Thomas University vs. FGCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas University in Thomasville, GA 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 Thomas University based on total student enrollment (16,612 students vs. 1,471 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas University is located in Thomasville, GA (Distant Town setting); Florida Gulf Coast University is in Fort Myers, FL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Thomas 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: Thomas University 12:1; Florida Gulf Coast University 20:1.

Thomas University vs. FGCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas 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 Thomas University ($12,863 vs. $17,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 26.7% lower than at Florida Gulf Coast University ($8,140 vs. $11,107).
• Thomas University is 90.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than FGCU (about $5,522 more per year; $11,640.00 vs. $6,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.2% higher at FGCU than at Thomas University (about $13,522 more per year; $25,162.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas University than at Florida Gulf Coast University (100% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Florida Gulf Coast University students is 62% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($8,515 vs. $5,256).

Thomas University vs. FGCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas 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 Thomas University.

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Gulf Coast University (1120) is 10 points higher than at Thomas University (1110).
• Incoming Thomas University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at FGCU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 990/1220; Florida Gulf Coast University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 20/24; Florida Gulf Coast University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas University - Open admission; FGCU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: FGCU Nov 1, 2026.
• FGCU has a higher acceptance rate (63.4%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 70.7% at Thomas University vs. 20.9% at FGCU.

Thomas University vs. FGCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas 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).

• Florida Gulf Coast University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Thomas University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Gulf Coast University graduates have a $1,120 lower median loan debt than Thomas University graduates ($19,500 vs. $20,620).
• Among borrowers, FGCU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Thomas University graduates ($201 vs. $213).
• More FGCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 36%)

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.