Florida International University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 21, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~59%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23
- Middle 50% SAT: 1150
- Average GPA: 4.1
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Florida International University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (FIU Golden Promise & FIU National Merit Scholars Award (Non-Florida Residents))
Average Net Price
$10,742/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$500–$4,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
7 opportunities
4 automatic · 3 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
FIU Golden Promise & FIU National Merit Scholars Award (Non-Florida Residents)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Florida International is one of the best “value-first” schools in the country — but only if you understand how the money actually works. Admission is accessible, and for Florida residents, programs like Bright Futures can dramatically reduce the cost. This isn’t a school where you need elite stats to make it affordable — it’s built for solid, steady students.
For out-of-state families, though, the story is different. FIU doesn’t lean heavily on large automatic merit packages the way some Southern schools do. Instead, it’s more about overall affordability than big headline scholarships. If your goal is a strong academic option in a major city without taking on heavy debt, FIU deserves a serious look — just go in with the right expectations about merit aid.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Florida International University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 1150.
Average net price? About $10,742/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Florida International University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$6,565 |
$18,964 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$12,156 |
$12,156 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$18,721 |
$31,120 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,742 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
FAQ — Understanding FIU’s Cost of Attendance
Why does this table only include tuition and housing?
Because these are the direct, billed charges families pay to FIU. Other items like books, transportation, and personal expenses vary by student and aren’t billed by the university, so they’re not included in the table.
How accurate are these estimates?
They reflect the current 2025–26 official rates published by the Florida Board of Governors and FIU’s OneStop office. Costs can vary slightly depending on housing type, meal plan, or number of credits taken.
What’s the difference between total cost and net price?
The total cost (≈ $19K in-state / $31K out-of-state) shows what’s charged before aid. The net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. FIU’s average net price is about $10,742 per year.
Are books, travel, and personal costs really that high?
FIU estimates around $6,500 combined for those expenses—but they’re flexible. Students living close to campus or commuting can spend far less; out-of-state students traveling home often spend more.
Does FIU offer payment plans?
Yes. FIU allows families to split tuition and housing charges into multiple payments throughout the term. Plans can be set up through the OneStop Student Center before each semester’s deadline.
Can out-of-state students reduce their tuition?
Possibly. While Florida doesn’t participate in ACM/WUE for undergraduates, FIU offers several nonresident tuition waivers tied to academic merit or National Merit status. Some can bring OOS tuition close to in-state levels.
Does FIU require the CSS Profile?
No. FIU only requires the FAFSA for financial aid and scholarships. The CSS Profile is not used for need-based aid at FIU.
Will tuition increase next year?
Florida’s public universities are subject to annual state approval for tuition and fees. While changes are generally modest, families should recheck FIU’s tuition and housing pages each summer for the newest rates.
What if my student lives off campus?
The “Housing & Meals” line changes based on living arrangement. Commuters typically spend less than the on-campus estimate, though total costs can vary depending on rent, transportation, and meal choices.
🌎 Reciprocity & OOS Waivers: Florida does not offer undergrad ACM/WUE/MSEP reciprocity for FIU. However, FIU offers competitive out-of-state tuition waiver pathways (e.g., Ambassador Merit, National Merit). See the scholarship sections for details.
Sources:
https://onestop.fiu.edu/finances/estimate-your-costs/
https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cost-of-Attendance-2025-26-For-Website.pdf
https://housing.fiu.edu/rates-payments/rental-rates/
https://admissions.fiu.edu/cost-and-aid/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/florida-international-university/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
FIU considers admitted students automatically for select merit awards. Policy note:
FIU does superscore SAT/ACT for admission and scholarship review
(ACT superscore excludes the Science section beginning with 2025–26). Earlier admission improves odds as awards depend on funding and space.
Automatic
Gold and Blue Scholarship (Florida Residents)
📅 Deadline: November 3, 2025 · 📢 Results: Typically around or after the admission decision, subject to funding availability.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Limited and subject to annual budget and applicant pool. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
FIU notes that institutional merit awards, including Gold and Blue, generally cannot be stacked with other FIU merit scholarships beyond the highest institutional merit offer. Raise.Me micro-scholarships also cannot be added on top of FIU merit.
