University of South Alabama vs. FGCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL 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 South Alabama based on total student enrollment (16,612 students vs. 14,003 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Florida Gulf Coast University is in Fort Myers, FL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 19:1; Florida Gulf Coast University 20:1.

University of South Alabama vs. FGCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama ($12,863 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Florida Gulf Coast University are 2.3% lower than at University of South Alabama ($11,107 vs. $11,366).
• University of South Alabama is 65.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than FGCU (about $3,998 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $6,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.8% higher at FGCU than at University of South Alabama (about $6,070 more per year; $25,162.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Florida Gulf Coast University (96% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Alabama students is 9.6% larger than aid received by Florida Gulf Coast University students ($9,329 vs. $8,515).

University of South Alabama vs. FGCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama or FGCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between FGCU and University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Florida Gulf Coast University (1120) is 40 points higher than at University of South Alabama (1080).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 22 at FGCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Florida Gulf Coast University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of South Alabama 20/26; Florida Gulf Coast University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; FGCU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027; FGCU Nov 1, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman FGCU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at University of South Alabama (3.69).
• University of South Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than FGCU (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 20.9% at FGCU.

University of South Alabama vs. FGCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama and FGCU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Florida Gulf Coast University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates of University of South Alabama and FGCU have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $45,200), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Gulf Coast University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, FGCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($201 vs. $253).
• More FGCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 45%)

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.