Florida Memorial University

Florida Memorial University (FMU) is a private nonprofit university in Miami Gardens and a historically Black university serving the South Florida region. Its roots reach back to 1879, when the Florida Baptist Institute was founded in Live Oak; after moving through Jacksonville and St. Augustine, the school settled at its present Miami Gardens campus in 1968. Today, students choose from programs across aviation, computing, health, business, education, the humanities and social sciences. The university’s HBCU heritage, Baptist roots, small-campus setting and proximity to greater Miami are all part of the experience prospective students may want to weigh.

Programs: from aviation and cybersecurity to education and social work

FMU organizes its academic work through the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Aeronautical Science, and School of Education and Social Sciences. The university lists 28 undergraduate degrees and three master’s programs. Undergraduate choices include Aviation Management and Aeronautical Science concentrations in flight education or air traffic control; Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Systems; Biology, Chemistry and Healthcare; Business Administration and Finance; and programs in Communications, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Music and teacher preparation. Education graduate study includes reading, exceptional student education and educational leadership, while the university also offers an MBA. A Biology and Nursing dual-degree pathway is listed as well. Accreditation and professional requirements vary by program, so applicants should check the individual course plan and any required field or clinical experience. The undergraduate degree directory and graduate program list show current offerings.

Students interested in aviation should ask about flight training, certifications, associated costs and which parts of training take place off campus. Computing applicants can compare the university’s ABET-accredited Computer Science and Information Systems programs with Cybersecurity. Teacher preparation options include elementary education and selected secondary subject areas, while social work and healthcare routes have their own practicum or progression requirements. Confirm that the major you want is accepting students for your intended term and that the listed concentration matches your career plan.

Tuition, scholarships and aid

For 2026–27, FMU’s published full-time undergraduate estimates list tuition of $7,137 and general fees of $2,950 each semester for 12–18 credits. The university’s average undergraduate cost of attendance is $19,509 per semester, or $39,018 for fall and spring, including estimated housing and food, supplies, transportation, personal expenses and loan fees. These indirect costs are budgets rather than identical charges for every student; residence choice and personal circumstances change the actual total. Review the university’s 2026–27 tuition and cost page and request an individualized aid estimate before comparing offers.

FMU says Admissions reviews new and transfer applicants for academic scholarship consideration; awards are competitive, limited by funding and require a processed FAFSA before disbursement. The university lists full-tuition Presidential Honors and Academic Excellence awards, a half-tuition Blue and Orange award, and smaller awards for eligible transfer, returning and local students. Published criteria include GPA and, for some awards, test scores; meeting minimums does not guarantee selection. Florida residents may also qualify for state programs such as EASE or FSAG, while federal Pell and FSEOG grants depend on FAFSA information and available funding. Students can also investigate UNCF scholarships and federal work-study. Read the current conditions and contact FMU’s Financial Aid Office before relying on any award in a budget; the university’s types of aid and scholarship page explains eligibility and award limits.

Application and campus guidance

FMU has separate application routes for first-time undergraduates, transfers, international students, returning students and graduate applicants. Before applying, collect transcripts, confirm admission requirements and deadlines for your student type, and ask whether your intended program requires additional materials. Prospective students can schedule a campus visit or request information through Admissions. The FMU application portal links to undergraduate and graduate applications; the Admissions office can help you identify the right route and arrange a visit.

Miami Gardens campus and contact details

The university’s main address is 15800 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054; the main telephone is 305-626-3600. Admissions visitors are directed to the Earlene and Albert Dotson Student Services Center, 15400 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. The Admissions office lists Monday–Friday hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and closes on weekends and university holidays; call 305-626-3758 or email fmuadmissions@fmu.edu before traveling, especially if you need a meeting with another office. The main campus serves the university’s academic programs; confirm directly whether a specific class, lab or service is based elsewhere.

What students say

Public student reviews describe a close-knit campus, caring professors, smaller classes and opportunities to take part in leadership, athletics and campus traditions. Other comments point to areas applicants should investigate firsthand: students have raised concerns about housing conditions, campus facilities, dining, safety and communication with administrative offices. Experiences can differ by residence hall, program and year, and an online review cannot establish how a current issue is being addressed. During a visit, ask students and staff about residence-hall maintenance, meal options, tutoring, advising response times, campus safety resources and how financial-aid balances are communicated. The student review page offers individual accounts to compare with your own priorities.

Florida Memorial may appeal to applicants who want an HBCU experience in the Miami area and are drawn to aviation, technology, business, teacher preparation, health or social science pathways. A practical next step is to speak with the academic department about the specific major, get a written transfer-credit evaluation if applicable, and compare the complete cost after grants and scholarships. Confirm details for your start term directly with Admissions and Financial Aid.