Overview
Florida Gulf Coast University was founded in 1997 as the eleventh public university in Florida's State University System, established to serve the rapidly growing Southwest Florida region. In just over two decades, FGCU has grown from an inaugural class of roughly 2,500 students to a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The university gained significant national exposure through its men's basketball team's historic 2013 NCAA Tournament run as a 15-seed Sweet Sixteen team, earning the nickname 'Dunk City.' Academically, FGCU has built strong reputations in environmental science, marine biology, business, nursing, and education.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Fort Myers, Florida |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Total students | 15,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 22:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 72% |
| Graduation rate | 56% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $6,300 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $24,900 |
| Room & board | $11,500 |
| Average financial aid | $9,800 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1050-1200 |
| ACT range | 20-25 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | May 1 |
Top Programs
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Science
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Resort & Hospitality Management
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.