What Is It Known For?
Florida Gulf Coast University, which opened its doors in 1997, has grown into a thriving educational center with over 16,000 students enrolled each year. The campus features a 15-acre solar field, highlighting the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
As a comprehensive institution, FGCU offers students many paths to success through its 65 undergraduate programs, 27 master’s degrees, 7 doctoral programs, and 19 academic certificates.
The university strengthens Southwest Florida’s economy while serving as a center for arts and learning in the region. Through meaningful partnerships, excellent teaching, and community service, FGCU continues to make lasting contributions to Florida.
Degrees & Certifications
FGCU provides a broad range of academic paths to match different career goals and interests. Some of the programs offered here include:
- Business Administration
- Computing & Math
- Entrepreneurship
- Health / Pre-Med / Biology
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- STEM
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
FGCU schedules undergraduate and graduate classes during morning, afternoon, and evening hours to accommodate different student needs. Beyond traditional on-campus courses, students can choose fully online programs or hybrid classes that combine internet-based learning with scheduled campus meetings.
Several programs also include practical training through externships and internships in local organizations.
Is It Legit?
Yes. FGCU is a fully accredited public university. The school has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university has also earned recognition from 18 professional accrediting organizations.
Acceptance Rate
FGCU welcomes many qualified students into its academic community, with about 77% of applicants receiving acceptance letters.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Florida residents pay approximately $6,118 in undergraduate tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Since costs vary by program, we suggest using FGCU’s net price calculator to estimate your specific expenses.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communications & Media
- Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality Administration
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
Healthcare
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- BSN
- Exercise Science
- Health Sciences
- Health Administration
- Nursing
- MSN
- Physical Therapy
Professional Services
- Theatre
Skilled Trades
- Construction Management
Technology
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
Fort Myers 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Fort Myers, FL 33965
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Florida Gulf Coast University has a very strong reputation, consistently praised for its beautiful and modern campus, and a strong sense of community. However, some recent reviews point to challenges related to the university’s rapid growth, specifically concerning class availability and support for upperclassmen.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Beautiful and Modern Campus: The most frequent praise is for the campus itself, which is described as “beautiful,” “nature-filled,” and “gorgeous.” Reviewers note its modern, well-equipped, and clean facilities, as well as its unique architecture and use of natural surroundings.
Supportive and Organized Environment: Many parents and students appreciate the well-organized events and a sense of community on campus. Staff and students are frequently mentioned as being helpful and friendly.
Excellent Facilities: Reviews highlight the high quality of the campus facilities, including modern, secure dorms and an “excellent recreational athletics facility.”
Welcoming and Down-to-Earth Vibe: One transfer student felt the university was “down-to-Earth” and welcomed them, feeling a strong sense of community that felt like “home.”
Common Criticisms
Over-enrollment and Class Capacity: The most significant criticism is that the university “DOES NOT have the capacity to handle the amount of students they have.” This is cited as a major problem in some programs, where a required class might only be offered once a year, potentially extending a student’s graduation timeline.
Lack of Support for Upperclassmen: One review claims that the university focuses its budget and benefits more on incoming freshmen, particularly those living in the main dorms, and offers little to no benefits to students in their later years.
Inconsistent Quality of Instruction: A reviewer mentions that in certain departments, the professors are not very helpful, leaving students to teach themselves. This contradicts the generally positive feedback on staff.
Momentum
The reviews show a largely positive and sustained momentum, with many recent comments from prospective parents and students admiring the campus and its community. However, the most serious criticisms regarding over-enrollment and a perceived lack of focus on upperclassmen are also relatively recent. This suggests that while the university’s growth is a major draw, it may be causing some growing pains that could affect the academic experience for a subset of students.