A Complete Guide to Colleges in Miami

Updated on May 11, 2023

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Miami students not only enjoy year-round spring break culture, but can also participate in renowned research projects at prestigious Miami colleges.

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3 Popular Universities in Miami

Miami is a lively city known for its nightlife, beaches, and Cuban influence. We spotlight three of the most popular colleges in Miami and provide a complete list of Miami colleges.

All school data below comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Tuition and fees are from 2022-2023, while acceptance rates, enrollment statistics, net prices, and number of applicants are from 2021.

University of Miami
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $57,194
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Total Student Enrollment: 19,096
UM is a private university located away from the chaos of downtown Miami in the more relaxed suburb of Coral Gables. What’s especially great is that the school promises to meet 100% of all admitted students’ demonstrated financial need through its Miami Within Reach program.
Here, students dedicate a lot of time to building up the community, going so far as to contribute over 157,000 hours of service in one year.
In 2021, 98% of UM alums had full-time jobs or were continuing their education just six months after graduating.

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Florida International University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $6,565 (in-state) | $18,963 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Total Student Enrollment: 56,664
FIU is a public research university with an impressive R1 Carnegie Classification, an achievement reserved for universities at the highest tier of research activity. Notable FIU research centers include an underwater laboratory and even a hurricane simulator.
In 2021, 94% of FIU undergraduates received grants or scholarships. Even more impressive, the university’s Golden Promise guarantees free tuition for Florida residents with no expected family contribution.
One of FIU’s most popular programs is international business. The institution attracts students from all over the world, creating a highly diverse learning environment.
Miami Dade College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $2,838 (in-state) | $9,661 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Total Student Enrollment: 44,002
MDC is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution with an open-admissions policy. The college has one of the most diverse student bodies in the country, enrolling more students of color than any other U.S. college or university.
Over 90% of first-year students receive grants or scholarships. MDC also offers a resource called Single Stop, where students can receive financial coaching and tax prep help, access a food pantry, and be screened for public benefits.

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List of All Miami Colleges

We’ve compiled an exhaustive list of four-year nonprofit schools in Miami. Use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

All Colleges in Miami
School	Total Student Enrollment	Avg. Annual Net Price	Acceptance Rate	Number of Applicants
Albizu University	838	$21,904	100%	27
Barry University	7,337	$18,390	64%	10,651
Everglades University	2,649	$29,341	60%	854
Florida International University	56,664	$9,398	64%	16,406
Florida Memorial University	1,028	$17,486	57%	3,501
Miami Dade College	44,002	$4,211	100%	N/A
St. Thomas University	5,921	$28,550	71%	6,737
University of Miami	19,096	$34,492	28%	42,245

Source: NCES

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Miami

Do I qualify for in-state tuition in Miami?

To qualify for in-state tuition in Miami, you must be a Florida resident for at least one full consecutive year. You may also be able to qualify for in-state tuition if your parent or guardian is a full-time Florida resident.

What is the cheapest college in Miami?

According to NCES data, Miami Dade College has the lowest average annual net price of colleges in Miami at just $4,211 a year. Tuition for in-state students is around $1,560 each term, while out-of-state students can expect to pay closer to $6,430 per term.

What is the cost of living in Miami?

The cost of living in Miami is 21% higher than the national average, according to Payscale. Housing expenses are 47% higher than the national average, with Miami residents typically paying $2,019 in rent each month.

As a student, your cost of living will likely be less than the city’s average. College students can often take advantage of student housing options and various student discounts.

What is the No. 1 college in Miami?

The University of Miami is arguably one of the most prestigious universities in Miami. The school is fairly selective, with a 28% acceptance rate, and is respected for its academic quality and research efforts.

UM is also home to notable alums like actors Dwayne Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, and Ray Liotta.