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Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL·Public·13,874 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and in-state Florida residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 13,874 students.

63%
Accept
13,874
Students
$12,568
Net Price
57%
Grad Rate
$45,800
Earnings
10 yr
$17,622
Debt

About This School

Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution located in Fort Myers, Florida with approximately 13,874 undergraduate students enrolled. Florida Gulf Coast University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,568 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$9,789

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Health Professions10%
Psychology9%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences5%
Education4%
Engineering4%
Visual & Performing Arts3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Chris SaleBrandon Goodwin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1114
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,118
Out-of-State Tuition
$25,162
Avg Net Price
$12,568
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$8,220
$30–48k$8,191
$48–75k$10,999
$75–110k$15,450
$110k+$18,829

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants28%
Median debt at graduation$17,622

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
57%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,622
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$36,600
Female graduates$36,300

Gap: 1% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,622
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White50%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino26%
Asian2%
Two or more races2%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (13,874 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.
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