FIU Declared 'Preeminent University' Joins Elite Schools

After examination of its academics and research, the Florida Board of Governors has declared Florida International University (FIU) a Preeminent State Research University.

Since 2013, the Florida Preeminence program rewards the state’s highest-performing public research universities based on student success and research performance metrics such as graduation rates, national rankings, faculty memberships in National Academies, research expenditures and patents awarded. As a preeminent university, FIU is eligible to receive additional dedicated funding.

FIU is a newer university compared to Florida's flagship schools like University of Florida and Florida State University.  Despite this, FIU has made an impact on the world by becoming a leading patent leader and leading research in the natural sciences and political science.

The school is now being recognized for their hard work with $25 million in preeminent funding that will be invested into the betterment of the university.

FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell stated, "The FIU community is thrilled to be recognized for its relentless focus on academics and research excellence.  This designation caps a spectacular year of success for FIU and marks a new era for this young institution as one of the 21st century’s top research universities."

The club of preeminent universities is currently enjoyed by University of Florida, Florida State University and University of South Florida.  FIU has actually earned the highest score in the State University System with 96 points this year and has enjoyed the number one spot three out of four years.

The news is huge for FIU after the school placed second in the United States and thirteenth in the world for impact in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.