💡
Strategic Detail
FIU lists Gold and Blue Scholarships for Florida residents at $1,000-$2,000 per year for Early Fall/Fall 2026 FTIC students who submit a completed application by May 5, 2026. No separate scholarship application or FAFSA is required for consideration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is FIU's main admission-considered merit lane for Florida residents. The strongest candidates are high-achieving Florida-resident FTIC students who apply by the deadline, but FIU does not publish firm GPA or test-score cutoffs, and awards depend on academic strength, timing, and funding.
Automatic
Gold and Blue Scholarship (Non-Florida Residents)
📅 Deadline: December 17, 2025 · 📢 Results: Typically around or after the admission decision, subject to funding availability.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000–$4,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Limited and subject to annual budget and applicant pool. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
FIU notes that Gold and Blue merit awards generally cannot be stacked with other FIU merit scholarships beyond the highest institutional merit offer. Raise.Me micro-scholarships also cannot be added on top of FIU merit.
💡
Strategic Detail
FIU lists Gold and Blue Scholarships for non-Florida residents at $2,000-$4,000 per year for Early Fall/Fall 2026 FTIC students who submit a completed application by February 10, 2026. No separate scholarship application is required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is FIU's main admission-considered merit lane for non-Florida residents. The strongest candidates are high-achieving out-of-state or non-Florida resident FTIC students who apply by the deadline and have strong academic records. FIU does not publish a fixed GPA or test-score grid.
Automatic
Raise.Me Micro-Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Aligns with FIU's early merit consideration timelines · 📢 Results: Raise.Me totals are visible in the student's Raise.Me account; FIU confirms the amount in the aid package after admission and enrollment.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500–$2,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Dependent on student participation and FIU's Raise.Me partnership, not a fixed cohort size. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
FIU states that Raise.Me represents the minimum scholarship offer a student will receive from FIU and cannot be stacked with FIU merit scholarships such as Gold and Blue. Students receive the higher of the two amounts.
💡
Strategic Detail
FIU Raise.Me micro-scholarships can total up to $2,500 per academic year and serve as a guaranteed minimum scholarship offer. FIU notes that Raise.Me awards cannot be added on top of other FIU institutional merit.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is most useful for students who actively use Raise.Me before applying and build a record of grades, activities, and achievements. It is not extra money on top of FIU merit; it functions more like a minimum institutional scholarship floor.
Full RideAutomatic
FIU National Merit Scholars Award (Non-Florida Residents)
📅 Deadline: National Merit first-choice designation deadlines plus FIU freshman admission deadlines · 📢 Results: Award confirmation typically appears with or shortly after the admission and financial aid offer for National Merit Finalists.
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited to National Merit Finalists who designate FIU and enroll; not a fixed numeric cap but constrained by program funding. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award is designed to cover up to 100% of undergraduate tuition and fees, plus on-campus housing and a meal plan for non-Florida-resident National Merit Finalists. It may combine with other funds up to cost of attendance, but it will usually replace other FIU merit.
💡
Strategic Detail
FIU advertises that admitted first-time-in-college National Merit Finalists can receive funding that covers up to 100% of tuition, with additional support for housing and a meal plan for non-Florida residents. In-state National Merit Finalists are generally funded primarily through Florida's Benacquisto Scholarship Program; this row models the institutional flagship package for non-Florida residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is FIU's flagship National Merit package for non-Florida residents. It is extremely valuable, but it is restricted to National Merit Finalists who list FIU as first choice, are admitted as FTIC students, enroll full time, and maintain the required GPA and credit load.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Amounts are published as ranges and depend on residency, GPA/test profile (superscored), funding, and timing. Renewal generally requires
30 FIU credits per year and a 3.0 FIU GPA. Gold & Blue awards typically do not stack with other FIU merit awards.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at FIU
Do these scholarships have firm cutoffs?
