University of West Florida vs. FGCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Florida in Pensacola, 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 University of West Florida based on total student enrollment (16,612 students vs. 14,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Florida is located in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting); Florida Gulf Coast University is in Fort Myers, FL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida Gulf Coast University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Florida 22:1; Florida Gulf Coast University 20:1.

University of West Florida vs. FGCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Florida 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 University of West Florida than FGCU ($10,092 vs. $12,863).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Gulf Coast University are 10.7% lower than at University of West Florida ($11,107 vs. $12,432).
• University of West Florida is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than FGCU (about $242 more per year; $6,360.00 vs. $6,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.8% higher at FGCU than at University of West Florida (about $5,921 more per year; $25,162.00 vs. $19,241.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Florida than at Florida Gulf Coast University (85% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Florida students is 12.7% larger than aid received by Florida Gulf Coast University students ($9,595 vs. $8,515).

University of West Florida vs. FGCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Florida 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 University of West Florida.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Florida (1130) is 10 points higher than at FGCU (1120).
• Incoming University of West Florida students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at FGCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Florida 1020/1230; Florida Gulf Coast University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Florida 20/27; Florida Gulf Coast University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Florida - Required; FGCU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027; FGCU Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman FGCU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at University of West Florida (3.6).
• FGCU has a higher acceptance rate (63.4%) than University of West Florida (58.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at University of West Florida vs. 20.9% at FGCU.

University of West Florida vs. FGCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Florida 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).

• University of West Florida's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Florida Gulf Coast University's (45%).
• Graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than University of West Florida graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than FGCU graduates ($18,750 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, University of West Florida graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FGCU graduates ($193 vs. $201).
• More FGCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Florida students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 55%)

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.