Exploring Florida Gulf Coast University's Student Population

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It was established on May 3, 1991, and has since grown to a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,243 as of Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 43.7% male and 56.3% female students. The campus size spans 700 acres, with restored or preserved nature making up half of its 800 acres.

Florida Gulf Coast University has 14,243 undergraduates enrolled as of Fall 2023

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It was founded in 1991 and has since grown to a total undergraduate enrolment of 14,243 as of Fall 2023. The campus size is 700 acres, and the university offers 58 bachelor's degree programs.

FGCU's intercollegiate athletic teams are called the Eagles, and they compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). The university is actively engaged with Southwest Florida through cultural activities, educational programs, and athletics. It offers various resources and support services to its students, including the Center for Academic Achievement, Multicultural & Leadership Development, and Tech Support Services.

The university has a gender distribution of 43.7% male students and 56.3% female students. Regarding housing, 35% of the students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 65% live off-campus. FGCU provides different types of campus housing, including apartments for single students, special housing for disabled and international students, and themed housing options such as Honors and Wellness communities.

FGCU is committed to environmental sustainability, with 400 acres of its main campus set aside for environmental preservation. The university has constructed lakes that promote the ecology of the area and feature recreational activities. The university's solar field supplies about 85% of the energy needed to operate three of its buildings, reducing its reliance on Florida Power & Light Co. by 18%.

The gender distribution is 43.7% male and 56.3% female

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It was founded in 1991 and has since grown to a total undergraduate enrolment of 14,243 students as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution of these students is 43.7% male and 56.3% female. This means that there are 6,210 male students and 7,993 female students enrolled at the university. This gender distribution is reflected in the on-campus housing, with themed housing available such as Honors and Wellness communities.

The university offers a range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, as well as graduate certificates. FGCU's intercollegiate athletic teams, known as the Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I sports. The university is actively engaged with the local community through cultural activities, educational programs, and athletics.

FGCU's campus is located in Southwest Florida, within San Carlos Park's fire district and has a Fort Myers postal code. The campus size is 700 acres, with a 150-acre Academic Core at its center, housing most of the school's classrooms and labs. The campus also includes three separate housing areas: North Lake, South Village, and West Lake Village.

The university has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, with 400 acres of the main campus dedicated to environmental preservation and the construction of lakes to promote the ecology of the area. FGCU also has a unique graduation requirement, "University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future," which educates students on the importance of ecology, preservation, and sustainability.

35% of students live in university-owned or affiliated housing

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It was established on May 3, 1991, and has since expanded rapidly, with student enrollment increasing from approximately 2,000 in its first year to almost 15,000 as of 2017. The university offers a range of housing options for its students, with 35% of students living in university-owned or affiliated housing.

On-campus housing at FGCU is made up of three sections: North Lake Village, South Village, and West Lake Village. North Lake Village is situated on an 80-acre lake and offers apartment-style residence halls with waterfront recreation. West Lake Village, previously owned by American Campus Communities, was acquired by the university in 2010 and now houses 501 students. South Village, or SoVi, comprises suite-style residence halls with five buildings: Everglades Hall, Biscayne Hall, Palmetto Hall, Osprey Hall, and Eagle Hall, accommodating more than 1,720 first-year students. Altogether, more than 3,200 students live in North Lake Village and SoVi. While freshmen are not required to live on campus, the on-campus housing is typically filled to capacity each year.

The advantages of living on campus at FGCU are numerous. Most students have their own bedroom, and the amenities are exceptional. FGCU's on-campus residence halls offer convenience, support, and services that are exclusive to living on campus. Additionally, 80% of freshmen live on campus, creating a vibrant and engaging community for new students. The university also provides 120 staff members who are on call 24/7 to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

FGCU's housing options cater to a range of student needs and preferences. Themed housing is available, such as Honors and Wellness communities. There are also specific housing options for students with disabilities and international students. With a variety of residence hall activities and socials, as well as leadership opportunities within the Resident Hall Association, students can easily get involved and connect with their peers.

The university offers 58 bachelor's degrees, 25 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. Established on May 3, 1991, FGCU has since expanded its academic offerings to include a wide range of degree programs catering to diverse fields of study. As of 2025, the university offers 58 bachelor's degree programs, providing students with a comprehensive undergraduate education.

The 58 bachelor's degree programs cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, allowing students to pursue their academic interests and passions. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen fields. With a strong focus on academic excellence, FGCU's bachelor's degree programs are taught by world-class faculty members who are experts in their respective areas.

In addition to its undergraduate offerings, FGCU also offers 25 master's degree programs. These programs build upon the foundation laid in the bachelor's programs, allowing students to further specialise in their chosen fields. The master's degree programs are designed to foster advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities or further academic pursuits.

Furthermore, FGCU offers 6 doctoral degree programs, representing the highest level of academic qualification. Doctoral programs are research-intensive and enable students to make significant contributions to their chosen fields. Doctoral candidates work closely with faculty members, conducting original research and expanding the boundaries of knowledge.

FGCU's academic offerings are organised into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, Marieb College of Health and Human Services, College of Education, Lutgert College of Business, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, Bower School of Music and the Arts, and Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. Each college houses multiple departments and offers a range of degree programs, ensuring that students can pursue their academic interests across a diverse array of disciplines.

The university's commitment to academic excellence is further reflected in its ranking as #296 in National Universities by US News Best Colleges for the 2025 edition. With a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 14,243 students (as of fall 2023), FGCU provides a vibrant and engaging learning environment, empowering students to pursue their academic goals and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

The university is divided into eight colleges

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is divided into eight colleges:

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration in research and scholarship, strengthening individual fields of study in the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences. The college's Academic Building 7 was completed in 2010 and named Seidler Hall in 2016 after donors Lee and Gene Seidler.

College of Education

The College of Education offers programs for teachers, educational administrators, and other professional school personnel, exploring theory, research, and emerging technologies in teaching, learning, and curriculum development.

Lutgert College of Business

The Lutgert College of Business is a hub for regional economic research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It is an AACSB-accredited institution, offering undergraduate degrees in accounting, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, and marketing. The college also offers several graduate degrees, including accounting and taxation, computer information systems, and business administration.

Marieb College of Health & Human Services

The Marieb College of Health & Human Services offers programs that are grounded in prescriptive knowledge, coupled with a strong clinical emphasis. This prepares graduates to succeed in the competitive healthcare sector as compassionate professionals. The college was renamed in 2017 after a $10 million gift from donor Elaine Nicpon Marieb.

U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering

The U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering is the sole source of undergraduate degrees in bioengineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and software engineering between Tampa and Miami. The college is committed to teaching excellence and student success, with high-caliber faculty and staff.

Bower School of Music & the Arts

The Bower School, within the College of Arts & Sciences, offers a first-class education in music performance and theory, art, and theatre. Its Arts Complex and Music Building form the cultural heart of the FGCU campus and have become a destination for the greater community.

Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship

The Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship is a nationally ranked and SACSCOC-accredited institution. It offers an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary entrepreneurship studies, an entrepreneurship minor, and an entrepreneurship graduate certificate. The school houses the FGCU Institute for Entrepreneurship, which operates extracurricular programs such as the FGCU Runway Program Student and Alumni Business Incubator.

School of Resort & Hospitality Management

The School of Resort & Hospitality Management offers innovative programming that prepares students to become leaders in event, spa, restaurant, and club management. The school provides competitive internships and field experiences, bridging the gap between the classroom and career. The school's home, Herbert J. Sugden Hall, was built in 2008.

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