Soar in 4

Soar in 4 Update from President Martin

The FGCU Soar in 4 completion incentive program was launched in 2016. FGCU was, and is, the only institution in the State University System of Florida to offer this reward. At the time, our four-year graduation rate was about 22 percent. It appears that there was no long-term plan to finance this program, and FGCU has utilized non-state and private funding sources. Over the last few years, we have made substantial investments in student success, and our four-year graduation rate now exceeds 41 percent. As a consequence, the cost of Soar in 4 has increased markedly. This cost now effectively “taxes” funding for other programs and units on campus. Thus, we have to reconsider the future of Soar in 4.

We will recommend to the FGCU Board of Trustees that we honor our commitment to those currently pursuing their degree at FGCU. That means those who graduate in their classes of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 who meet program criteria will be eligible for the incentive reward (FTIC – Fall 2021), along with our 2021 graduates who meet all the requirements of the program.

There will likely be a modified Soar in 4 program for freshmen who enter in Fall 2022. More to follow as we assess alternatives and seek input from our board.

Should you need assistance, please email the Soar in 4 team

A flight plan for graduating on time

Your journey through higher education at FGCU is taking off. It’s an exciting time of scholarly exploration and self-discovery culminating at your final destination: graduation.

Even with a few diversions along the way, you can get there in 4 years or less. FGCU delivers the strategy and resources you need to make it happen, including Soar in 4. This program provides incoming first-year students an additional incentive to stay on track to a 4-year degree and secure a job: a rebate on first-year tuition. To be eligible for the rebate, be sure to read the requirements below.

Get Advised

Meet with Academic Advising once each year & declare a major in your first year.

Visit Career Services

Meet with a Career Advisor & attend an event hosted by this office.

Complete an Internship

Participate in an internship or co-operative experience.

Finish in Four Years

Graduate in 4 years by following your curriculum map.

Secure a Job

Get a job in Florida within 6 months of graduation earning at least $25K.

Receive Your Rebate

Email SoarIn4@fgcu.edu to begin the Rebate Application process.

What is Soar in 4?
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Florida Gulf Coast University offers first-time-in-college (FTIC) students an incentive to graduate within four years provided that students complete a certain set of requirements during their time here. This includes: (1) meeting with an Academic Advisor at least once a year, every year; (2) declaring a major within the first year; (3) meeting with a Career Adviser in Career Development Services and attending an event hosted by this office; and (4) completing an internship or co-operative experience. Students are also required to graduate within four years and obtain employment in the State of Florida within six months of graduation earning at least $25,000.00. If a student adheres to these requirements, FGCU will rebate first-year, out-of-pocket, tuition expenses for up to 30 credit hours.

How is the Soar in 4 rebate calculated?

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Students' Soar in 4 rebates are calculated by subtracting Gift Aid from the Total Tuition charged during the First Year for up to thirty credit hours. When calculating your rebate, any payment posted to your student account that is not out-of-pocket will be considered to be Gift Aid. Some examples would be scholarships, grants, waivers, third party payments and veteran benefits. The first example below is for a student paying In-State Tuition and the second example is for a student paying Out-of-State Tuition.

Example # 1: In-State Student
Tuition Base	103.32
Tuition Differential	36.38
Total Tuition per credit hour	$139.70
Earned FGCU credit hours during the First Year	30
Total Tuition charged before Gift Aid	$4,191.00
LESS Gift Aid (Used for example purposes)	(2,000.00)
Potential Rebate Amount	$2,191.00

Example # 2: Out-of-State Student
Tuition Base	707.90
Tuition Differential	36.38
Total Tuition per credit hour	$744.28
Earned FGCU credit hours during the First Year	30
Total Tuition charged before Gift Aid	$22,328.40
LESS Gift Aid (Used for example purposes)	(2,000.00)
Potential Rebate Amount	$20,328.40

Based upon out-of-pocket tuition expenses, it is possible that a student may meet the Eligibility Criteria and complete all Qualifying Activities as a part of the Rebate Criteria, but have $0 as their Rebate Amount.

