About Florida Gulf Coast University
The Eagles have built a strong athletics program and solid business reputation despite being founded just in 1991. This public research university serves 13,809 students in suburban Fort Myers, making it one of Florida's newer institutions. Notable graduates include philanthropist Barbara B. Mann and reality TV journalist Andy Dehnart. The campus attracts students who want Division I sports excitement at a growing university.
Students pay an average net price of $10,319 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $6,118. Graduates earn a median of $54,560 ten years after leaving school. Most students graduate with $17,622 in debt and monthly loan payments of $187. The numbers work in students' favor, especially for Florida residents who make up 84.93% of enrollment.
The student body leans female at 56.35% and reflects Florida's diversity with 25% Hispanic students. With 15 varsity sports and $4.8 million in athletic scholarships, the Eagles compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but 83.03% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Only 57.26% graduate in four years, suggesting students may need extra time to finish their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $10,319 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $6,118. Graduates earn a median of $54,560 ten years after leaving school. Most students graduate with $17,622 in debt and monthly loan payments of $187. The numbers work in students' favor, especially for Florida residents who make up 84.93% of enrollment.
The student body leans female at 56.35% and reflects Florida's diversity with 25% Hispanic students. With 15 varsity sports and $4.8 million in athletic scholarships, the Eagles compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but 83.03% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Only 57.26% graduate in four years, suggesting students may need extra time to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
FGCU operates as a public research university that has built strong business and health science programs since its founding in 1991. The university enrolled 13,809 students in 2023. Business administration and nursing rank among the most popular majors. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at smaller colleges. The 57% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and academics in Southwest Florida. FGCU has developed partnerships with local healthcare systems and businesses for internships. The university's relative youth means it lacks the deep alumni networks of established state schools. Students often choose FGCU for its modern facilities and growing reputation in professional programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 67.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.0%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,560
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $148,663 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $78,343 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,296 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,821 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,409 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,722 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,124 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
Campus Life
Fort Myers sits 20 miles inland from the Gulf Coast, where winter temperatures hover around 75 degrees and summer heat reaches the high 80s. You'll need sunscreen year-round but can leave the winter coat at home. The campus houses 4,748 students, accommodating about 34% of the total enrollment of 13,809.
FGCU's relatively new campus reflects its 1991 founding with modern buildings and wide walkways designed for Florida's climate. Students gather at the Cohen Center for recreation or catch Eagles games, with all 15 varsity sports competing in Division I. The 280 student-athletes help drive school spirit despite the university's young athletic traditions. Weekend activities center around the campus recreation facilities and nearby Estero Bay.
With 84.93% of students coming from in-state, many head home on weekends or explore Southwest Florida's beaches. The suburban setting provides a quieter college experience compared to major university towns, though downtown Fort Myers offers restaurants and nightlife about 15 minutes away.
FGCU's relatively new campus reflects its 1991 founding with modern buildings and wide walkways designed for Florida's climate. Students gather at the Cohen Center for recreation or catch Eagles games, with all 15 varsity sports competing in Division I. The 280 student-athletes help drive school spirit despite the university's young athletic traditions. Weekend activities center around the campus recreation facilities and nearby Estero Bay.
With 84.93% of students coming from in-state, many head home on weekends or explore Southwest Florida's beaches. The suburban setting provides a quieter college experience compared to major university towns, though downtown Fort Myers offers restaurants and nightlife about 15 minutes away.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,748 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1991
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 54°–74°F
- July Avg
- 74°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
FGCU draws heavily from Florida, with 85% of students coming from in-state. The student body skews female at 56%, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students from working families. The 25% Hispanic enrollment mirrors Southwest Florida's demographics. As Florida's youngest state university, FGCU attracts students seeking a modern campus experience close to home. Most students stay local after graduation, with the university building strong regional connections in business and healthcare.
- Men
- 43.7%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 58.0%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 25.0%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 84.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.6%
Location
Fort Myers sits in southwest Florida, about 120 miles from both Tampa and Miami. The city anchors Lee County with over 650,000 residents in the metro area. Students live near the Caloosahatchee River and Gulf of Mexico beaches like Sanibel Island. The warm subtropical climate attracts retirees and seasonal residents called "snowbirds." Fort Myers blends suburban neighborhoods with natural areas including the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The region economy centers on tourism, healthcare, and agriculture. Spring training baseball brings major league teams each February and March. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida Gulf Coast University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,560
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,924
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $187/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,622
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University accepts 74.39% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a state university. The average SAT score is 1120, with most admitted students scoring between 1040 and 1200.
How much does Florida Gulf Coast University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,319 per year at Florida Gulf Coast University. In-state tuition starts at just $6,118, while students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $6,146 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University has a 21:1 student-faculty ratio with 13,809 total students. The university is known for its business programs and relatively young campus, having been founded in 1991.
What are the graduation rates at Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University graduates 57.26% of students in four years and 56% in six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,560 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 94.7%.
Where is Florida Gulf Coast University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Fort Myers, Florida, serving primarily in-state students who make up 84.93% of enrollment. Campus housing accommodates 4,748 students, creating a residential experience at this suburban university.
Does Florida Gulf Coast University have strong athletics programs?
Florida Gulf Coast University competes in NCAA Division I with 15 varsity sports and 280 total athletes. The Eagles are known for their athletic programs and compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, with $4.8 million in athletic scholarships available.
