FIU vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida International University in Miami, FL with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida International University is larger than WSU based on total student enrollment (54,723 students vs. 23,803 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida International University is located in Miami, FL (Large Suburban setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Florida International University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida International University 24:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

FIU vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FIU or WSU? 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 WSU ($11,178 vs. $14,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida International University are 8.2% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,080 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 131.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than FIU (about $8,625 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $6,565.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.9% higher at WSU than at Florida International University (about $13,073 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $18,964.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at Florida International University (98% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 25.1% larger than aid received by Florida International University students ($12,953 vs. $10,350).

FIU vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FIU or WSU? 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 WSU and FIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida International University (1170) is the same as at WSU (1170).
• Incoming WSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at FIU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida International University 1070/1260; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida International University 21/27; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FIU - Required; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: FIU Apr 1, 2027; WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FIU students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than FIU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at FIU vs. 22.4% at WSU.

FIU vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FIU and WSU? 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).

• Florida International University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than FIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida International University graduates have a $5,030 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($17,228 vs. $22,258).
• Among borrowers, FIU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($178 vs. $230).
• More FIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 38%)

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.