Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida · Public · 63.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 68/100 · Fair Value
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $6,118/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $25,162/yr |
| Average net price | $12,568/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $50,272 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,560 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,622 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $187 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 57.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,874 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,220 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,191 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,999 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,450 |
| $110,001+ | $18,829 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Florida Gulf Coast University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $48,879 | C |
| Psychology | $52,722 | C |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $54,006 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $66,349 | C+ |
| Biology | $53,352 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,455 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $54,215 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,767 | B |
| Marketing | $67,034 | B |
| Security Science and Technology | $52,096 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Florida Gulf Coast University is $6,118/year ($25,162/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,568/year, or roughly $50,272 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,220/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,829/year.
The median graduate leaves with $17,622 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $187 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,560 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.48 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 64.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 65.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 63.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 510-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 530-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-25 |
| Enrollment | 13,874 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 27.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,789 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gulf Coast University (this school) | 68 | $12,568 | $54,560 |
| University of Central Florida | 79 | $10,411 | $58,308 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | 67 | $11,668 | $55,198 |
| Northern Illinois University | 66 | $13,391 | $57,808 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | 59 | $20,109 | $54,967 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | 28 | $13,739 | $44,349 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Florida Gulf Coast University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $12,568 per year leads to $50,272 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $54,560 a decade out. The payback period of 9.7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $17,622 against $54,560 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.