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Florida International University

Miami, FL

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Spes Scientia Facultas (Latin)("Hope, Knowledge, Opportunity")

1965
Founded
Public research university
Type
54,085
Total Students
44,045
Undergrad
10,040
Graduate
$358M
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Jeanette Nuñez

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

1943
State senator Ernest R. Graham first proposes the establishment of a public university in Miami-Dade County.
1965
Senate Bill 711 is signed into law, instructing planning for the development of the state university.
1969
Chuck Perry is appointed as founding president, and the institution is named Florida International University.
1971
Groundbreaking for the Tamiami campus takes place on the site of the former Tamiami Airport.
1972
FIU opens to students with a record-setting 5,667 enrollees, the largest opening day enrollment at the time.
1973
The first commencement ceremony is held, graduating 191 students.
1981
Lower-division classes are added to the university's curriculum (nine years after opening).
🏛️
61 Years
of Excellence

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

Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Elizabeth M. Bejar
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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