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The University of Tampa vs Florida Gulf Coast University

The University of Tampa is a private university in Tampa, FL. Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university in Fort Myers, FL. The University of Tampa admits about 40% of applicants and Florida Gulf Coast University about 63%, making The University of Tampa the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,568 a year at Florida Gulf Coast University after aid, and about $36,211 at The University of Tampa. About 63% of students graduate at The University of Tampa, compared with 57% at Florida Gulf Coast University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Tampa alumni earn a median of about $59,436, against $54,560 for Florida Gulf Coast University.

The University of Tampa

Tampa, FL · Private

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Tampa, FL
Fort Myers, FL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,572
13,874
Acceptance rate
40%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1240
1040–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
20–25
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,211
$12,568
Full cost / yr
$51,614
$20,807
In-state tuition
$34,408
$6,118
Out-of-state tuition
$34,408
$25,162
Application fee
$40
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$30,011
$8,220
$30k - $48k
$31,513
$8,191
$48k - $75k
$31,898
$10,999
$75k - $110k
$34,691
$15,450
Over $110k
$37,975
$18,829
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
57%
Freshman retention
85%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,397
$45,029
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,436
$54,560
Median debt at graduation
$24,211
$17,622
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
28%
First-generation students
25%
36%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Mar 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is The University of Tampa or Florida Gulf Coast University harder to get into?
The University of Tampa is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 63% at Florida Gulf Coast University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,568 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,211 at The University of Tampa. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at The University of Tampa and Florida Gulf Coast University?
Before aid, Florida Gulf Coast University costs about $20,807 a year and The University of Tampa about $51,614. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, The University of Tampa or Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,220 there, against about $30,011 at The University of Tampa. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, The University of Tampa or Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University is the larger of the two, with about 13,874 undergraduates against 10,572 at The University of Tampa.
Does The University of Tampa or Florida Gulf Coast University have a better graduation rate?
The University of Tampa has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 57% at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Do graduates of The University of Tampa or Florida Gulf Coast University earn more?
The University of Tampa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,436 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,560 for Florida Gulf Coast University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of Tampa and Florida Gulf Coast University require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of Tampa is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Florida Gulf Coast University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do The University of Tampa and Florida Gulf Coast University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1240 at The University of Tampa and 1040–1200 at Florida Gulf Coast University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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