Florida Gulf Coast University's published cost of attendance reaches $18,269 per year, including $6,118 in-state tuition, $10,914 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $25,162, raising the total cost of attendance substantially.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $20,807 |
| Tuition and Fees | $25,162 |
| Room and Board | $11,107 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,239 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,568 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,220 |
| $30–48k | $8,191 |
| $48–75k | $10,999 |
| $75–110k | $15,450 |
| $110k+ | $18,829 |
Florida Gulf Coast University's published cost of attendance reaches $18,269 per year, including $6,118 in-state tuition, $10,914 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $25,162, raising the total cost of attendance substantially. However, financial aid significantly reduces these costs, with the average student paying just $10,319 in net price after aid—a savings of $7,950 from the sticker price.
This represents a 43.5% reduction from published costs, indicating substantial institutional financial aid effectiveness. Compared to peer institutions, Florida Gulf Coast University maintains net prices $5,271 lower than the peer median of $15,590, positioning the university as an affordable option within its competitive set. The combination of moderate sticker prices and strong financial aid makes Florida Gulf Coast University accessible across income levels.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Florida Gulf Coast University remain well-controlled compared to peer institutions. Median debt reaches $17,622, which falls $2,378 below the peer median of $20,000, ranking at the 80th percentile for debt performance nationally.
Debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,375 at the 75th percentile, indicating most graduates avoid excessive borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests manageable repayment relative to post-graduation income, with annual debt service representing roughly one-third of first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,000 with monthly payments of $224, representing additional family financing but not creating high burden levels. The controlled debt levels become particularly significant given the university's diverse student population, including substantial first-generation and Pell-eligible enrollment who may have limited family resources for college costs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Florida Gulf Coast University delivers favorable return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn $8,348 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 82.5th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This earnings uplift, combined with debt levels $2,378 below peer medians, creates positive investment conditions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 indicates sustainable repayment schedules that support long-term financial stability.
Net price advantages of $5,271 compared to peer institutions further enhance the investment profile, allowing students to achieve similar educational outcomes at reduced cost. While median earnings of $54,560 fall below some peer institutions, the combination of lower debt and strong value-added performance creates competitive total value.
Financial aid at Florida Gulf Coast University demonstrates strong effectiveness in reducing costs for students across income levels. The $7,950 average savings from financial aid represents meaningful access support, particularly for the 28.6% of students who are Pell-eligible.
Net price positioning $5,271 below peer institutions indicates competitive aid packaging that enhances affordability relative to similar universities. Aid distribution heavily favors lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 receiving aid that reduces their net cost to $6,146—approximately one-third of the sticker price.
This progressive aid structure supports the university's substantial first-generation student population (35.9%) and Pell-eligible enrollment. The aid effectiveness becomes particularly significant given the university's accessible admission standards, creating pathways for students who might face cost barriers at more expensive institutions.
