Gulf Coast State College: $2,370 Tuition

$2,370Tuition

3,614Students

45%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,359Earnings

Public4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Gulf Coast State College

Gulf Coast State College serves 3,614 students in Panama City, a beach town that draws both locals and students seeking affordable education near the Gulf of Mexico. This community college has built a reputation as a practical stepping stone for students who want to start their college journey without breaking the bank. Most students come from Florida (94.92% are in-state), and the campus attracts more women than men (65.16% female). The school focuses on career preparation and transfer programs, helping students either enter the workforce quickly or continue to four-year universities.

The financial picture makes Gulf Coast appealing to budget-conscious families. In-state tuition runs just $2,370, and after financial aid, students typically pay only $2,339 per year. Students from low-income families (earning under $30,000) pay even less at $1,430 annually. Graduates leave with a median debt of just $7,147, far below the national average. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings hit $38,359, which means most students can manage their modest loan payments of $76 per month. For students seeking immediate career entry, the employment rate reaches 93.3%.

The Commodores compete in five NJCAA sports with 77 total athletes sharing over $1 million in athletic scholarships. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for a community college setting.

Academics & Faculty

Gulf Coast State College serves as a stepping stone for students who want to save money on their first two years or need extra support to succeed in college. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small enough for professors to know your name, which helps explain why 44.8% of students graduate within six years despite many working part-time jobs. The school offers strong programs in nursing, aviation maintenance, and marine technology that prepare students for jobs in Panama City's tourism and military sectors. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees, while others jump straight into careers with technical certificates that Florida employers actively recruit.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 60.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 41.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,359

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,970
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$50,270
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$46,673
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$43,798
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,240
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$39,729
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$34,847
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,420
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$20,824

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

Gulf Coast State College sits in Panama City, about 100 miles from Tallahassee along Florida's Emerald Coast. The campus feels more like a large high school than a traditional college, with 3,614 students spread across modern buildings and palm-lined walkways. You'll need sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats, as temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees even in January. Beach lovers have it made here, with sugar-white sand beaches just minutes away.

With 65% women and 95% in-state students, the campus has a tight-knit, local feel where many students already know each other from high school. Most students commute from nearby Panama City or surrounding counties, so weekends often empty out as people head home or to the beach. The 77 student athletes (across 5 sports) help create some school spirit, but this isn't a rah-rah college atmosphere. Students here are practical, often working part-time jobs while earning their degrees affordably before transferring to four-year schools or entering the workforce in tourism, healthcare, or business.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–62°F
July Avg: 76°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Gulf Coast State College draws students who want to stay close to home while getting their education, with 95% coming from Florida. The student body is about two-thirds women, which reflects the school's strong programs in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract more female students. Many students come from working-class backgrounds, as shown by the 28% who qualify for Pell Grants. This is a college that serves the local Panama City community, giving residents an affordable path to either transfer to a four-year school or enter the workforce directly.

Men: 34.8%
Women: 65.2%
White: 68.0%
Black: 12.5%
Hispanic: 8.1%
Asian: 3.4%
In-State Students: 94.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.6%

Location

Gulf Coast State College sits in Panama City, a coastal community of about 36,000 people in Florida's Panhandle. The school is roughly 100 miles southeast of Tallahassee and 150 miles northwest of Gainesville. Panama City sits along the Gulf of Mexico, giving students access to white sand beaches and water activities year-round. The area draws tourists during spring break and summer months, creating seasonal job opportunities for students. With 94.92% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Florida's beach culture before arriving. The region combines small-town living with coastal recreation, though it lacks the urban amenities found in larger Florida cities. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Gulf Coast State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Panama City, Florida 32401

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,359
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,040
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $76/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,147

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Gulf Coast State College?

Gulf Coast State College maintains an open-access admission policy as a community college, meaning all students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The college serves 3,614 students with a focus on providing accessible higher education to the Panama City community. About 95% of students come from Florida, reflecting its role as a local educational center.

How much does Gulf Coast State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $2,339 annually, making Gulf Coast one of Florida's most affordable college options. In-state tuition runs $2,370 while out-of-state students pay $8,635. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,430 net price, demonstrating the college's commitment to accessibility.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gulf Coast State College?

The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. Gulf Coast emphasizes practical, career-focused education with strong ties to local industries. The college operates on a semester system and serves as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Gulf Coast State College?

Gulf Coast achieves a 44.8% six-year graduation rate with graduates earning a median salary of $38,359 ten years after enrollment. The college boasts an impressive 93.3% employment rate among graduates. Students typically carry low debt loads with a median of just $7,147 and manageable monthly loan payments of $76.

Where is Gulf Coast State College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Panama City, a small coastal city known for its beaches and tourism industry. Women make up about 65% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. The Commodores compete in five NJCAA sports with 77 total athletes receiving over $1 million in athletic scholarships.

Does Gulf Coast State College offer good financial aid opportunities?

About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a significant population of low-income students who benefit from federal aid. Only 16% receive institutional grants averaging $5,648, but the college's low sticker price means most students graduate with minimal debt. The federal loan rate sits at just 6.37%, much lower than typical four-year institutions.