Not fixed cutoffs. FIU posts ranges (e.g., $1k–$12k in-state; $4k–$24k OOS). Awards scale with your FIU-recalculated weighted GPA, superscored SAT/ACT, rigor, and when you apply.
Which GPA does FIU use?
FIU uses its own weighted, recalculated GPA for admission and scholarship review.
Does FIU superscore?
Yes. FIU superscores SAT/ACT for admission and scholarship review. For ACT, the 2026–2027 superscore uses only English, Math, and Reading (Science is excluded).
When are the automatic merit deadlines?
Priority dates are typically ~Nov 3 for Florida residents and ~Dec 17 for non-residents. Submit scores and materials by the earlier of admission/scholarship dates.
Can Gold & Blue stack with other FIU merit?
Generally no — Gold & Blue do not stack with other FIU merit programs.
What are the renewal requirements?
Plan on maintaining about 30 credits per year and a 3.0 FIU GPA to keep most FIU merit awards.
Sources:
https://scholarships.fiu.edu/browse-scholarships/merit-scholarships/
https://scholarships.fiu.edu/browse-scholarships/merit-scholarships/policies-renewal/
https://admissions.fiu.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These scholarships require a separate application or extra materials (essays, interviews, or nominations). Awards are limited and highly competitive.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Scholarship Deadlines / Priority Dates:
- Presidential Merit: Dec 3, (some sources list Dec 1)
- Ambassador Merit: Dec 4, (per Scholarships.com)
- National Merit (via FIU): FIU admission must be complete by March 4, 2026, and FIU must be designated #1 by May 1, 2027
⚠️ These deadlines and amounts are current best approximations—always confirm via FIU’s official Scholarship & Honors pages.
See also our National Merit Scholarship guide.
FIU is not currently listed as a Stamps partner. (Stamps Scholarship info)
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at FIU (2026- 2027)
Are there fixed award amounts?
No — FIU publishes ranges (e.g. Presidential and Ambassador vary). Your actual award depends on your academic profile, residency, and when you apply.
Which deadline matters most?
For Presidential and Ambassador, the competitive deadlines align roughly with the non-resident merit deadline (Dec 3) or slightly after. For National Merit, the admission must be complete by March 4, 2026.
How many awards are given?
FIU does not publicly list fixed counts for Presidential or Ambassador awards. They are limited and depend on budget and applicant pool.
When is Gold & Blue considered relative to these?
Gold & Blue automatic merit is considered first (by Nov 3 for FL, Dec 17 for non-FL). Those who meet it and then also apply for competitive awards may be upgraded depending on merit.
Sources:
https://admissions.fiu.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/
https://scholarships.fiu.edu/browse-scholarships/merit-scholarships/
https://admissions.fiu.edu/cost-and-aid/national-merit/
https://scholarships.com/scholarships/florida-international-university-presidential-scholarship
https://scholarships.com/scholarships/florida-international-university-ambassador-scholarship
https://www.scholarshipsads.com/usa-florida-international-university-merit-scholarships-2026
Hidden Gem Scholarships at FIU
These awards are easy to overlook but can meaningfully lower what you pay the university. Most require FAFSA on time and simple, targeted actions.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
FIU Golden Promise
📅 Deadline: FIU FAFSA priority deadline · 📢 Results: Typically included in the financial aid package after FAFSA review.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
need-based tuition guarantee
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Subject to FIU program rules, FAFSA eligibility, and available institutional/state/federal aid coordination. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Golden Promise is designed as a last-dollar tuition and applicable-fee guarantee for eligible Florida residents after federal, state, and institutional grants are applied. Because it fills remaining tuition gaps, it may reduce how much additional need-based grant or waiver aid can apply to the same tuition charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
Modeled as an estimated annual value based on full-time in-state tuition and applicable fees. Actual value depends on credit load, tuition/fee rates, and the student's other grant aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is one of FIU's most important hidden-gem affordability programs for high-need Florida families. The strongest fit is a Florida resident student with an SAI at or below 0 who files the FAFSA on time, enrolls full time, and is trying to cover in-state tuition and fees without piecing together every grant manually.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
FIU First-Generation Scholarship Cluster
📅 Deadline: FIU FAFSA and scholarship priority deadlines · 📢 Results: Varies by fund and scholarship cycle.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Varies by individual first-generation fund and annual matching-grant funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
First-generation scholarships are intended to complement Pell, Florida Bright Futures, Florida need-based aid, FIU grants, and other institutional awards up to cost of attendance. Exact stacking depends on the specific fund.