How can students graduate in 4 years?
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- MAKE A MAJOR DECISION DURING YOUR FIRST YEAR. Use resources like MyPlan.com to make sure your interests, skills and personality are a good match for the major and career you’re considering.
- USE ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING. Early and often. All first year students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor during the first semester, and annual advising is mandatory to qualify for the Soar in 4 rebate. Missing key prerequisites or deadlines or dropping classes can throw you off course and ultimately increase costs. Academic Advisors can help you map a degree plan, coordinate your general education needs with your major requirements and make sure you register for the right classes at the right time.
- TAKE 15 TO FINISH. DO THE MATH. A full 15-credit load each semester, or average of 30 credits per year, adds up to a 4-year degree. Online courses and summer sessions can help you get ahead or catch up if you need to.
Why graduate in 4 years?
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- THE MORE YOU DELAY, THE MORE YOU PAY. Each year at FGCU costs about $20,000 for in-state tuition and fees, meal plan, housing, transportation and books. Can you afford taking longer than four years to finish a degree?
- LOWER DEBT AT GRADUATION. Many students borrow because financial aid doesn’t cover all costs. Adding in interest on loans makes repaying that debt a costly proposition right at the start of a career.
- GET A HEAD START ON A CAREER. You’ll be earning money and living the dream while your friends are still finishing school. And your ability to manage time and achieve your goals looks good on a resume.
- EARN A SOAR IN 4 REBATE. It pays to graduate on time. Qualifying students receive a rebate of out-of-pocket freshman tuition if they complete all of the program’s requirements. See Eligibility FAQ for details and sample refund calculations.

Am I eligible for Soar in 4?
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If you are a degree-seeking FTIC student admitted to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) during or after the summer 2015 term, then you are considered as eligible. This includes international and out-of-state students. Students can also view their eligibility in Gulfline by selecting the Student tab, followed by Soar in 4: The Governor's Challenge.
What are the rebate criteria?
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The Rebate Criteria are defined as activities that must be completed for a student to be awarded a Soar in 4 rebate. These are as follows:
1. Receiving academic advising on major selection and the sequencing of degree requirements to stay on track for timely graduate within four years once per year throughout their four years.
2. Selecting a major during the First Year.
3. Utilizing FGCU Career Development Services, including:
  - In-person advising on career decision making, career prospects, resume preparation, interview techniques, career choices, etc.; and
  - Participation in at least one recruitment event hosted by Career Development Services or the Office of Internships and Cooperative Programs.
4. Participating in internships, co-op work experiences, or other similar opportunities with potential employers.
5. Graduating from FGCU in four years or less.
6. Attaining Full-Time Employment (including military service) of at least thirty-five hours per week in Florida within six months of graduation with an annualized salary of $25,000 or higher.
Where can I find my rebate amount?
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Students can access their Rebate Amount through Gulfline by selecting the Student tab, followed by Soar in 4: The Governor's Challenge. Rebate amounts are calculated after the students' first three terms are completed, including summer. For example, a student who started in the summer 2015 semester will be able to view their rebate after the spring 2016 semester has been completed (summer 2015, fall 2015, spring 2016.) If a student has not yet completed their first three terms, this page will read that it is too early to calculate their rebate amount and they will need to check back once their first three semesters have been completed.

When do I need to graduate to receive a rebate?

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Please see a full list of admission terms and the corresponding graduation terms below. If a degree program takes you longer than four years to complete (even by one semester), then you will not be eligible for the rebate program. Students should work with an advisor to be proactive and stay on track for a timely graduation.

Admission Term (When you were admitted to FGCU)	Graduation Term (When you must complete you degree by)
Summer 2015	Summer 2019
Fall 2015	Summer 2019
Spring 2016	Fall 2019
Summer 2016	Summer 2020
Fall 2016	Summer 2020
Spring 2017	Fall 2020
Summer 2017	Summer 2021
Fall 2017	Summer 2021
Spring 2018	Fall 2021
Summer 2018	Summer 2022
Fall 2018	Summer 2022
Spring 2019	Fall 2022
Summer 2019	Summer 2023
Fall 2019	Summer 2023
Spring 2020	Fall 2023
Summer 2020	Summer 2024
Fall 2020	Summer 2024
Spring 2021	Fall 2024
Summer 2021	Summer 2025
Fall 2021	Summer 2025

I completed my internship. How can this count toward my Soar in 4 progress page?
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If you completed your internship through enrollment in an internship course, a grade of C or better, or S (satisfactory), will allow for this requirement to be marked as complete on your Progress Page. If you are currently enrolled in an internship course, completion of this course with a grade of C or better, or S (satisfactory), will allow for this requirement to be marked as complete. If you completed an internship without enrolling in an internship course, please complete the Soar in 4 Internship Form.

