At $10,319/yr net price, Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn $54,560/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,560/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,319 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,276 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,560/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,560/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,622 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,146/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,093/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,954/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,265/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,165/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $148,663 | $94,418 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,296 | $61,500 |
| 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 | $17,625 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,722 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $17,125 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
56.0% of students at Florida Gulf Coast University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Florida Gulf Coast University offers solid financial returns for a public university, with a low net price of $10,319 annually and manageable debt levels for most graduates. The median earnings of $54,560 ten years after graduation represent strong value given the relatively modest investment required.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at FGCU, with graduates earning nearly $149,000 annually. However, nursing students carry significantly higher debt loads at $94,418, though the earning potential justifies this investment. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also deliver strong returns with earnings in the $70,000-$78,000 range and more reasonable debt burdens.
The biggest financial risk at FGCU is the 56% graduation rate. If you don't finish your degree, you'll carry debt without the earnings boost that makes it worthwhile. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, making your first year critical for long-term financial success.
FGCU works best financially if you can complete your degree in four years and choose a program with clear career paths. Business administration and computer software programs offer solid middle-ground options with decent earning potential and lower debt loads than nursing.
The school's location in Southwest Florida provides access to growing healthcare and business sectors, which aligns well with its strongest academic programs. Only 29% of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. Your best cost strategy involves staying on track for graduation and choosing programs that match regional job demand in healthcare, business, or technology sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Gulf Coast University worth the cost?
Florida Gulf Coast University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $10,319 annually and graduates earning $54,560 after 10 years. However, the 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Florida Gulf Coast University?
Nursing programs at Florida Gulf Coast University lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $148,663 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also pay well at $70,000-78,000, while business and computer programs offer more modest returns around $63,000-67,000.
How much debt do Florida Gulf Coast University graduates have?
Florida Gulf Coast University graduates leave with a median debt of $17,622, which is manageable compared to national averages. The relatively low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Florida Gulf Coast University have good job outcomes?
Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn $54,560 ten years after enrollment, which is decent but not exceptional for a four-year degree. The strong nursing and healthcare programs drive up the averages, while other majors may see lower returns.