Comparing different higher education institutions can be a daunting task, especially when trying to decide which college is the best fit. In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at two universities: North Carolina State University (NC State) and Florida International University (FIU). We’ll provide an overview of each school, as well as a comparison of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, and outcomes.
NC State Overview
North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a public research institution with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Founded in 1887, NC State is part of the University of North Carolina system and is the largest university in the state. The Wolfpack, as the NC State community is known, have access to a variety of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
NC State Costs & Tuition
As a public university, NC State offers affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $9,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $29,220. The cost of living on campus varies depending on housing options, but the average room and board cost is approximately $11,500 per year. Financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants are available to help students offset the cost of attendance.
NC State Admissions
Admission to NC State is competitive; for the fall 2020 freshman class, the acceptance rate was 45%. Applicants should have a strong academic background, including a competitive GPA, class rank, and SAT or ACT scores. In addition to academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal statements are also considered during the admissions process.
NC State Degrees Offered
NC State offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields. The university is particularly well-known for its engineering, agriculture, and textile programs. Some of the most popular majors at NC State include engineering, business, agriculture, biological sciences, and social sciences.
NC State Academics
NC State is known for its strong commitment to research and innovation. The university has extensive research facilities, including the Centennial Campus, which houses numerous public and private research organizations. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, NC State students can expect to receive individualized attention and support from their professors.
NC State Diversity
NC State is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a variety of programs and initiatives in place to support students from different backgrounds, including the Multicultural Student Affairs office and various cultural centers. As of fall 2020, the student body is approximately 65% white, 13% African American, 9% Hispanic, and 6% Asian.
NC State Students
NC State has a vibrant student life, with over 700 student organizations, clubs, and sports teams to choose from. The university also offers numerous recreational facilities, including the Carmichael Complex, which features an aquatic center, indoor climbing wall, and fitness studios.
NC State Campus
The NC State campus, located in the heart of Raleigh, provides students with a beautiful and diverse environment to live and learn. The university is within close proximity to Research Triangle Park, a major hub for technology and research companies, and the city of Raleigh provides numerous cultural, entertainment, and job opportunities for students.
NC State Alumni
NC State has a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 living alumni worldwide. Some notable alumni include Jim Goodnight, the co-founder of SAS Institute, and Kathryn M. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space.
NC State Rankings
NC State is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, NC State is ranked #80 in National Universities and #31 in Top Public Schools.
NC State Outcomes
Graduates of NC State have strong employment prospects, with a 95% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for NC State graduates is around $55,000.
FIU Overview
Florida International University, located in Miami, Florida, is a large public research university. Established in 1965, FIU has quickly grown to become one of the largest universities in the country, with a diverse student population and a focus on research and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on business, engineering, and the arts.
FIU Costs & Tuition
Tuition at FIU is relatively affordable, especially for in-state students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $18,963. The average cost of room and board at FIU is approximately $12,000 per year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to help students with the cost of attendance.
FIU Admissions
Admission to FIU is moderately competitive; the acceptance rate for the fall 2020 freshman class was 58%. Applicants should have a strong academic background, including a competitive GPA, class rank, and SAT or ACT scores. Extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal statements are also considered during the admissions process.
FIU Degrees Offered
FIU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields. Some of the most popular majors at FIU include business, engineering, psychology, hospitality management, and criminal justice.
FIU Academics
FIU has a strong focus on research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes across its campuses. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 26:1, meaning students may experience larger class sizes and less individualized attention from professors.
FIU Diversity
FIU is known for its diverse student population, with a majority of students identifying as Hispanic or Latino. As of fall 2020, the student body is approximately 62% Hispanic, 15% white, 13% African American, and 4% Asian. The university has numerous programs and initiatives in place to support students from different backgrounds, including the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services.
FIU Students
Student life at FIU is active and vibrant, with over 300 student organizations, clubs, and sports teams to join. The university also offers a variety of recreational facilities, including the Wellness and Recreation Center and the Aquatic Center.
FIU Campus
FIU has two main campuses: the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in West Miami and the Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami. Both campuses offer a variety of academic, residential, and recreational facilities for students to enjoy.
FIU Alumni
FIU has a strong alumni network, with over 200,000 living alumni worldwide. Some notable alumni include Carlos Arroyo, a former NBA player and Puerto Rican national team member, and Ana Navarro, a political commentator and strategist.
FIU Rankings
FIU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, FIU is ranked #95 in National Universities and #52 in Top Public Schools.
FIU Outcomes
FIU graduates have strong employment prospects, with a job placement rate of 94% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for FIU graduates is around $45,000.
NC State vs FIU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending NC State and FIU, it is important to consider tuition, fees, and the cost of living on campus. In-state students will find both universities to be relatively affordable, with FIU having slightly lower tuition and fees at $6,565, compared to NC State’s $9,100. Out-of-state students will find a more significant difference in costs, with NC State’s tuition and fees at $29,220, compared to FIU’s $18,963.
The cost of room and board is similar for both universities, with NC State averaging $11,500 per year and FIU averaging $12,000. Ultimately, the decision of which university to attend will likely depend on factors beyond cost, such as the available academic programs and campus environments.
NC State vs FIU Admissions Difficulty
Both NC State and FIU have competitive admissions processes, with NC State having a slightly lower acceptance rate at 45%, compared to FIU’s 58%. Prospective students should ensure they have strong academic backgrounds, including competitive GPAs, class ranks, and SAT or ACT scores. In addition, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal statements will be important factors in the admissions decisions at both universities.
NC State vs FIU Academic Difficulty
Both NC State and FIU are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to research and innovation. However, the student-faculty ratio at NC State (14:1) is significantly lower than at FIU (26:1), which may suggest that students at NC State receive more individualized attention and support from their professors. Additionally, NC State has a greater emphasis on STEM fields, while FIU has strengths in business, engineering, and the arts.
NC State vs FIU Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both NC State and FIU have strong employment prospects, with job placement rates of 95% and 94%, respectively, within six months of graduation. However, the average starting salary for NC State graduates is higher at $55,000, compared to FIU’s $45,000. This difference in starting salary may be attributed to the differences in academic focus between the two universities, with NC State emphasizing STEM fields that often lead to higher-paying jobs.
