Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university in Fort Myers, FL ranked #708 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 13,809 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 76.8%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.0% first-year retention, and 56.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $10,319, about $6,679 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 9.1%, roughly 76.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,029. That's about $1,341 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Florida Gulf Coast University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Florida Gulf Coast University graduates 56.0% of students within six years and keeps 83.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Florida Gulf Coast University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,118 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,914 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $18,269 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 28.6% of Florida Gulf Coast University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,146 to $16,165 depending on family income. Use Florida Gulf Coast University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,265/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,165/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,029
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,029
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,999
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.4%
- Employment Rate 82.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Florida Gulf Coast University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Florida Gulf Coast University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Florida Gulf Coast University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Florida Gulf Coast University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn $45,029 median, the 9.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 530-620
- SAT Math 510-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 13,809
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.0%
- Graduation Rate 56.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into Florida Gulf Coast University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Florida Gulf Coast University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 76.8%, Florida Gulf Coast University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 76.8% acceptance rate, Florida Gulf Coast University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040 and 1210 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Florida Gulf Coast University undergraduates. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, Psychology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 9.3%
- Psychology, General 6.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.2%
- Hospitality Administration/Management 5.9%
- Biology, General 4.8%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.8%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $112,607
- 2. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $86,835
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $85,077
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Civil Engineering $80,720
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,851
- 6. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $79,256
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $68,267
- 8. Management Information Systems and Services $67,250
- 9. Political Science and Government $66,600
- 10. Marketing $63,167
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $158,823
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $113,432
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $93,218
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $89,129
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $77,084
- 6. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $69,610
- 7. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $65,305
- 8. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $60,124
- 9. Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree) $53,466
- 10. Social Work (Master's Degree) $52,802
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $112,607—78% more than Marketing ($63,167). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $158,823 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Florida Gulf Coast University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degree, 279 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 238 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 194 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 192 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 187 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (48 programs)â–¼
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Health
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Civil Engineering
- Security Science and Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- English Language and Literature, General
- Education, General
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Chemistry
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (17 programs)â–¼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Engineering, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- English Language and Literature, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Security Science and Technology
- History
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Education, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Political Science and Government
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Education, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 13,809
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.6%
- Female Students 56.4%
- Caucasian 58.0%
- Asian 1.9%
- Hispanic 25.0%
- Black 5.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Florida Gulf Coast University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Florida Gulf Coast University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida Gulf Coast University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida Gulf Coast University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Florida Gulf Coast University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Florida Gulf Coast University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Florida Gulf Coast University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #708 nationally with a 9.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,319 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $45,029 median earnings. The 56.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 83.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Florida Gulf Coast University's Strengths
Ranked #708 with a B grade, Florida Gulf Coast University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Florida Gulf Coast University excel at providing affordable education ($10,319 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Florida Gulf Coast University's 83.0% retention and 56.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($45,029 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Florida Gulf Coast University's 9.1% ROI and $10,319 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 56.0% six-year graduation rate sits 6.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.0% first-year retention is 6.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 9.1% return on investment is 76.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,029 run about 3% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,319 is roughly $9,590 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.4% employment rate within three years sits 14.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 28.6% trails the national share by 4.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #708 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
83.0% of learners come back after year one while 56.0% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is 9.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,319 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $18,269.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,950 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,999 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,029 at the median. That sits about 3% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 82.4% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 9.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
76.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Florida Gulf Coast University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
- Website www.fgcu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$92.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate10.8%