Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It was established on May 3, 1991, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). FGCU has a large campus of 700-807 acres, with 300 acres dedicated to environmental preservation. The university offers a range of academic programs and had a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 students in the fall of 2023. With a high proportion of students living on campus and a dynamic campus life, FGCU provides a vibrant and engaging learning environment for its students.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of University | Public |
Location | Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida |
Year Founded | 1991 |
Campus Size | 700-807 acres |
Undergraduate Enrollment | 14,243 (Fall 2023) |
Highest Enrollment Programs | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Management, Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Finance |
Number of Students Living on Campus | 4,748 |
Full-Time Students:Part-Time Students Ratio | 2.89:1 |
Percentage of Female Students | 58% |
Most Common Ethnicity | White/Caucasian (57.7%) |
Second Most Common Ethnicity | Hispanic/Latino (24.6%) |
Number of Fraternity and Sorority Chapters | 28 |
Number of Registered Student Organizations | 250+ |
What You'll Learn
Florida Gulf Coast University's undergraduate enrollment
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. Established in 1991, FGCU is the second-youngest member of the State University System of Florida. The university offers 58 bachelor's degree programs, 25 master's degree programs, 6 doctoral degree programs, and 12 graduate certificates.
As of Fall 2023, FGCU has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 students. The university's campus size is 700 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. FGCU is ranked #296 in National Universities and #161 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
The university has a high proportion of students living on campus, with approximately 4,748 students residing in spacious housing complexes. The campus includes a resort-style pool, dining options, and recreational and wellness programs. FGCU offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees, including popular programs such as Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Management, and Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
FGCU provides a world-class education with a focus on experiential learning, internships, undergraduate research, and service-learning. The university is known for its dynamic and vibrant community, with a high percentage of female students (58%) and a diverse ethnic composition. The average student age varies, and the university welcomes both full-time and part-time students.
With a strong focus on academics and student life, Florida Gulf Coast University's undergraduate enrollment reflects its commitment to providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience for its large student body.
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The university's graduate programs
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers a variety of graduate programs across multiple disciplines. The university provides a combination of online, on-campus, and hybrid delivery formats to cater to diverse student needs. Here is an overview of the graduate programs offered by FGCU:
College of Arts and Sciences:
- MS in Biology, Criminal Justice, Mathematics, and Forensic Studies.
- MA in English, History, and Environmental Studies.
- Graduate Certificates in Community Resilience, Local Government Management, Mathematics, and Music Therapy Equivalency.
College of Education:
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Special Education.
- MA in Educational Leadership, Instructional Design & Ed Tech, and School Counseling.
- EdD in Doctor of Education with five concentrations.
- Graduate Certificates in Instructional Technology, Reading Endorsement, TCC Teacher Credential, TIP Teacher Immersion, Transition to School Counseling, and TESOL.
Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship:
- MS in Entrepreneurship.
- Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship.
Lutgert College of Business:
- MS in Accounting and Taxation, Information Systems and Analytics, and MBA.
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy.
Marieb College of Health & Human Services:
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- MS in Health Science, Occupational Therapy, Environmental Science, and Social Work.
- MSN to DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology and Nurse Practitioner.
- MPAS in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Graduate Certificates in Clinical Laboratory Science, Health Services Administration, Medical Social Work, Molecular Diagnostics, Nurse Educator, Couple and Family Counseling, and Transition to Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering:
MS in Engineering with emphases in Sustainable Water Engineering, Construction Management, and Computer Science.
The Water School:
MS in Environmental Science.
FGCU's graduate programs offer a range of specializations and delivery formats to meet the diverse needs and interests of its graduate student population.
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Student demographics
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It was established in 1991 and is the second-youngest member of the State University System of Florida. The university offers 58 bachelor's degree programs, 25 master's degree programs, 6 doctoral degree programs, and 12 graduate certificates. FGCU's intercollegiate athletic teams, the Eagles, compete in the ASUN Conference in NCAA Division I sports.
As of Spring 2024, FGCU had approximately 4,748 students living on campus, with full-time students outnumbering part-time students. The university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 students in Fall 2023. The student body is predominantly female, with 58% of the student population, while males make up 42%.
The racial and ethnic composition of the student body is as follows:
- White/Caucasian: 57.7%
- Hispanic/Latino: 24.6%
- Black/African American: 6.2%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.2%
- Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- Race/Ethnicity Unknown: 6.6%
- Other: 4.6%
The average student age at FGCU is not specified, but the university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting students of diverse ages and backgrounds.
FGCU has a vibrant campus life, with 30% of students taking advantage of on-campus housing. The university also offers various extracurricular activities, including over 250 registered student organizations, 26 fraternities and sororities, and numerous sports clubs. The campus is located in a suburban setting, providing a balanced mix of academic and social opportunities for its diverse student population.
