In this article, we will compare two universities: Florida International University (FIU) and North Carolina State University (NC State). We will evaluate these schools based on various factors such as costs, tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. This comparison will help prospective students make informed decisions when deciding which university to attend.
FIU Overview
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. Established in 1965, FIU is the largest university in South Florida, offering a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The university prides itself on its commitment to research, innovation, and global engagement.
FIU Costs & Tuition
FIU is known for its affordable tuition rates. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated annual tuition and fees for in-state students are $6,565, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $18,963. This does not include other expenses such as room and board, books, and supplies, which can add an additional $14,000-$17,000 per year.
FIU Admissions
FIU has a moderately competitive admissions process. The acceptance rate is around 58%, and the average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 4.17. Applicants can submit either SAT or ACT scores, with average scores of 1170 and 25, respectively. In addition to academic performance, FIU considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement in the admissions process.
FIU Degrees Offered
FIU offers more than 200 degree programs across its 11 colleges and schools. Some popular majors include Business Administration, Psychology, Nursing, Engineering, and Communication. FIU also offers a variety of online and hybrid programs for students who need flexibility in their schedules.
FIU Academics
FIU is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in STEM fields, business, and the arts. The university has a 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members. Students have access to numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
FIU Diversity
FIU is one of the most diverse universities in the United States. The student body is made up of 61% Hispanic, 15% White, 13% Black, and 4% Asian students. FIU is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is ranked among the top universities for awarding degrees to minority students.
FIU Students
FIU has a total enrollment of approximately 58,000 students, with about 49,000 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life with over 300 student organizations, Greek life, and various athletic teams competing in NCAA Division I sports.
FIU Campus
The FIU campus spans more than 340 acres in Miami, Florida, featuring modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Students have access to numerous resources, such as the main library, athletic facilities, and a variety of dining options.
FIU Alumni
FIU alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, and sports. Notable alumni include Carlos Arroyo, a former NBA player; T.Y. Hilton, an NFL wide receiver; and Richard Blanco, a renowned poet and the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history.
FIU Rankings
FIU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, FIU was ranked #95 among public universities and #187 overall among national universities.
FIU Outcomes
FIU has a strong commitment to student success and career development. The university’s graduation rate is around 63%, and the average starting salary for FIU graduates is $41,500. FIU also has a robust alumni network, which provides valuable support and connections for graduates in their job search.
NC State University Overview
North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, NC State is part of the prestigious University of North Carolina system and is well known for its strong engineering, life sciences, and agriculture programs.
NC State Costs & Tuition
NC State is an affordable option for higher education, particularly for in-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated annual tuition and fees for in-state students are $9,101, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $29,220. These costs do not include additional expenses such as room and board, books, and supplies, which can add an additional $12,000-$15,000 per year.
NC State Admissions
Admission to NC State is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 45%. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 4.46, and applicants can submit either SAT or ACT scores, with average scores of 1335 and 29, respectively. In addition to academic performance, NC State considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement in the admissions process.
NC State Degrees Offered
NC State offers more than 300 degree programs across its 12 colleges. Popular majors include Engineering, Business Administration, Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Design. The university also has a robust online education program, offering various online degrees and certificates.
NC State Academics
NC State is well known for its strong academic programs, particularly in STEM fields. The university has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive personalized attention and support from faculty members. Students have access to numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
NC State Diversity
NC State is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. The student body is made up of 65% White, 12% Black, 7% Hispanic, and 5% Asian students. The university offers various programs and initiatives to support underrepresented communities, such as the Multicultural Student Affairs office and the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
NC State Students
NC State has a total enrollment of approximately 36,000 students, with about 26,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with over 700 student organizations, Greek life, and various athletic teams competing in NCAA Division I sports.
NC State Campus
The NC State campus spans more than 2,100 acres in Raleigh, North Carolina, and features modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Students have access to numerous resources, such as the main library, athletic facilities, and a variety of dining options.
NC State Alumni
NC State alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, and sports. Notable alumni include Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS Institute; John Edwards, former U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential nominee; and Philip Rivers, an NFL quarterback.
NC State Rankings
NC State consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NC State was ranked #38 among public universities and #80 overall among national universities.
NC State Outcome
NC State has a strong commitment to student success and career development. The university’s graduation rate is around 81%, and the average starting salary for NC State graduates is $55,000. The university also has a robust alumni network, which provides valuable support and connections for graduates in their job search.
FIU vs NC State Cost Comparison
Both FIU and NC State offer affordable tuition rates, particularly for in-state students. However, FIU’s in-state tuition is significantly lower than NC State’s ($6,565 vs $9,101). Out-of-state students can also expect to pay less at FIU ($18,963) than at NC State ($29,220). Additional expenses such as room and board, books, and supplies are comparable at both universities.
FIU vs NC State Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both universities are competitive, with NC State having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 45% compared to FIU’s 58%. The average high school GPA and test scores of incoming freshmen are also higher at NC State, indicating a more selective admissions process. Both universities consider extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement in their admissions decisions.
FIU vs NC State Academic Difficulty
Both FIU and NC State are known for their strong academic programs, particularly in STEM fields. NC State offers a lower student-to-faculty ratio (14:1) compared to FIU (26:1), which may result in more personalized attention and support from faculty members. Both universities provide numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs for students.
FIU vs NC State Outcome Comparison
NC State has a higher graduation rate (81%) than FIU (63%), which may indicate better overall student outcomes. The average starting salary for NC State graduates is also higher at $55,000 compared to $41,500 for FIU graduates. Both universities have strong alumni networks that provide valuable support and connections for graduates in their job search.
