Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Florida Gulf Coast University, a comprehensive institution of higher education, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs of strategic importance to Southwest Florida and beyond. FGCU seeks academic excellence in the development of selected programs and centers of distinction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines; health professions; business; and marine and environmental sciences.
Florida Gulf Coast University’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students to excel and innovate. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are actively engaged and environmentally conscious citizens. They serve their communities and inspire others by leading, doing, and making a difference.
Get to know Florida Gulf Coast University
College Highlights
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
At FGCU, the journey to success begins the moment students step onto campus. Life at FGCU begins with Eagle View Orientation (EVO), which offers a gateway to making the most of the FGCU experience. The first-year experience at FGCU has multiple components all designed to get students acquainted with campus, their peers, and available resources. EVO introduces students to their academic advisors who will assist them in planning for a successful first semester.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
As affiliates of the Whitaker Center, many faculty members from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, and Engineering encourage the involvement of undergraduate students in their research activities.
Additionally, the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) is one of the most important events of the year for students. One of the largest multidisciplinary research conferences in the nation, FURC is open to all undergraduate researchers in the state of Florida. This event is hosted at a different college or university every year, with FGCU recently selected in 2020. This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their cutting-edge research while branching out and networking with top researchers from around the country
EDUCATION ABROAD
FGCU believes in expanding the mind through exploration of the world. Immersion in other cultures broadens one’s international perspective and develops a greater awareness of one’s place in the world, and students are able to make memories that last a lifetime all while earning credit. These benefits of studying abroad are lasting: studies show that international experience leads to greater employment opportunities after graduation.
FGCU COIL INITIATIVE
The Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a teaching method that enables professors from different countries to contribute to the courses of students all around the world. This initiative is based on the concept of Globally Networked Learning (GNL), a teaching and learning methodology that provides innovative, cost-effective internationalization strategies.
Such programs foster faculty and student interaction with peers abroad through co-taught multicultural online and blended learning environments. Examples of COIL courses include Cultural Anthropology in Croatia, Human Memory and Cognition in New Zealand, Research Methods in Ghana, and more. These engaging classes are especially great for students who may not have the funds or time for international travel.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 116 | 10-19: 247 | 20-29: 507
30-39: 303 | 40-49: 119 | 50-99: 137 | 100+: 5
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 2%
Hispanic/Latine: 24%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 6%
White, non-Hispanic: 60%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
UNIVERSITY COLLOQUIUM: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The University Colloquium course brings together students and faculty from all disciplines in an interdisciplinary learning experience. This course is founded on FGCU’s commitment to environmental education, a guiding principle that helps students develop a deep understanding and responsibility of the natural world. University Colloquium inherently builds so many valuable skills, from writing to service-learning. As a result of hands-on engagement with the natural world, students are able to think critically and communicate effectively about their place in it.
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Connected knowing and collaborative learning are basic strengths of a well-educated scholar. As such, the University structures interdisciplinary learning experiences throughout the curriculum to endow students with the ability to think in terms of whole systems while understanding the interrelatedness of knowledge across disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the development of teamwork skills through collaborative opportunities.
CAPSTONE
Every FGCU major culminates in a Senior Capstone educational experience. These seminars integrate all the skills and knowledge that students have gained from their studies, ultimately broadening their awareness and understanding of disciplines related to their chosen field.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
College is all about meeting new people and understanding different perspectives while also developing one’s own values and goals. One great way to continue growing outside of the classroom is to live and learn in a themed residential community. FGCU has a variety of living-learning communities that keep students connected with others who will encourage and support their growth. For example, WiSTEM is open to women who major in STEM- and health-related fields, while the Entrepreneurship LLC encourages students of all majors to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE
FGCU is proud to offer a robust Greek life that enriches the college experience through friendship, service, leadership, and scholarship. Greek brotherhood or sisterhood is often the start of a lifelong connection. With 26 fraternities and sororities to choose from, there are plenty of organizations that suit different personalities, goals, and lifestyles.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Nestled between the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, FGCU’s campus is an exceptional destination for living and learning. Nearly half of the 800-acre campus is preserved or restored nature—an exciting living laboratory right at students’ fingertips. What’s more, FGCU is Southwest Florida’s hub for arts and athletics.
ATHLETICS
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and soccer
Women’s sports: basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and tennis
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 73%
Undergraduates: 33%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for students with disabilities
Special housing for international students
CAREER SERVICES
Career Development Services is dedicated to helping students explore career options and gain insight about their personality, work values, and interests. The office works to help students participate in networking and professional development, gain real-world hands-on experiences, and find success and meaning through their education and work.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Important
Talent/ability
Considered
Rigor of secondary school record | Class rank | Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 1050 | 75th Percentile: 1200
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 530 | 75th Percentile: 610
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 510 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Science
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Reading
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 29
Tuition & Cost
Tuition & Fees (in-state): $6,118
Tuition & Fees (out-of-state): $25,162
Room & Board: $10,914
Contact Florida Gulf Coast University
Contact Admissions
fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/undergraduateadmissions
(888) 889-1095
admissions@fgcu.edu
Campus Location
10501 FCGU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965
(800) 590-3428