University of Illinois Springfield vs. FGCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Illinois Springfield in Springfield, IL 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 Illinois Springfield based on total student enrollment (16,612 students vs. 4,628 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Springfield is located in Springfield, IL (Midsize City setting); Florida Gulf Coast University is in Fort Myers, FL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Illinois Springfield 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 Illinois Springfield 13:1; Florida Gulf Coast University 20:1.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. FGCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Illinois Springfield 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 Illinois Springfield than FGCU ($10,809 vs. $12,863).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Gulf Coast University are 9.3% lower than at University of Illinois Springfield ($11,107 vs. $12,242).
• University of Illinois Springfield is 100.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than FGCU (about $6,134 more per year; $12,252.00 vs. $6,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at FGCU than at University of Illinois Springfield (about $3,145 more per year; $25,162.00 vs. $22,017.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Illinois Springfield than at Florida Gulf Coast University (96% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Illinois Springfield students is 72.2% larger than aid received by Florida Gulf Coast University students ($14,666 vs. $8,515).

University of Illinois Springfield vs. FGCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Illinois Springfield 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 Illinois Springfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Gulf Coast University (1120) is 50 points higher than at University of Illinois Springfield (1070).
• Incoming University of Illinois Springfield 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: University of Illinois Springfield 940/1200; Florida Gulf Coast University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Springfield 21/27; Florida Gulf Coast University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Illinois Springfield - Test optional; FGCU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: FGCU Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman FGCU students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at University of Illinois Springfield (3.46).
• University of Illinois Springfield has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than FGCU (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at University of Illinois Springfield vs. 20.9% at FGCU.

University of Illinois Springfield vs. FGCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Illinois Springfield 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 Illinois Springfield's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Florida Gulf Coast University's (45%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Springfield earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than FGCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have a $707 lower median loan debt than FGCU graduates ($18,793 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Illinois Springfield graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FGCU graduates ($194 vs. $201).
• More University of Illinois Springfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FGCU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.