Florida Gulf Coast University

What are the graduation rates for students at Florida Gulf Coast University?

Florida Gulf Coast University has a graduation rate of 56%, placing it in the average range but within the bottom half of national comparisons. When broken down by gender, 61% of women graduate while only 50% of men complete their studies, both rates also categorized as average and ranking in the lower 50 percentiles nationally. The university's retention rate stands out more positively at 83%, which is considered high and falls in the top 30% of similar institutions. This suggests that a significant majority of first-year students continue their studies beyond their initial year.

The four-year graduation rate is notably lower at 42%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the traditional timeframe and again positioned in the bottom 50% relative to peers. The six-year graduation rate improves to 56%, mirroring the overall graduation rate and reinforcing the fact that many students require additional time beyond four years to finish their programs.

As prospective students evaluate Florida Gulf Coast University, these statistics indicate that while retention is strong, completion within four years is less common, and graduation rates are moderate in comparison to other institutions.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Florida Gulf Coast University?

Graduates of Florida Gulf Coast University experience a wide range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study, with significant variation across disciplines. Among the highest-paying degrees are those in engineering and health-related fields. For instance, graduates with a degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing earn an average of $60,279 annually, reflecting strong demand in healthcare. Similarly, computer-related engineering programs offer competitive income, with Computer Engineering graduates earning around $57,910 and Civil Engineering alumni making approximately $54,799.

Environmental and biomedical engineering degrees also lead to solid earnings, with Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering graduates averaging $54,874 and those in Biomedical/Medical Engineering earning about $48,944. Business-related degrees provide good earning potential as well, with Management Information Systems and Services graduates earning roughly $40,361 and Accounting and Related Services graduates averaging $47,797. Finance and Financial Management Services degrees yield similar results, with an average income of $47,707, while Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates make about $39,599.

In the education sector, salaries tend to be moderate but show notable exceptions. Special Education and Teaching graduates earn around $43,114 on average, while Teacher Education and Professional Development at specific levels commands a slightly higher average salary of $43,957. Other education-related programs such as General Education yield a mean salary of $35,552.

Fields in communication and social sciences generally provide moderate income opportunities. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn around $32,621, and those focused on Radio, Television, and Digital Communication make close to $32,570. Social Work alumni have an average income of $34,068, while Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates typically earn about $31,119. Political Science and Government majors can expect earnings near $28,595.

Health sciences and allied health programs also offer competitive returns. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions graduates earn approximately $54,865, while general Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences graduates command $33,427 on average. Those studying Public Health can anticipate earnings around $29,601.

Graduates in the liberal arts and humanities experience varying income levels. Psychology majors earn an average of $29,030, Sociology degree holders make about $31,621, and Economics graduates have a similar earning potential of $34,894. English Language and Literature degrees show average earnings around $28,126, while Fine and Studio Arts majors bring in lower income levels near $22,466.

Students interested in natural resources and biology can expect more modest returns. Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates average $29,400 annually, and those in Natural Resources Management and Policy make around $23,319. Biology graduates earn roughly $24,244 on average.