Florida Gulf Coast University will offer 6 new degrees next year. Meanwhile, tuition is on the rise.

The Board of Trustees approved the changes at the last meeting of the current fiscal year.

By August – students can pursue degrees in chemistry, athletic training and anthropology…as well as civil, biomedical, and environmental engineering. That brings to 70 the number of majors available at FGCU.

All students will pay an extra 5 percent for tuition. The increase – actually mandated by the state legislature - will mean an extra $70 year for full time students.

University president – Dr. Bill Merwin – says tuition isn’t the only thing growing — so is the student body.

“We’re projecting enrollments next year of over 7,000 students, 4,000 of which will be full-time equivalents as we call them. We’re projecting another balanced budget – 5 more buildings in the coming year – raise $30 million increase the number of students of color, as well as faculty and staff.”

The amount of student housing is also on the rise – with nearly 2,000 available beds.

Trustees also reviewed last year’s budget – which wound up with about a $1 million surplus. They also outlined next year’s budget – which will exceed $100 million for the first time.

The board also unanimously endorsed President Merwin’s performance – saying it far exceeds expectations.