University of Central Arkansas (UCA) vs Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). While both universities offer a wealth of opportunities, they each possess unique characteristics that may resonate with different individuals. UCA, nestled in the heart of Arkansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. FGCU, situated along the vibrant Gulf Coast of Florida, attracts a diverse student body, creating a rich multicultural tapestry. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that will guide you toward the university that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Florida Gulf Coast University |
![]() University of Central Arkansas |
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Overview |
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Location | Fort Myers, Florida | Conway, Arkansas |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 82.0% | 71.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 89.2% | 92.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$30
|
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$45
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SAT range | 1010 - 1180 | 980 - 1160 |
ACT range | 19 - 25 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 79.0% | 3.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 45.0% | 94.0% |
Total number of applicants | 14,462 | 6,057 |
Total number of admissions given out | 12,901 | 5,595 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 3,125 | 1,854 |
Yield rate | 24.2% | 33.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$20,390
Out of state:
$39,434
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In state:
$25,219
Out of state:
$32,089
|
Average net price | $9,840 | $14,042 |
Tuition |
In state:
$4,191
Out of state:
$22,328
|
In state:
$6,870
Out of state:
$13,740
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,820
Meal plan:
$4,346
|
Room/dormitory:
$4,326
Meal plan:
$3,570
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
78.0%
Average amount $6,754 |
92.0%
Average amount $7,693 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
30.0%
Average amount $7,251 |
51.0%
Average amount $5,106 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $16,201 |
5.0%
Average amount $10,426 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
14,228
Men 42.9% Women 57.1% |
8,244
Men 39.0% Women 61.0% |
Graduate students |
1,681
Men 29.2% Women 70.8% |
1,861
Men 26.6% Women 73.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 17.6% | 7.9% |
International students | 2.1% | 3.8% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 4,732 | 3,675 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Florida Illinois New Jersey Pennsylvania Ohio | Arkansas Texas Oklahoma Tennessee Alabama |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 22:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 56.2% | 49.4% |
Dropout rate | 26.2% | 19.1% |
Transferred out | 13.4% | 29.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Library Science, Other (Master's Degrees)
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
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