Florida International University

FIU is a large public research university in Miami with more than 56,000 students, over 4,000 of them international, and Florida Board of Governors 'preeminent state research university' designation. Its cost structure is published per credit and is unusually transparent: FIU states plainly that 'in-state tuition is USD 455.65 per credit and out-of-state tuition is USD 1,001.69 per credit. International students (F-1/J-1 VISAS) pay out-of-state tuition.' Merit scholarships are automatic on the freshman application, with no separate form — but the deadline for applicants at overseas schools is 3 DECEMBER, a month later than the Florida-school deadline, and SAT, ACT or CLT scores must be received by then. FIU offers three intakes and a 'Spring Direct' pathway for students needing more time to arrange finances or relocate.