Florida State University vs University of Miami
University of Miami is highly selective with a 18.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Florida State University (25.4%). Graduates of University of Miami earn $13,653 more per year at the 10-year mark ($75,328 vs $61,675). For families earning $48k–$75k, Florida State University is more affordable at $10,496 net price vs $21,768.
Admissions & Outcomes
Florida State University has a higher yield rate (31.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. University of Miami has a higher median SAT (1400 vs 1310).
Tallahassee, FL
Coral Gables, FL
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Florida State University is more affordable at $5,938 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $19,239 vs $50,352.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Florida State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (24%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Florida State University
- 1 Industrial Engineering$71,643
- 2 Computer Engineering$71,015
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$68,918
- 4 Chemical Engineering$68,305
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$61,303
University of Miami
- 1 Computer Science$78,343
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$72,796
- 3 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering$71,015
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$65,621
- 5 Industrial Engineering$65,238
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Florida State University
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 3 Marketing
- 4 Criminal Justice and Corrections
- 5 Political Science and Government
University of Miami
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Marketing
- 5 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Florida State University
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$16,540
- Est. total cost/year$29,262
- School typePublic
University of Miami
- International students11%
- Tuition (international)$52,080
- Est. total cost/year$69,152
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Florida State University or University of Miami?
University of Miami is more selective with a 18.5% acceptance rate, compared to 25.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Florida State University or University of Miami?
University of Miami graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $75,328 compared to $61,675. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Florida State University or University of Miami?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Florida State University has a lower net price at $10,496 per year vs $21,768. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Florida State University vs University of Miami?
Florida State University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 84.3%, compared to 84.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Florida State University or University of Miami?
University of Miami has a larger international student population at 11% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Florida State University and University of Miami?
At Florida State University, Industrial Engineering graduates earn a median of $71,643 within two years. At University of Miami, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $78,343. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.