📄
How to Apply
File the FAFSA, complete FIU's general scholarship application or relevant FIU Scholarship Search applications, and apply for first-generation funds or matched opportunities through FIU's scholarship and first-generation support channels.
Selection criteria: Selection varies by fund but generally considers first-generation status, financial need, academic progress, scholarship application materials, and fit with donor or program criteria.
💡
Strategic Detail
Modeled as a cluster of FIU first-generation scholarship funds and matching grant opportunities. Actual awards vary by fund, student need, eligibility, and annual funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is a strong hidden-gem lane for first-generation FIU students with financial need. The best candidates are students who file FAFSA, complete the FIU scholarship application process, and match the first-gen and need-based criteria for one or more funds.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
FIU Internal & Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Many opportunities open in spring with late spring or early summer deadlines · 📢 Results: Varies by individual scholarship fund.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Varies by donor fund, department, college, and annual scholarship budget. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
FIU internal and foundation scholarships are generally additive with major merit and need-based aid up to cost of attendance, but some donor, departmental, or program awards may be one-time or may have non-stacking rules.
📄
How to Apply
Log into FIU Scholarship Search, complete the general scholarship application, review recommended opportunities, and submit any additional donor, department, Honors, college, or program-specific applications by their individual deadlines.
Selection criteria: Selection varies by individual scholarship fund and may consider donor criteria, major, GPA, financial need, essays, department review, and available funding.
💡
Strategic Detail
Modeled as a cluster of FIU internal and foundation scholarships available through FIU Scholarship Search / AcademicWorks. Estimates are conservative and represent a realistic outcome for a motivated applicant over time, not a guaranteed award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is the classic hidden-gem bucket: smaller FIU donor, foundation, departmental, Honors, and program awards that families may miss if they only look at the main merit page. Students with niche eligibility, certain majors, financial need, Honors participation, foster-youth status, single-parent background, or other donor-matched traits can have a better shot.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimers: (1) “Varies” amounts (First-Gen, Opportunity) are need-based and depend on funding—FIU does not publish fixed dollar values per student. (2) Golden Promise covers tuition/fees (not housing/meals) and requires SAI ≤ 0 and satisfactory progress. (3) Band scholarship is awarded in the Fall term for participating members.
Other opportunities to check (amounts vary by year):
- Departmental & College-specific scholarships (apply in the FIU Scholarship Search portal; most open Jan–Mar).
- Veteran & Military Student scholarships (e.g., George & Bernice Cooke Scholarship) — see FIU Veterans hub.
- Study Abroad/Global Learning awards (Gilman + FIU program funds; typically applied after matriculation).
- FIU Alumni Association scholarships (includes a $1,000 Legacy Scholarship; competitive, limited awards each year).
FAQ — Hidden Gems at FIU
What’s the actual deadline for First-Gen & Opportunity?
Both hinge on FAFSA timing. File by FIU’s March 1 priority to be in the first funding round; most FIU Scholarship Search listings for first-gen also open in Jan–Mar.
Does Golden Promise really cover everything?
It covers tuition and mandatory fees up to 30 credits/year (max 120) for FL residents with SAI ≤ 0. It does not cover housing/meals. File FAFSA by Mar 1 for priority.
How do you actually get the Marching Band award?
Be enrolled at FIU and participate in the Wertheim FIU Marching Band in the Fall; full-time members receive $1,500 for the semester. Apply/coordinate before Fall band camp.
Is the Dependent Tuition Waiver automatic?
No — it’s a term-by-term waiver up to 10 credits/term covering in-state tuition and most fees for eligible dependents of FIU employees; submit before tuition due.
