Florida International University

Date: Jan 16 2006
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm in my second semester at FIU as a junior after transferring here from Miami-Dade College, and I must say that this university has its ups and downs. I was an Accounting major when I started here, and the very first professor I had for Accounting didn't seem like she knew what she was even talking about during lectures. All accounting majors should be sure they can commit themselves to taking very difficult and demanding courses, especially if you have a job that requires more than 20 weekly hours. (They recommend spending a minimum of 30 hours a week of study time for the first accounting course you take after you pass an entrance exam.) FIU is trying to build its reputation around its accounting program, which is why the classes are so difficult. I only had that one professor, but I've heard that other accounting professors aren't much easier. Overall, there's a good atmosphere around campus, and the setting itself is fairly pleasant. Yes, some students will be more approachable and friendlier than others, but that's just how it is in most places. My two biggest complaints are parking and the Financial Aid department. FIU has a massive shortage of parking spaces. If you arrive some time between 9 AM and noon, you're going to have an arduous task of finding a parking space when 30 other people got there before you did. Things are most hectic at the beginning of the semester, though. As for Financial Aid, what can I say? They have a staff of about 15 people for thousands of students (not to mention that only 2-3 attend the waiting lines at the office). FIU really has to do something to improve service in this area. Last semester, I went through several ordeals with them. My bright futures funds weren't appearing because for some reason I wasn't labeled a citizen. Then they strangely kept sending me scholarship money I wasn't entitled to, so I had to send it back before they'd slam me with a $100 late fee I didn't deserve. My advice to you - try to get any issues resolved with Financial Aid as soon as you can, and if it can happen before the semester begins, better yet. Why? Because if you try calling by phone, you won't get through. You'll get an automated voice message that will put you on queue for 30 mins, then possibly hang up. To resolve my situation, I had to show up about 10 times and make the line - i'm not kidding. To close, everyone's experience at FIU will vary. The education itself isn't bad, and overall it's cheap. I give this school a B-