Exploring Florida Gulf Coast University's Student Population

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university located in Fort Myers, Florida. Founded in 1991, FGCU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its commitment to providing a student-centred education within a vibrant and diverse environment. In terms of student population, FGCU had a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 students in the fall of 2023, comprising 43.7% male and 56.3% female students. The university's picturesque campus spans over 800 acres and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletic programs, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience for its students.

Florida Gulf Coast University's undergraduate enrollment

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a large public university located in Fort Myers, Florida. FGCU was founded in 1991 and is the second youngest member of the State University of Florida system. The university's picturesque campus spans over 800 acres near the scenic Gulf of Mexico, offering a beautiful setting and numerous outdoor activity opportunities.

In terms of undergraduate enrollment, FGCU has seen substantial growth over the years. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 students, comprising both full-time and part-time students. The gender distribution among undergraduates is skewed towards females, with 43.7% male students and 56.3% female students. This trend is also observed in graduate programs, indicating a broader societal shift towards higher education among women.

FGCU offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with 65 undergraduate degrees available. The university is particularly known for its strengths in health sciences, engineering, business, and environmental studies. In 2022, the most popular bachelor's degree concentrations at FGCU were General Interdisciplinary Studies, General Psychology, and General Business Administration & Management. The university received 15,657 undergraduate applications in 2022, with an acceptance rate of 74.4%.

The university's commitment to providing a student-centered education is reflected in its retention rates, which have consistently improved over the years. FGCU offers a vibrant and diverse environment, with a strong sense of community. The university is also dedicated to sustainability, as evidenced by its eco-friendly campus practices and initiatives.

The gender distribution of its students

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has a diverse student body, with a notable gender distribution skew. In the fall of 2023, FGCU had a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 students, comprising 43.7% male students and 56.3% female students. This pattern is consistent among freshmen, continuing undergraduates, and transfer students, indicating sustained and prominent enrolment of female students.

The graduate student population further accentuates this gender imbalance, with only 32.6% male and 67.4% female students, reflecting an increasing tendency for women to pursue advanced degrees.

FGCU's gender distribution is also evident in its full-time undergraduate enrolment, with White Female students forming the largest demographic at 34.6%, followed by White Male students at 26.8%, and Hispanic or Latino Female students at 13.2%.

The university's overall enrolment, including both undergraduate and graduate students, reveals a similar picture. White students constitute the majority at 60%, followed by Hispanic or Latino students at 23.6%, Black or African American students at 6.21%other ethnicities, including Two or More Races, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, making up the remaining portion of the student body.

The breakdown of on- and off-campus students

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a large public university located in Fort Myers, Florida. The university's picturesque campus spans over 800 acres near the scenic Gulf of Mexico, providing a beautiful setting for its students.

In terms of on- and off-campus living, 35% of FGCU students choose to live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 65% of the students live off-campus. The university offers various housing options, including apartments for single students, special housing for disabled and international students, and other housing options.

The gender distribution among the student population is skewed towards females, with 40.7% male and 59.3% female students as of 2024. This trend is consistent among both undergraduate and graduate programs, suggesting a sustained interest and enrollment of female students at FGCU.

FGCU offers a wide variety of programs and majors, particularly in health sciences, engineering, business, and environmental studies. The university is also committed to sustainability and has implemented eco-friendly campus practices, earning recognition for its efforts in promoting environmental stewardship. With its beautiful location, diverse student body, and range of academic offerings, FGCU provides a well-rounded and engaging experience for its students, both on and off-campus.

The university's athletic association

Florida Gulf Coast University's athletic association, FGCU Athletics, offers a range of sports programmes for its students. The university's intercollegiate athletic teams are called the Eagles, and they compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). The Eagles have a variety of men's and women's sports teams, including golf, tennis, basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming and diving, and beach volleyball.

The FGCU Athletics Department is led by Colin Hargis, who was appointed as the director of intercollegiate athletics in 2025. Hargis has extensive experience in Division I sports administration, including 15 years at North Carolina State University. The university's president, Aysegul Timur, expressed confidence in Hargis's ability to lead the athletics programme with a student-centred approach.

The Eagles have had notable successes in various sports over the years. The men's basketball team made history in 2013 when they became the first No. 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, earning the nickname "Dunk City." The women's basketball team has also achieved impressive results, holding the single-season NCAA record for 3-pointers and boasting the highest winning percentage in NCAA Division I history.

In addition to basketball, FGCU's baseball team has produced several professional players, including Major League Baseball pitchers Richard Bleier, Chris Sale, and Kutter Crawford. The average GPA of a student athlete at FGCU was 3.27 in the spring semester of 2017, demonstrating the programme's commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic achievements.

The university's sense of community is strong, and students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, which enhance their overall university experience. FGCU's athletic association plays a vital role in fostering this community spirit and providing opportunities for students to excel in their chosen sports.

The racial and ethnic composition of its student body

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a diverse university with a total enrollment of approximately 15,358 students, including 11,098 undergraduates and 669 graduate students. The university is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and is known for its commitment to providing a student-centred education within a vibrant and diverse environment.

Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Student Body

While specific data on the racial breakdown of the student body at FGCU is not available, we do know that the university has a medium level of racial diversity, with 34-36% of students belonging to racial and ethnic minorities. The student body is primarily White, with a smaller Hispanic population. Other ethnic groups represented at the university include Black or African American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

In terms of gender diversity, FGCU has a higher percentage of female students, with a gender ratio of approximately 57-% 59% women to 43-42% men among undergraduates, and 74% women to 26% men among graduate students. This gender imbalance is more pronounced among graduate students, with only 32.6% male and 67.4% female.

FGCU also has a significant population of international students, with representation from 61 countries, including Jamaica, Brazil, and Canada. The international student population has been growing, with the proportion of international undergraduate students rising from 0.89% in 2005 to 2.24% in recent years.

Overall, the student body at FGCU reflects a dynamic and diverse range of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, contributing to a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Frequently asked questions