIU stands out as a Carnegie "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution, offering an exceptional environment for groundbreaking discovery. Its dynamic spirit and extensive academic offerings make it a beacon of opportunity in South Florida.
Born from the vision of state senator Ernest R. Graham in 1943, FIU officially opened its doors in 1972 with a record-setting 5,667 students – an incredible feat for a university just starting out. The campus itself holds a unique history, built on the site of an old airport with the air traffic control tower serving as its initial, unconventional headquarters. This pioneering spirit, led by its youngest-ever president, Chuck Perry, set the stage for its meteoric rise.
Today, FIU is a cornerstone of the State University System of Florida, recognized as a Preeminent State Research University. With 11 colleges and over 200 programs of study, students have unparalleled choices, from specialized professional schools like the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine to diverse offerings in arts, sciences, and engineering. The bustling Graham Center serves as the heart of student life, fostering a lively campus community where Panther athletes also shine in NCAA Division I. FIU truly embodies its motto, "Spes Scientia Facultas" (Hope, Knowledge, Opportunity), preparing over 54,000 students for global impact.
Key Highlights
- ✦Carnegie "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification, highlighting top-tier research opportunities.
- ✦Third-largest university in Florida and eighth-largest public university in the U.S. by enrollment, serving 54,085 students.
- ✦One of four state-designated Preeminent State Research Universities in Florida.
- ✦Offers over 200 diverse programs of study across 11 colleges and more than 40 research centers, facilities, labs, and institutes.
- ✦Generates an annual economic impact of over $5 billion, significantly contributing to the regional economy.
- ✦Founded in 1965, it opened with the largest initial student enrollment in the state's history in 1972.
- ✦Motto: "Spes Scientia Facultas" (Hope, Knowledge, Opportunity).
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
14 notable schools within Florida International University
School of Architecture
Part of the College of Architecture and the Arts.
School of Communication and Journalism
Part of the College of Architecture and the Arts.
School of Music
Part of the College of Architecture and the Arts.
School of Education and Human Development
Part of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education.
Alvah H. Chapman Graduate School of Business
Part of the College of Business.
R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business
Part of the College of Business.
Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences
Part of the College of Engineering and Computing.
Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability
Part of the College of Engineering and Computing.
College of Law
One of FIU's professional colleges.
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
One of FIU's professional colleges.
Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
One of FIU's professional colleges.
Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work
One of FIU's professional colleges.
Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
One of FIU's professional schools.
Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs
One of FIU's professional schools.
Leadership
Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0
Find Scholarships at Florida International University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search