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Tuition fees and financial aid
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has kept its tuition fees flat for over ten years, making it one of the best-value higher education institutions in the US. The university offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to its students.
Tuition Fees
For the 2024-25 academic year, the tuition fees for in-state students at FGCU are $6,118, while out-of-state students pay $25,162. These figures are significantly lower than the national average cost of in-state and out-of-state tuition fees, which are $12,201 and $29,084, respectively.
The total estimated full-time costs for in-state students, including tuition, books and supplies, and housing, are $13,889. For out-of-state students, the total estimated costs are $38,627.
Scholarships and Grants
FGCU offers a broad array of scholarships for prospective and returning students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. All freshman students who apply before November 15 will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships. Transfer students applying before the deadline (Fall: April 1; Spring: October 1) are also automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at FGCU was $7,599, with 44% of first-year students receiving this type of financial aid in the fall of 2022. Additionally, 72% of full-time undergraduate students at FGCU received financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, or fellowships, with an average award of $7,268 per student during the 2019-2020 school year.
Student Loans
At FGCU, 6% of graduating students took out private loans, with an average debt of $32,937. Federal student loans are also available, with an average debt of $7,239.
Work-Study
Need-based self-help aid is also available at FGCU, which includes federal work-study programs. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $3,077.
Financial Aid Need Met
FGCU met 53% of its students' financial aid needs. 73% of students receive some form of financial aid, with 59% of students graduating with zero debt.
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Student life and extracurriculars
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. Established in 1991, FGCU has since grown to become a dynamic hub of academic excellence, offering its students a lively, diverse, and welcoming community.
FGCU has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 (fall 2023), with a gender distribution of 43.7% male and 56.3% female students. The university offers its students a range of extracurricular activities to enhance their academic experience.
Housing & Residence Life
FGCU offers state-of-the-art residence halls, with approximately 30% of students taking advantage of on-campus housing options. The university's housing is divided into three sections: North Lake Village, South Village, and West Lake Village. North Lake Village is located on an 80-acre lake and features apartment-style residence halls with waterfront recreation. Themed housing options are also available, such as Honors and Wellness communities. South Village, or SoVi, offers suite-style residence halls with five buildings, housing over 1,720 first-year students. SoVi also features a resort-style pool with a "beach-entry" and a built-in pool volleyball court.
Dining
FGCU provides a convenient array of dining options for its students, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals to fuel their academic pursuits.
Recreation and Wellness
The university prioritises the physical and emotional well-being of its students, offering comprehensive services such as counselling, student health, and prevention and wellness programs. FGCU's Waterfront at Lake Como serves as the designated swimming and sunbathing area for students. Additionally, the university offers recreational activities like quidditch, paintball, and yoga.
Athletics
FGCU's intercollegiate athletic teams, the Eagles, compete in the NCAA Division I ASUN Conference. The university offers various sports programs, including men's and women's basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, and swimming and diving. FGCU's athletics programs have achieved notable success, with several teams and individuals earning berths to the NCAA Tournament and championships.
Student Organizations and Greek Life
FGCU boasts a vibrant student life with over 250 Registered Student Organizations, including Student Government, which funds many of these groups. The university also has a significant Greek life presence, with 28 fraternity and sorority chapters on campus. Greek life is governed by the Panhellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council.
Community Engagement
FGCU is deeply engaged with the Southwest Florida community through cultural activities, educational programs, and athletics. The university is also home to WGCU Public Media, providing public broadcasting services to the region.
Academic Offerings
FGCU offers a wide range of academic programs, including 58 bachelor's degree programs, 25 master's degree programs, 6 doctoral degree programs, and 12 graduate certificates. The university is known for its focus on experiential learning, internships, and undergraduate research opportunities.
A Beautiful Campus
FGCU's 800-acre campus includes 350 acres of preserved Florida wetlands and a 15-acre solar energy field. The university is committed to environmental sustainability, setting aside 400 acres of its main campus for ecological preservation. The campus also features spacious housing complexes, a resort-style pool, and easy access to the beach.
Affordability and Value
FGCU is recognised as one of the best values in US higher education, having maintained flat tuition fees for over seven years. The university offers generous financial aid, with 73% of students receiving some form of assistance, including $30 million in scholarships annually. As a result, 52% of graduates leave with no debt, and 59% of students graduate with zero debt.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 14,243 students enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Approximately 4,748 students live on campus.
58% of the students are female, while 42% are male.
The most common ethnicity is White/Caucasian (57.7%), followed by Hispanic/Latino (24.6%).
Florida Gulf Coast University follows a competitive admissions policy, and acceptance depends on the number and qualifications of applicants for a given term.