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$2,348Tuition
6,725Students
42%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,739Earnings
Public4-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pensacola State College

Pensacola State College serves as the Gulf Coast's primary pathway to higher education and career training. The college enrolls 6,725 students across multiple campuses in the Pensacola area, operating as both a traditional community college and a four-year institution offering bachelor's degrees in select programs. Students can choose from associate degrees, certificate programs, and bachelor's degrees in nursing, education, and other high-demand fields. The college has built its reputation on affordable access to quality education since 1948.

The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly. Average net price hits just $2,254 annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in Florida. Students from low-income families pay only $1,650 per year after aid. Graduates carry a median debt load of just $7,500, with monthly loan payments averaging $80. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $36,739. The college keeps education accessible while preparing students for solid middle-class careers.

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65.47%. The Pirates compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA, supported by over $1 million in athletic scholarships for 127 student-athletes. With 94.64% of students coming from in-state, the college maintains strong ties to the local Pensacola community and regional workforce needs.

Academics & Faculty

Pensacola State College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college serves 6,725 students with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning classes can feel crowded and personal attention requires effort to seek out. Just 39% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenge many face balancing work and school. The college excels in nursing, aviation maintenance, and emergency medical services programs that connect directly to Pensacola's military and healthcare sectors. Students earn a median of $36,739 ten years after graduation with minimal debt of $7,500, making this an affordable path to middle-class careers in Northwest Florida.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
23:1
Full-Time Faculty
39.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
39.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,739
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $50,981
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $41,342
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $34,847
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $34,704
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $34,348
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $31,133
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Certificate $30,409
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. Associate $29,250
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $28,055

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Pensacola State College spreads across multiple campuses in Florida's panhandle, serving 6,725 students who are 65% women. The main campus sits in Pensacola, about 60 miles from Mobile, Alabama. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this coastal climate where winter temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees. The Pirates compete in nine NCCAA sports with 127 total athletes, though campus life revolves more around academics than athletics.

Most students commute to campus, with 94.6% coming from in-state. Weekends often mean heading to nearby Pensacola Beach or exploring the historic downtown district. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 57% white students, 20% Black students, and 10% Hispanic students. Class sizes average 23 students per faculty member, creating a community college atmosphere where professors know your name. Students balance work and school, with many taking advantage of career training programs that lead directly to local employment opportunities.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1948

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 4 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
43°–62°F
July Avg
75°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
68.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

The Pirates draw heavily from northwest Florida, with 95% of students staying close to home for affordable education. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health programs that traditionally attract female students. Over one-third qualify for Pell Grants, showing Pensacola State serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The diverse mix includes 57% white students and 20% Black students, mirroring the Gulf Coast community it serves. Most students work while attending classes part-time.
Men
34.5%
Women
65.5%
White
57.5%
Black
20.3%
Hispanic
10.1%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
94.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.0%

Location

Pensacola sits in Florida's northwestern panhandle, about 120 miles east of Mobile, Alabama. The city hugs the Gulf Coast with pristine white sand beaches and emerald waters that draw tourists year-round. Pensacola State College serves 6,725 students across multiple campuses in this beach community known for its military presence and aviation history. The area blends Southern charm with coastal living, offering both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local ties. The region's economy centers on tourism, defense contracting, and healthcare, providing internship and job opportunities for graduates. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Pensacola State College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Pensacola, Florida 32504-8998

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,739
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,353
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,800
Loan Repayment Rate
49.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$80/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pensacola State College?

Pensacola State College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 6,725 students across multiple campuses in the Pensacola area. As a community college founded in 1948, PSC focuses on providing accessible education and career training to local residents.

How much does Pensacola State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,254 annually, making PSC one of the most affordable college options in Florida. In-state tuition runs $2,348 while out-of-state students pay $9,407. About 35% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with just $7,500 in median debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pensacola State College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 23:1, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training and associate degree programs. PSC operates on a semester calendar system and serves a diverse student body that is 65% female and 95% in-state residents. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, business, and technical trades.

What are employment outcomes like for Pensacola State College graduates?

PSC graduates achieve a 90.5% employment rate, demonstrating the college's strength in career preparation. Median earnings reach $36,739 ten years after graduation, with monthly loan payments averaging just $80. The college's focus on associate degrees and professional certifications helps students enter the workforce quickly in growing fields.

Where is Pensacola State College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates multiple campuses throughout the small city of Pensacola, Florida, serving the local Gulf Coast community. With 127 student athletes competing as the Pirates in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA, PSC offers athletic opportunities alongside academics. The student body is diverse, with 57% White, 20% Black, and 10% Hispanic students.

Does Pensacola State College offer four-year degrees?

While classified as a 4-year institution, PSC primarily functions as a community college offering associate degrees and career training programs. The 39% four-year graduation rate reflects students who complete bachelor's degree programs, though many students transfer after earning associate degrees. The college's strength lies in preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.