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Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) is a public higher education institution located in Panama City, Florida. Founded in 1957, the college is part of the Florida College System. With some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, the school offers a variety of academic options focused on quality and practicality.


Overview of Gulf Coast State College (GCSC)


The college is ready to provide students with a first-class education with an emphasis on success. Gulf Coast State College seeks to offer the highest quality, accessible, and affordable education and training possible. It delivers life-changing learning opportunities. Some of the institution’s top values include boldness of vision, responsiveness to the community, culture of honesty and trust, and purposeful work.

The total student population at Gulf Coast State College is 4,694, all of whom are enrolled in undergraduate programs. The school also employs approximately 133 full-time and 124 part-time faculty members. All of these professionals focus solely on instructional efforts. Overall, the school’s student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, which is higher than the national average. Notably, there are no graduate assistants employed by the college to assist with instruction or research.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Small
Campus Housing No
Student Faculty Ratio 19 : 1
Graduation Rate 41%
Year Founded 1957

Student Enrollment


Total Students4,797

Undergraduate
4,797
Graduate
0

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,775
1,775
Female 3,022
3,022

Graduate Student

Male 0
0
Female 0
0

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GCSC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONSNA

Male NA
Female NA

ACCEPTANCENA

Male NA
Female NA

Acceptance RateNA

Male NA
Female NA

Enrollment NA

Male NA
Female NA
Admissions
Application Fee $20
High School GPA NA
High School Rank NA
High School Transcripts NA
College Prep Courses NA
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT NA
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) NA
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted No

GCSC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Gulf Coast State College’s hourly tuition rate is the number one lowest tuition and fees for residents out of Florida’s 40 public colleges and universities. Total cost of attendance will depend on state residency status and the number of credit hours taken. In-state resident rates per credit hour for associate degree programs and some certificates is $99. Florida residents enrolled in bachelor level courses, however, will pay $118 per credit hours. Career and technical certificate courses tend to cost less, with a rate of $88 per credit hour.

Out-of-state students, on the other hand, will pay more for enrollment at Gulf Coast State College. For non-residents, the per credit cost for associate degrees and some certificate programs is $360. Those enrolled in bachelor level courses, however, will pay $624 per credit hours. Career and technical certificate courses still cost less, with a rate of $340 per credit hour.

Notably, these rates include all associated institutional fees. At Gulf Coast State College, this includes the fees assessed for student activities, capital improvements, technology use, access, and financial aid.

Additionally, it’s important to realize that all students are responsible for paying for other expenses, as well. These include books, supplies, housing meals, transportation, professional licensure/certification, and personal purchases.

Financial aid advisors at Gulf Coast State College are available to help students pay for their educational dreams. Support may be available in the form of the Federal Pell Grant, applicable state grants, scholarships, institutional grants, veterans’ aid, work study opportunities, and student loans. All students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for qualifying financial aid options prior to enrolling.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, around 99% of students entering postsecondary education for the first time at the Gulf Coast State College received some form of financial assistance. Only 4% of these students required student loan aid.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $3,496
Average Total Aid $4,989
Students Receiving Financial Aid 72%
Room & Board $9,378

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $2,370
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $8,633
  • Books and Supplies - $1,056
  • Room & Board - $9,378
  • Other - $4,008

Popular Academic Programs at GCSC


The institution offers flexibility with traditional classes, online courses, continuing education, and professional training courses. Classes are offered at convenient times and in multiple locations, including Tyndall Air Force Base, the North Bay Campus in Southport, and the Gulf/Franklin Campus in Port St. Joe. Students can choose from a variety of programs, including bachelor’s programs in digital media, organizational management, nursing, and technology management, as well as 75 associate degree transfer tracks, 27 Associate of Science degree programs, and 44 technical, postsecondary adult vocational, and college credit certificates.

Areas of study include:

  • Business, Technology, and Culinary
  • Health Sciences
  • Language and Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Public Safety
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Wellness and Athletics

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students who began their studies in fall 2016 was 38%. This includes the percent of students completing their degree or certificate programs within 150% of standard time, which is approximately three years for associate degrees and six years for bachelor’s degrees. Most students strive to graduate within two to four years. However, the institution’s transfer-out rate was 43%, meaning that many of the students who didn’t graduate from this institution may still have graduated from another school that accepts transfers.

Gulf Coast State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The institution is permitted to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Student Population Total


Student Population 4,797

Undergraduate
4,797
Graduate
0
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 27 Total Graduates / 37%
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other 27 Graduates
All Health Professions and Related Majors 27 Total Graduates / 37%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 27 Graduates
All Computer and Information Sciences Majors 10 Total Graduates / 14%
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other 10 Graduates
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services 9 Total Graduates / 12%
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects 9 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 0%

Outcome & Salary


Gulf Coast State College’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness publishes operational reports and strategic planning documents regularly. This office also manages surveys conducted by the institution. The most recent graduation survey was administered in the spring of 2019. When asked whether they would recommend the college to others, over 98% of participants affirmed that they would. Regarding employment preparation, however, students were less positive. Only 56.5% felt that Gulf Coast State College significantly prepared them for employment after graduation. However, the college is committed to supporting the success of their alumni. Gulf Coast State College’s Alumni Association serves graduates in pursuit of their careers.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $40,200
College Grads Average Salary $54,079
College Grads Mid Career Salary $56,800
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $540,790
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,108,790
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $13,984
10 Year Projected ROI $526,806
20 Year Projected ROI $1,094,806
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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