Besides tuition, students choose FIU for its programs

Maytinee Kramer/Assistant Opinion Director

Founded in 1972, FIU has come a long way and continues to grow. The university ranked in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities, Tier 2, has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 55,000, and ranks its students “among the least indebted college students in the nation,” according to the US News and World Report.

The university’s tuition ranks among the lowest in the nation and the lowest among its competitors. In fact, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine consistently ranks FIU among the top “100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” FIU further encourages its students to apply for financial aid and scholarships to help make their FIU education more affordable.

Now, because FIU’s in-state tuition and fees are $6,556 (2015-16) while out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,954 (2015-16), most students would say that their reasons for attending the university is because it’s economical.

But aside from its cost and admission requirements, what makes someone choose FIU? The university’s vision is focused on student learning through innovation, collaboration and creative activity. As any student knows, life is more than just going to class. Each Panther is encouraged to get involved and become a member of the FIU family.  

A student can feel overwhelmed by the demands of classes or can experience an array of academic and lifestyle transitions during his or her first year of college. In order to ensure smooth sailing, FIU’s Center for Academic Success, Academic Advising, and University Libraries create a “holistic program for students who may have concerns with balancing their academic performance with their life responsibilities.”

The program is known as Academic Success Plans and exists for students who seek improvement in their academic performance in one or more areas.

Another program, known as the Assistance for Academic Achievement Tutorial Program, is one of the many services offered by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services. Students can meet with tutors who are knowledgeable in the various science subjects and are available to offer their assistance by appointments.

Fellow students like Soo Min Lee, a senior majoring in chemistry, said that programs like these, along with tutoring sessions are really beneficial as they help facilitate learning, and better yet, are free.

Among the 247 ranked National Universities that submitted data to U.S. News in an annual survey, FIU had one of the highest percentage of commuter students.

Located in the center of Miami, many students like Stephanie Sosa, a senior majoring in biology, chose to attend FIU due to the close distance, which also factored into being more economical. Commuting to school allows for quick and easy access to campus, and students can come and go as they please.

FIU also offers a number of student services, including day care, health service and health insurance. The Children’s Creative Learning Center offers a developmentally appropriate, hands-on early education program for children of FIU students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the neighboring community. Best of all, it’s conveniently located on campus.

FIU’s Student Health Services are also affordable and easily accessible to help keep students healthy while they focus on their studies. The student-focused medical care promotes healthy lifestyles through education, mentorships and research activities. Some services are even offered for free.

FIU is more than just a university that offers an affordable education. We have a diversity of students and each have a variety of reasons as to why they chose to attend this school. Whether it’s affordability, extra-curricular activities or access to services, FIU offers something for everyone.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Image retrieved from Flickr.

About the Author

Maytinee Kramer
Call me May. I’m a senior double majoring in Asian studies and broadcast media and minoring in international relations. I’m a K-pop and Disney junkie, but I also enjoy watching anime and cosplaying. Some of my favorite shows are “Once Upon a Time,” “Supernatural,” and “Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma” while my favorite music artists are 2PM, GOT7, DEAN and Eddy Kim. After college, I hope to work as a news anchor, but I’d eventually like to host a show/segment that focuses on traveling. I am fluent in Thai and currently learning Japanese and Korean.

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