FIU vs. Nova

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida International University in Miami, FL with Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida International University is larger than Nova based on total student enrollment (54,723 students vs. 20,910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida International University is located in Miami, FL (Large Suburban setting); Nova Southeastern University is in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• Florida International University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida International University 24:1; Nova Southeastern University 16:1.

FIU vs. Nova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FIU or Nova? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Florida International University than Nova ($11,178 vs. $31,858).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida International University are 22.3% lower than at Nova Southeastern University ($13,080 vs. $16,840).
• Nova Southeastern University is 489.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than FIU (about $32,135 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $6,565.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.1% higher at Nova than at Florida International University (about $19,736 more per year; $38,700.00 vs. $18,964.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nova Southeastern University than at Florida International University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nova Southeastern University students is 141.2% larger than aid received by Florida International University students ($24,965 vs. $10,350).

FIU vs. Nova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FIU or Nova? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nova and FIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida International University (1170) is the same as at Nova (1170).
• Incoming FIU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Nova).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida International University 1070/1260; Nova Southeastern University 1030/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida International University 21/27; Nova Southeastern University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FIU - Required; Nova - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: FIU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FIU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Nova (3.99).
• Nova has a higher acceptance rate (73.2%) than FIU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at FIU vs. 15.6% at Nova.

FIU vs. Nova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FIU and Nova? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at FIU is the same as at Nova Southeastern University (43% vs. 43%).
• Graduates from Nova Southeastern University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than FIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,300 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida International University graduates have a $7,872 lower median loan debt than Nova graduates ($17,228 vs. $25,100).
• Among borrowers, FIU graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nova graduates ($178 vs. $259).
• More FIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nova students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.