At $2,339/yr net price, Gulf Coast State College graduates earn $38,359/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,359/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,339 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,356 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,359/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,359/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,147 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,430/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,935/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,860/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,957/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,927/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
44.8% of students at Gulf Coast State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Gulf Coast State College delivers strong value with a net price of just $2,339 annually, making it one of the most affordable pathways to career advancement in Florida. Your median debt of $7,147 stays remarkably low while nursing graduates earn $54,970 within ten years of graduation.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture at Gulf Coast, with graduates consistently earning above $50,000 annually. Dental support services and allied health programs also perform well, with earnings ranging from $43,000 to $47,000. These healthcare-focused programs align perfectly with Panama City's medical facilities and the broader Gulf Coast healthcare market.
The school's 45% graduation rate presents the primary financial risk. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, which can leave you with debt but no credential. This risk is particularly acute if you're considering programs outside the strong healthcare track record.
Gulf Coast works best if you're pursuing healthcare careers and need an affordable entry point. The nursing program offers legitimate career training at a fraction of traditional four-year costs. You're also well-positioned if you're a working adult who can take advantage of the flexible scheduling many community colleges offer.
Skip Gulf Coast if you're seeking traditional four-year degree programs with broad career applications. The limited program offerings and modest overall earnings median of $38,359 suggest you'd find better returns at complete universities for non-healthcare fields.
Only 28% of students receive financial aid, likely because the base cost is already so low that many don't qualify for need-based assistance. This actually works in your favor since you'll avoid the aid application complexity while still accessing rock-bottom tuition rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gulf Coast State College worth the money?
Gulf Coast State College offers strong value with a low net price of $2,339 per year and minimal debt burden of $7,147. The nursing and healthcare programs show solid earning potential, with registered nursing graduates earning around $55,000 annually.
What are the highest paying programs at Gulf Coast State College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Gulf Coast State College, with registered nursing graduates earning $54,970 annually. Dental support services ($46,673) and allied health programs ($43,000-$44,000) also provide decent returns on investment.
How much debt do Gulf Coast State College graduates have?
Gulf Coast State College graduates carry a median debt of just $7,147, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low tuition cost helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Gulf Coast State College?
Gulf Coast State College has a 44.8% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't finish their programs. Students should have clear career goals and take advantage of support services to improve their chances of completing their degree.