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.
Florida Gulf Coast University logo

Florida Gulf Coast University

University of Central Arkansas logo

University of Central Arkansas

Overview

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%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 89.2% 92.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $45
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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $20,390

Out of state: $39,434
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
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

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

Students and Campus

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

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 22:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

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)
  • Year 1: $57,910
  • Year 2: $59,722
  • Year 3: $85,341
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $74,972
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $70,296
  • Year 3: $73,324
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,429
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $68,880
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,840
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $68,095
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,707
  • Year 2: $47,520
  • Year 3: $65,837
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,279
  • Year 2: $62,409
  • Year 3: $64,731
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,799
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $63,963
Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,944
  • Year 2: $46,769
  • Year 3: $59,253
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,874
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $58,083
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,284
  • Year 2: $92,358
  • Year 3: $96,070
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,491
  • Year 2: $70,736
  • Year 3: $76,640
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,696
  • Year 2: $67,548
  • Year 3: $65,753
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,174
  • Year 2: $58,842
  • Year 3: $59,396
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,787
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $57,030
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,827
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $55,240
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,080
  • Year 2: $45,305
  • Year 3: $52,677
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,462
  • Year 2: $47,729
  • Year 3: $52,542
Library Science, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,140
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: $49,838
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,755
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: $49,837

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