FGCU failed to collect $7M in student debt, state audit finds

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A state audit found Florida Gulf Coast University wasn't doing enough to collect more than $7 million in student debt.

The review covered the period between April and November of last year. It found FGCU wasn't aggressively pursuing delinquent accounts, despite state law allowing the university to place holds on transcripts, diplomas and campus services.

Auditors also flagged problems with a construction project on campus. FGCU responded by saying most of that debt was temporary and tied to financial aid and third-party payments.

The university said the total has since dropped to about $3.3 million.