An external scan conducted by Florida Gulf Coast University in 2005 revealed explosive population growth for the state of Florida within the next 25 years.  The five county region of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry are anticipated to witness the greatest percentage of this growth, rising from around 1.1 million to 2 million.     

   The counties of Lee, Charlotte and Collier are projected to increase nearly 70% over their current populations.  Hendry and Glades counties are anticipated to see a 45% increase in population. These population increases will demand access to higher education opportunities, especially in underserved areas of the state. 

The same study revealed a high school graduation increase in the five county regions of 24% to 43% over current levels.  This means a rise in annual graduation levels from around 7200 students per year to at least 8300 by the end of the 25 year period.  As the key college-going population of 18-24 year olds increases, the demand for institutes of higher learning rises.  Logically, Florida Gulf Coast University appears to be the answer.

The location of FGCU in southern Lee County fulfills the need for post-secondary education in Southwest Florida.  Its proximity to the five county regions as well as its convenience to urban areas allows FGCU to adequately serve its students, staff and faculty.  However, growth on the main campus may soon jeopardize its ability to fulfill its function as a state University.

According to the FGCU Strategic Plan for 2005-2010, projected growth will exceed the main campus’ ability to sustain student populations over the next 10-15 years.  The main campus of FGCU is expected to reach a student population of nearly 20,000 during this period.  With growth on the main campus restricted, there is increased stress for off-campus sites.  Further, regional growth in the five county area demands off-campus centers to serve their communities.  Targeted for extensive development, the following areas are of special concern:

            Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres

            Burnt Store Road in southern Charlotte County

            State Road 80 in Hendry County

            State Road 31 and County Road 74 in Charlotte County

            Immokalee in eastern Collier County

Thus the construction of satellite campuses appears to be the answer.

            Satellite campuses benefit the community.  They target specific population areas normally underserved by main campuses.  They allow more direct access to higher education for targeted populations.  This proves especially useful for the 25-44 year old college group that is often bound to one locality due to family and work obligations. For example, the University of South Florida opened its Lakeland branch campus in 1988.  It currently serves students in outlying areas of interior Florida, offering them educational opportunities they may not otherwise realize.

            These branch campuses also serve as a benefit to the main campus.  As students utilize services offered at branch campuses congestion on the main campus decreases.  This means an ease in parking situations as well as reduced traffic on campus roadways.  Further, branch campuses reduce the commuting costs for faculty, staff and students.  The closer the services, the less time spent on crowded roadways.  Finally, the more sites opened to students, the more enrollment increases.  Thus, the university witnesses an increase in state revenues.