Florida International University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University comes out ahead: 89/100 to 81/100, a 8-point edge over Florida International University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida International University runs $9,288 a year against $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $15,665 more a year, or about $62,660 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn a median $81,698 against $60,249 at Florida International University. The cost earns itself back in 7 years at Florida International University and 5.1 years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida International University owing a median $16,500 versus $21,500 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 and 0.43 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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 the clearly stronger ROI here (89 vs 81) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Florida International University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
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.