Enrollment: 2002
Average LSAT: ###,###,##0
Pass Rate for First Time Bar Exam: 90.6%
Average Undergrad GPA: 0.00
Regular Application Deadline: 05/01
School Type: Public

Part Time Program: 5%
Evening Program: Yes

Average Starting Salary: $63,681.00

Out-of-State Tuition: $25,070.32
In-State Tuition: $10,826.44
Financial Aid Deadline: 03/01
Average Loan Received: $22,748.20

Best Environment for Minority Students
Most Diverse Faculty

Student Says - Academics
Florida International University College of Law is very new as far as law schools go. The first graduating class left for the real world in 2005, and the school received full accreditation from the American Bar Association in 2006. Students assure us that the future is bright, though, and they say that FIU has a lot to offer. There is an "excellent legal writing program." The moot court teams have enjoyed some success in regional and national competitions. Also, the four clinical programs here include an immigration and human rights clinic which allows students to represent real clients in political asylum and other immigration cases. Cost is another perk. This place is reportedly "one of the best deals in town financially," particularly for residents of the Sunshine State. "FIU's reasonable tuition allowed me to graduate with very little debt," a 3L says. "I couldn't be happier with my legal education." However, the "international focus in the curriculum" is probably the most unique feature here. True to its name, FIU tries to devote some time to global issues in every course. Additionally, first-year students must take an introductory course that covers international law and comparative law. There's an upper-level international law requirement, too, and students are able to choose from a fairly broad array of specialized electives to fulfill it.
"Classes sizes are not large" here. "The professors know your name," a 1L says, "which I feel is important." "The faculty is generally young, bright, and energetic." "They are all brilliant and come from a wide range of backgrounds," a 3L declares. Professors are "always available to meet outside of class," too. They "are very open to mentoring young (and old) law students." In the classroom, though, professors at FIU are either "inspiring" or "terrible." "There has been no middle ground," says a 2L. A few FIU students describe the administration as "very weak" and "unwilling to compromise." One student calls the mandatory attendance policy "strict and sometimes insulting." However, most students tell us that management is "awesome" and "extremely student-friendly." The staff "maintains an open door policy," they say. The dean is "easily approachable" and "always seen interacting with the students."
Florida International's location is helpful for students looking to network and gain practical experience. In additional to the "multitude of Miami firms" nearby, Florida's Third District Court of Appeals is "directly behind the school." The school has managed to build a decent local reputation in a short time as well. Several large firms participate in on-campus interviews. However, only graduates at the very top of the class are able to secure those really high-paying gigs and some students argue that Career Planning and Placement "could do a better job of getting students jobs." Also, the school remains very regional. Its good name doesn't really travel very well beyond the Florida state line. "It would help to get the word out there to the legal community so that more recruiters come to FIU," a 1L suggests.
The "brand new" law school itself is "beautiful." You would be hard pressed to find a spiffier building. It's "completely wireless," and students have access to "the latest technology." "The classrooms are state-of-the-art" and in "great shape." Research facilities are "fantastic." The library is "very conducive to studying." Nearly all here agree that "it's a pleasure to have such a great environment in which to learn and work."

Students Say - Campus Life
There is "a strong presence" of Latino students in particular, but you'll find people of every "race, nationality, and age" on campus. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds. "My colleagues at FIU make it a much broader experience," a 1L says. "Although there is an underlying competitiveness," a 3L explains, "the students generally get along great and really pull for each other." They help each other out, too, but "within limits." The student population at FIU is "fairly small." Students are "close to each other" and the social environment outside of class is "very friendly." "There are student organizations for just about every interest you can think of," one student says. The "happy hour every week" is "well attended." The law school is "a bit far from the city," but the nightlife in and around Miami is unparalleled. Students boast that this "culture-filled" area is a "great" place to spend three years studying law.

More at PrincetonReview.com