About Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College serves as a regional gateway for Southwest Florida students seeking affordable higher education. The college enrolls 10,613 students across its Fort Myers suburban campus and has built its reputation around transfer pathways and career-focused programs. Nearly 94% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community that reflects the diverse demographics of Lee County. The Buccaneers compete in five NJCAA sports with 87 total athletes, though athletics takes a backseat to academics at this primarily commuter school.
The financial picture makes FSU attractive for budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of $8,249 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $3,401. Low-income students see even better deals, with families earning under $30,000 paying only $6,953 net. Graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $8,000 and monthly loan payments around $85. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $43,421, making the investment reasonable for a regional state college.
The student body skews heavily female at 63% women, with Hispanic students comprising the largest demographic group at 38%. Class sizes reflect the school's accessibility mission, with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio that requires self-motivated learners to thrive.
The financial picture makes FSU attractive for budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of $8,249 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $3,401. Low-income students see even better deals, with families earning under $30,000 paying only $6,953 net. Graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $8,000 and monthly loan payments around $85. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $43,421, making the investment reasonable for a regional state college.
The student body skews heavily female at 63% women, with Hispanic students comprising the largest demographic group at 38%. Class sizes reflect the school's accessibility mission, with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio that requires self-motivated learners to thrive.
Academics & Faculty
Florida SouthWestern State College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in Southwest Florida. The college operates with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, reflecting its focus on accessible education rather than intensive mentoring. Known primarily for its transfer programs and career-focused degrees, FSW helps students complete their first two years before moving to four-year universities. The 39.7% four-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their studies, often balancing work and family commitments. FSW offers strong programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and emergency medical services that directly serve the growing healthcare needs of the Fort Myers region.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,421
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,919 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $58,221 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,800 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $45,305 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,961 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,485 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 |
Campus Life
The Fort Myers campus sprawls across suburban Southwest Florida, where students pack sunscreen year-round and winter coats gather dust. With housing for just 402 students and total enrollment of 10,613, only about 4% live on campus. Most students commute from across Lee County, creating a parking lot rush before 8 AM classes.
The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, though professors know the regulars who show up consistently. Women make up 63% of the student body, and the campus reflects Florida's diversity with 38% Hispanic students and 34% White students. FSW sits about 20 minutes from downtown Fort Myers and an hour from Naples, giving students access to beaches, shopping, and internship opportunities.
Weekends often mean heading to the Gulf Coast beaches or Fort Myers River District. The Buccaneers field just 5 varsity sports with 87 total athletes, so campus spirit centers more around student organizations and career-focused clubs. With 91% employment rates after graduation, students here are practical about balancing work, classes, and Florida's endless summer weather.
The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, though professors know the regulars who show up consistently. Women make up 63% of the student body, and the campus reflects Florida's diversity with 38% Hispanic students and 34% White students. FSW sits about 20 minutes from downtown Fort Myers and an hour from Naples, giving students access to beaches, shopping, and internship opportunities.
Weekends often mean heading to the Gulf Coast beaches or Fort Myers River District. The Buccaneers field just 5 varsity sports with 87 total athletes, so campus spirit centers more around student organizations and career-focused clubs. With 91% employment rates after graduation, students here are practical about balancing work, classes, and Florida's endless summer weather.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 402 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 54°–75°F
- July Avg
- 74°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 57.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Florida SouthWestern draws overwhelmingly from within the state, reflecting its role as a local educational anchor in Southwest Florida. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, a pattern that aligns with the college's strong programs in health sciences, education, and social services. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students comprising the largest single group alongside significant White and Black populations. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees and career advancement.
- Men
- 37.1%
- Women
- 62.9%
- White
- 33.9%
- Black
- 13.9%
- Hispanic
- 37.9%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 93.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.6%
Location
Fort Myers, Florida sits about 120 miles south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast. The campus serves a suburban area with 93.75% in-state students who appreciate the proximity to Southwest Florida's beaches and year-round warm weather. Fort Myers blends retiree communities with college students in a region known for spring training baseball and coastal recreation. The area offers internship opportunities in healthcare, tourism, and marine industries that align with the college's career-focused programs. Students enjoy access to both urban amenities and outdoor activities like boating and fishing. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Florida SouthWestern State College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Myers, Florida 33919
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,421
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,193
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $85/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the graduation rates at Florida SouthWestern State College?
Florida SouthWestern posts a 39.7% four-year graduation rate and 38.5% six-year rate. These numbers reflect the college's role as a transfer-focused institution where many students complete associate degrees before moving to four-year universities.
How much does Florida SouthWestern State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,249 annually after aid, with in-state tuition at just $3,401. The college keeps costs accessible for Southwest Florida families, with 33.6% of students receiving Pell Grants.
What is the student experience like at Florida SouthWestern State College?
The college serves 10,613 students with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio in a large suburban setting. Women make up 62.9% of enrollment, and the student body is diverse with 37.9% Hispanic and 33.9% white students.
What do graduates of Florida SouthWestern State College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median of $43,421 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $8,000. The college maintains a strong 90.8% employment rate, serving the healthcare and business needs of the Fort Myers region.
Does Florida SouthWestern State College offer campus housing?
The college provides housing for 402 students with room and board costing $10,044 annually. Most of the 93.8% in-state student body commutes from the greater Fort Myers area rather than living on campus.
What sports programs does Florida SouthWestern State College compete in?
The Buccaneers compete in five NJCAA sports with 87 total athletes sharing $752,753 in athletic scholarships. The college builds competitive programs while maintaining its focus on academics and workforce preparation.
