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Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL·Public·13,809 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 13,809 students.

77%
Accept
13,809
Students
$10,319
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$45,800
Earnings
10 yr
$11,999
Debt

About This School

Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution located in Fort Myers, Florida with approximately 13,809 undergraduate students enrolled. Florida Gulf Coast University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $10,319 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $45,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, United States. Located near Fort Myers, it is part of the State University System of Florida and is its second-youngest member. The university was established on May 3, 1991, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It offers 65 bachelor's degree programs, 27 master's degree programs, 7 doctoral degree programs, and 19 academic certificates.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the low average net price of $10,319/year and modest median debt of $11,999 make FGCU one of the more affordable paths through a four-year degree, and the Fort Myers campus appeals to students who genuinely want that Southwest Florida lifestyle. The concern worth flagging is the 56% graduation rate — meaning nearly half of students who start here don't finish in six years — so if you're considering this school, ask honestly whether the environment and program fit will keep you on track. Median earnings of $45,800 a decade out are decent relative to the debt load, but this is a school where your major and motivation will matter more than the brand name on the diploma.

Founded
1991
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Health Professions10%
Psychology8%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences5%
Engineering5%
Education4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Chris SaleBrandon Goodwin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1120
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,118
Out-of-State Tuition
$25,162
Avg Net Price
$10,319
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants29%
Median debt at graduation$11,999

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,999
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,999
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White58%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino25%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (13,809 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 Fgcu Blvd S

Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Florida

Browse all Florida schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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