Where should we actually apply?
Through the FIU Scholarship Search portal (AcademicWorks) once admitted; most opportunities post in spring.
Sources:
https://firstgen.fiu.edu/scholarship-program/scholarship-criteria/
https://firstgen.fiu.edu/
https://onestop.fiu.edu/finances/types-of-aid/fius-golden-promise/
https://scholarships.fiu.edu/browse-scholarships/
http://bands.fiu.edu/scholarship-opportunities/
https://hr.fiu.edu/employees-affiliates/benefits/
🎖 FIU Honors College Scholarships
FIU’s Honors College has its own scholarships and feeder-program opportunities. Some are for incoming transfers (especially from Miami-Dade and Broward College), while others reward current Honors students in specific majors or programs.
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Other Honors Awards (via FIU Scholarship Search):
- Vidal-Duart Scholarship: Business or engineering Honors students with financial need.
- Dean’s Advisory Board Scholarship: Academic performance + financial need, for current Honors students.
- Honors Study Abroad Scholarships: Need-based support for Honors students participating in approved study abroad.
FAQ — FIU Honors College Scholarships
Do freshmen qualify for these Honors scholarships?
No. The listed table awards are designed for transfers from Miami-Dade, Broward, or select Florida community colleges. Freshmen from high school are instead considered for FIU’s general automatic and flagship merit.
What GPA is required to renew?
The Presidential Honors expects a 3.5+ GPA, while the Community College Honors scholarship requires a 3.3 GPA minimum. Dropping below these may cancel renewal.
When are the application windows?
Most Honors awards are posted in the FIU Scholarship Search portal during the January–March cycle. Filing FAFSA by March 1 is strongly recommended to ensure eligibility.
How competitive are Vidal-Duart or Dean’s Advisory awards?
Very. They are offered to a limited number of students each cycle, often fewer than a dozen, and focus on high academic achievement plus financial need within Honors majors.
Do Honors awards stack with other scholarships?
Usually yes. They can be combined with Pell, state aid, and departmental awards, but typically cannot stack with FIU’s top flagship merit awards (Presidential Merit, Ambassador).
Where can I ask specific questions?
Honors students can email hcscholarships@fiu.edu or browse the FIU Scholarship Search portal for current listings and deadlines.
Sources:
https://honors.fiu.edu/college-transfer-scholarships/
https://fiu.academicworks.com/
https://honors.fiu.edu/honors-college-scholarships/
https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/scholarships-funding/
https://news.fiu.edu/2022/cdr-maguire-inc.-ceo-and-cdr-health-care-inc.-ceo,-both-alumni,-give-1.2-million-to-fiu-for-scholarships
https://honors.fiu.edu/deans-advisory-board-scholarship/
⭐ College Specialty
Florida International University (FIU) is Miami’s public research hub, recognized nationally for its student diversity and commitment to hands-on, career-ready learning.
Beyond being one of the country’s top producers of minority graduates, FIU has carved out niches in business, hospitality, public health, and international relations—areas that directly connect with Miami’s global economy.
Hospitality & Tourism Management — consistently ranked Top 10 in the nation
(Source: QS World Rankings 2024)
Why it matters: Miami’s tourism industry provides students with direct pipelines to global hotel brands, cruise lines, and event management careers.
- International Business — ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News (2025)
- Law School (Trial Advocacy) — nationally ranked specialty
- Public Health — highly regarded in Florida, strong NIH research funding
- Engineering — particularly civil and biomedical engineering with regional recognition
- Architecture — among the top programs in Florida with strong Latin American design focus
Florida International University proves you don’t need to chase private colleges to find big opportunities. Between automatic merit, competitive awards, and Honors College perks, families can actually plan ahead—without guessing at the real numbers. If your student is looking for strong programs and a chance to stand out, FIU is worth a serious look.
💡 Comparing Florida college offers? See our guide:
How to Compare Florida College Offers (Public vs Private + Bright Futures)
.
If you’re new to Florida financial aid, start with the
Florida College Aid Series overview
.
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