University of North Florida vs. Florida Gulf Coast University

Hi everyone,
After completing several campus tours this summer, I narrowed down my top two schools UNF and FGCU. However I have several questions and worries that is making the decision hard for me, and would love to get some help from the well informed.

FGCU is a beautiful school, however it being so new does the school have a good reputation? or does it have the reputation as a party school, or schools for kids that are not smart enough to get into FSU, UF, UCF, etc. ?

Which school, has a better business program?

Which school has more opportunity for jobs and internships?

Which school has better student life, and more activities on weekends to keep students entertained?

Which school is less of a commuter school?

Which school has more school spirit? better athletics?

Which school offers better academics, specifically for a business major?

Which school offers the better college life experience?

Which school should I pick???

I hope someone will be able to help answer my questions. I want a great college experience, but also want to get a great education, and would look to go to the school with better academics, and a better business program.

I wouldn’t worry about whether people think you were “not smart enough to get into FSU, UF or UCF.” Plenty of people go to commuter schools for financial, or other valid reasons.

I know nothing of UNF, but I can speak as a proud soon-to-be FGCU mom. Lots of FGCU’s students were accepted into one or more of Florida’s top three public universities (my son included), but they still choose FGCU to attend. It’s really about choosing the school that is the best fit for you. Yes, FGCU is a newcomer. They are aware of this fact. They know that any future reputation for excellence hinge on the quality of students they graduate. So far they’re doing pretty well. Thanks to local business support, FGCU has the highest placement for graduates in the state.

What impressed my son the most was the system of academic support FGCU offers to insure that student succeed in their chosen major. Starting in their junior year, an internship is required for students in my son’s major. This requirement can only be met because of the great relationship FGCU has with the community. FGCU seems to be the right choice for him. So, when picking a school, I think you have to consider which school will get you where you want to go. Good luck.

You may find this link useful for comparing the two colleges:

http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/search1ba.aspx?institutionid=433660,136172

UNF is the older, better established school, and it’s more selective. Both schools have solid business schools, with UNF having a slight edge. Both schools can be described as “commuter schools”; UNF now requires all freshman to live in the dorms.

You really can’t go wrong with either school. Go with the one you’re most comfortable with and seems the best “fit”.

Good Luck!