Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,359
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,147
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $76/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,970 | $8,239 |
| 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 | $10,465 |
| 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 | $6,068 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $20,824 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $38,359 within ten years, which means their typical debt of $7,147 represents just 18% of annual income. Monthly loan payments of $76 consume only 2.4% of gross monthly earnings, making this one of the most manageable debt loads among Florida colleges. The 93.3% employment rate shows strong job placement, likely reflecting the school's focus on practical programs like nursing, business, and trades that serve Panama City's tourism and healthcare economy. Many graduates stay local, filling essential roles in hospitality, medical facilities, and small businesses. With such low debt and solid employment outcomes, Gulf Coast State delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking career-focused education.