When choosing between two universities, it’s essential to compare various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes. This article provides an in-depth comparison of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) and Florida International University (FIU) to help you make an informed decision on which school best suits your needs and preferences.
UL Lafayette Overview
UL Lafayette, founded in 1898, is a public research university located in Lafayette, Louisiana. With over 19,000 students, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields. Known for its strong engineering, computer science, and nursing programs, UL Lafayette provides students with opportunities to engage in research and participate in hands-on learning experiences.
UL Lafayette Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at UL Lafayette can expect to pay around $10,382 in tuition and fees per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $24,110. Graduate students pay an average of $9,855 for in-state tuition and $18,872 for out-of-state tuition. Room and board expenses average around $10,000 per year, with additional costs for books and supplies.
UL Lafayette Admissions
UL Lafayette has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 56%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a completed application. The average ACT score for admitted students is 23, while the average SAT score is 1140.
UL Lafayette Degrees Offered
UL Lafayette offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business, engineering, education, nursing, and computer science. Some popular majors at the university include nursing, business administration, kinesiology, and psychology.
UL Lafayette Academics
The university boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from faculty members. UL Lafayette also supports a range of learning environments, from small seminars to large lectures, allowing students to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
UL Lafayette Diversity
UL Lafayette has a diverse student body, with a significant portion of students coming from different ethnicities and countries. The university also supports numerous cultural and diversity initiatives to promote inclusivity and dialogue among students.
UL Lafayette Students
UL Lafayette has over 250 student organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to social and cultural clubs. Students can participate in various activities, including sports, community service, and leadership programs, allowing them to develop valuable skills and connections.
UL Lafayette Campus
The university’s 1,500-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and residential halls. UL Lafayette also offers a range of amenities, such as recreational centers, dining options, and libraries, ensuring that students have a comfortable and enjoyable campus experience.
UL Lafayette Alumni
UL Lafayette boasts a strong alumni network, with many graduates holding leadership positions in various industries. Some notable alumni include Kathleen Blanco, former Governor of Louisiana, and Ron Guidry, a former Major League Baseball pitcher.
UL Lafayette Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, UL Lafayette ranks #293-381 in National Universities and #156 in Top Public Schools. The university is also recognized for its engineering, nursing, and online programs.
UL Lafayette Outcomes
UL Lafayette has a 48% graduation rate, with 64% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates is around $38,000 per year.
FIU Overview
Florida International University (FIU), founded in 1965, is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. With over 58,000 students, FIU is the fourth-largest university in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines like business, engineering, law, and medicine.
FIU Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at FIU can expect to pay around $6,565 in tuition and fees per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $18,963. Graduate students pay an average of $8,912 for in-state tuition and $21,393 for out-of-state tuition. Room and board expenses average around $11,000 per year, with additional costs for books and supplies.
FIU Admissions
FIU has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 58%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a completed application. The average ACT score for admitted students is 25, while the average SAT score is 1220.
FIU Degrees Offered
FIU offers over 190 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, engineering, law, medicine, and liberal arts. Some popular majors at the university include psychology, business administration, criminal justice, and hospitality management.
FIU Academics
The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 26:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from faculty members. FIU supports a range of learning environments, from small seminars to large lectures, allowing students to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
FIU Diversity
FIU has a diverse student body, with a significant portion of students coming from different ethnicities and countries. The university also supports numerous cultural and diversity initiatives to promote inclusivity and dialogue among students.
FIU Students
FIU has over 300 student organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to social and cultural clubs. Students can participate in various activities, including sports, community service, and leadership programs, allowing them to develop valuable skills and connections.
FIU Campus
The university’s 578-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and residential halls. FIU also offers a range of amenities, such as recreational centers, dining options, and libraries, ensuring that students have a comfortable and enjoyable campus experience.
FIU Alumni
FIU boasts a strong alumni network, with many graduates holding leadership positions in various industries. Some notable alumni include Carlos Arroyo, a former NBA player, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a former U.S. Representative.
FIU Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, FIU ranks #218 in National Universities and #122 in Top Public Schools. The university is also recognized for its engineering, law, and online programs.
FIU Outcomes
FIU has a 58% graduation rate, with 67% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates is around $42,000 per year.
UL Lafayette vs FIU Cost Comparison
While both universities offer affordable tuition rates, FIU is the more affordable option for in-state students, with a tuition cost of $6,565 per year, compared to UL Lafayette’s in-state tuition of $10,382. For out-of-state students, UL Lafayette is slightly more affordable, with a tuition cost of $24,110 per year, compared to FIU’s out-of-state tuition of $18,963.
UL Lafayette vs FIU Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have moderately selective admissions processes, with UL Lafayette having an acceptance rate of 56% and FIU having an acceptance rate of 58%. The average ACT and SAT scores for admitted students are similar, with UL Lafayette’s average ACT score being 23 and FIU’s average ACT score being 25. For SAT scores, UL Lafayette’s average is 1140, while FIU’s average is 1220.
UL Lafayette vs FIU Academic Difficulty
Both universities are dedicated to providing students with a challenging and rewarding academic experience. The student-to-faculty ratios at both institutions are similar, with UL Lafayette having a 20:1 ratio and FIU having a 26:1 ratio. This ensures that students receive personalized attention from faculty members and can develop critical thinking and communication skills.
UL Lafayette vs FIU Outcome Comparison
In terms of graduation rates, FIU has a higher rate of 58% compared to UL Lafayette’s 48%. Additionally, FIU graduates have a higher employment rate within six months of graduation (67%) compared to UL Lafayette graduates (64%). FIU graduates also have a higher average starting salary of $42,000 per year, compared to UL Lafayette graduates, who have an average starting salary of $38,000 per year.
