Florida International University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University holds a 8-point ROI advantage over Florida International University, scoring 89/100 versus 81/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Florida International University comes in at $9,288 per year (net price after aid) versus $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - a difference of $15,665 annually, or roughly $62,660 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn a median of $81,698 compared to $60,249 at Florida International University. The payback period is 7 years at Florida International University versus 5.1 years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Graduates leave Florida International University with a median $16,500 in debt versus $21,500 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 and 0.43 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Florida International Uni... | Virginia Polytechnic Inst... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,565 | $15,948 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,964 | $37,764 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,288 | $24,953 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,152 | $99,812 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,500 | $50,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,249 | $81,698 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.4% | 86.2% |
| Payback Period | 7 yr | 5.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $16,500 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $175 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.40 | 0.43 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 62.6% | 85.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 62.3% | 83.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 54.7% | 54.8% |
| Enrollment | 39,508 | 30,923 |
| SAT Range | 1070-1260 | 1280-1450 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Florida Internationa... | Virginia Polytechnic... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,003 | $11,689 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,873 | $11,670 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,925 | $17,894 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,568 | $25,835 |
| $110,001+ | $18,200 | $34,201 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Florida Internationa... | Virginia Polytechnic... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $90,397 | $144,103 |
| Computer Engineering | $101,224 | $122,026 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,697 | $104,839 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $71,355 | $102,902 |
| Accounting | $81,923 | $99,528 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,494 | $96,376 |
| Economics | $70,022 | $92,653 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,523 | $88,142 |
| Marketing | $64,423 | $86,338 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,256 | $80,023 |
| International Relations | $57,996 | $75,687 |
| Chemistry | $57,788 | $73,395 |
| Hospitality Administration | $56,667 | $72,817 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $64,399 | $71,988 |
| Mathematics | $66,041 | $67,763 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Florida Internationa... | Virginia Polytechnic... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 95 | 88 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 83 | 93 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 87 | 84 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 84 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 88 |
| Overall ROI Score | 81 | 89 |
The Verdict
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (89 vs 81). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Florida International University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Florida International University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.