Stetson University vs. FGCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Stetson University in DeLand, FL with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida Gulf Coast University is larger than Stetson University based on total student enrollment (16,612 students vs. 3,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stetson University is located in DeLand, FL (Midsize Suburban setting); Florida Gulf Coast University is in Fort Myers, FL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Stetson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida Gulf Coast University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stetson University 10:1; Florida Gulf Coast University 20:1.

Stetson University vs. FGCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stetson University or FGCU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Florida Gulf Coast University than Stetson University ($12,863 vs. $20,319).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Gulf Coast University are 37.3% lower than at Stetson University ($11,107 vs. $17,728).
• Stetson University is 838.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than FGCU (about $51,292 more per year; $57,410.00 vs. $6,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.2% higher at Stetson University than at Florida Gulf Coast University (about $32,248 more per year; $57,410.00 vs. $25,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stetson University than at Florida Gulf Coast University (100% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stetson University students is 514.9% larger than aid received by Florida Gulf Coast University students ($52,360 vs. $8,515).

Stetson University vs. FGCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Stetson University or FGCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between FGCU and Stetson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stetson University (1170) is 50 points higher than at FGCU (1120).
• Incoming Stetson University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at FGCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stetson University 1060/1270; Florida Gulf Coast University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stetson University 21/28; Florida Gulf Coast University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stetson University - Test optional; FGCU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: FGCU Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman FGCU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Stetson University (3.69).
• Stetson University has a higher acceptance rate (71.6%) than FGCU (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Stetson University vs. 20.9% at FGCU.

Stetson University vs. FGCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stetson University and FGCU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Stetson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Florida Gulf Coast University's (45%).
• Graduates from Stetson University earn a median of about $200 more per year than FGCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,400 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Gulf Coast University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Stetson University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, FGCU graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stetson University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Stetson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FGCU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.