How do I apply for my rebate?
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Students will need to submit a Soar in 4 Rebate Application along with all requested documentation to the Office of the Bursar within one (1) year of your graduation date. Students should send a email to SoarIn4@fgcu.edu with the subject line "Ready to Submit Rebate Application" to begin this process and complete the Rebate Application electronically.
What tax form is required for the processing of the rebate?
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- U S Citizens and Resident Aliens should complete and submit a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.
- Non-Resident Aliens should complete and submit a Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United State Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals).
Will the rebate be subject to federal tax?
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- For U S Citizens and Resident Aliens, the rebate will be reported to the IRS on Form 1099-NEC, Non-Employee Compensation if the total rebate is in excess of $600.
- For Non-Resident Aliens, the entire rebate will be reported to the IRS on Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U S Source Income Subject to Withholding.
What happens if my rebate application is denied?
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Non-compliance with any and all of the Rebate Criteria may affect students’ ability to receive a rebate under this program. Upon receiving notice that the student has not met the Rebate Criteria to receive a tuition rebate, they will be allowed to request a re-evaluation of the rebate Application by submitting a Denial of Rebate Re-Evaluation Form.

What are the rebate criteria that my student must follow in order to receive their rebate?
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The Rebate Criteria are defined as activities that must be completed for a student to be awarded a Soar in 4 rebate. These are as follows:
1. Receiving academic advising on major selection and the sequencing of degree requirements to stay on track for timely graduate within four years once per year throughout their four years.
2. Selecting a major during the First Year.
3. Utilizing FGCU Career Development Services, including:
  - In-person advising on career decision making, career prospects, resume preparation, interview techniques, career choices, etc.; and
  - Participation in at least one recruitment event hosted by Career Development Services or the Office of Internships and Cooperative Programs.
4. Participating in internships, co-op work experiences, or other similar opportunities with potential employers.
5. Graduating from FGCU in four years or less.
6. Attaining Full-Time Employment (including military service) of at least thirty-five hours per week in Florida within six months of graduation with an annualized salary of $25,000 or higher.
How can I help my student to stay on track to Soar in 4?
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Parents can have conversations with their student early in their college career to ensure that they are taking the appropriate steps to Soar in 4. The topics of these conversations may include...
- Meeting with an Academic Advisor at least once a year, every year
- Choosing a major that is best with your student's interest and strengths
- Making sure that a major is chosen within the first year, which are the first three semesters including summer
- Encouraging your student to take a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester
- Asking your student about meeting with Career Development Services and attending an event hosted by this office
- Ensuring that your student has confirmed with their Academic Advisor that they are taking the courses needed to graduate in four years
Who can I reach out to with questions about Soar in 4?
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Ready to Submit Your Rebate Application?

Have you completed all of your Soar in 4 requirements, graduated within 4 years, and obtained a full-time job in the State of Florida earning at least $25,000 annually? If so, send an email to SoarIn4@fgcu.edu with the subject line "Ready to Submit Rebate Application" and an electronic document will be sent to you to be completed.

See the Soar in 4 effect

Watch how the Soar in 4 program helped Morgan to succeed during her time at FGCU and beyond.

"Aside from the gratification I earned of being the first in my family to graduate on-time with my Bachelor’s degree, I was able to find an even greater reward in the journey I endured with the Soar in 4 challenge. I wanted to better myself and prove that despite my disabilities, I could make it in the full-time working world. If it weren’t for the wonderful people I met through the Soar in 4 requirements, I wouldn’t have become the strong, independent woman I am today. Their colorful programs showed me that I wasn’t alone in wanting to become the best version of myself. Thank you to everyone who helped me grow at FGCU; I miss you.””

Shannon Grant

Class of 2021

"FGCU's Soar in 4 program motivated me to get my degree in four years or less. It kept me on my toes academically, knowing I didn't have much room for error. Ultimately, the first-year tuition reimbursement will provide me a great head start in my adult life!" ”

Jordan Paris, Host of The Jordan Paris Show

Class of 2020

We're here to answer your questions.

Soar in 4

10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

(239) 590-7464