Florida Gulf Coast University Pays Their Students Back, Literally | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Campuses

Florida Gulf Coast University Pays Their Students Back, Literally

And I'm not talking about community service.

284
Florida Gulf Coast University Pays Their Students Back, Literally
fgcu / Instagram

Florida Gulf Coast University is a four-year, 21-year-old university located in Fort Myers, Florida. You may have heard of it from "Dunk City," the men's basketball 2013 team that went to the NCAA tournament as a number-15 seed and made it to the Sweet Sixteen. They are the only men's basketball team that has done this in the NCAA tournament.

Or, you may have heard of the university because of the location. This university is located in sunny, southwest Florida where "winter" is 50-degree weather and it only lasts a couple of weeks before it's back to sunny and 75. The university itself also offers its very own "beach" for the students. It is an 80-acre freshwater lake that the university shares with a million dollar neighborhood, Miromar Lakes.

What you may not know, is what the university offers for the students and parents. The university is part of an amazing program called Soar In 4. This is an incentive program to encourage first-time-in-college students to graduate in four years. If the student graduates in four years, and checks-off a couple of other requirements, then the university will rebate the student their first-year, out-of-pocket tuition.

WHAT?

Yes, you read that right. FGCU will rebate the student their first year, out-of-pocket tuition. What makes it better is that the requirements are attainable and helpful to the students. Here's a look into everything the students have to do to receive their first-year tuition rebate.

1. Graduate in four years.

This is one of the major requirements for "Soar In 4." FGCU encourages their students to graduate in four years or less. They want their students to stay on schedule and be a full-time student.

2. Meeting with an academic advisor at least once a year. 

Every student at FGCU is required to meet with an academic advisor each semester, regardless if they are participating in Soar In 4. Students must meet with an advisor each semester to be able to register for their next semester's classes, and as seniors, to be able to graduate. This requirement is helpful to every student because the advisors really know what they're talking about.

3. Declaring a major the first year.

Students are required to declare a major their first year for the program to get them thinking about what they want to graduate with. The major they declare their first year, does not have to be the one they graduate with. It is just to get the student to think about their future. This way, they will be exposed to major-specific classes to see if they want to stick with that major, or change it.

4. Meeting with a career advisor in Career Development Services.

Career Development Services at FGCU is a secret treasure. This service is offered for free for students. The office offers one-hour appointments where students can take personality tests to see what they may match-up with career-wise. Students can also make appointments to develop a cover letter, resume, set-up a mock interview, and more.

5. Completing an internship or co-operative experience. 

Many majors at FGCU do require students to complete an internship within the major as is. That being said, if it does, the student can complete it already. If not, completing an internship or co-operative experience can only help you. Being exposed to the industry that you plan to work in upon graduation is so helpful.

6. Get a job in Florida within 6 months of graduation. 

This is probably one of the bigger requirements that students must complete. Within six months of graduation, you must have a job working in Florida making at least $25,000 a year. However, if you are involved at FGCU and even have completed your internship in Florida, I'm sure it will not be too difficult to find that job within six months. A few majors at FGCU even have a 99% job placement rate upon graduation.

This rebate does depend on in-state versus out-of-state students. It also is calculated person-by-person because each student may receive different scholarships, financial aid, take a different amount of credit hours, etc. But the point is, this offers students and their families the chance to save money on college. It is also a great encouragement to graduate on time!

I know I am looking forward to soaring in four! Thanks, FGCU for such a great opportunity!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190251
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14923
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457884
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26643
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments