Public Institution

Gulf Coast State College — Panama City, Florida

Compare Visit Website
Annual Tuition $2,370

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 3,614

Active Students

Avg. Salary $38,359

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Panama City, Florida
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 5/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Gulf Coast State College stands as a pillar of higher education in Panama City, providing a robust academic foundation for 3,614 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Gulf Coast State College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Gulf Coast State College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
40%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
37.9%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
8.7%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
3.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
2.8%

Enrollment Share

Culinary & Personal
2.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Culinary & Personal College

The Culinary & Personal program at Gulf Coast State College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Gulf Coast State College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Gulf Coast State College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 34.8%
Women Enrollment 65.2%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Gulf Coast State College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Gulf Coast State College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Gulf Coast State College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $2,370
Out-of-State Tuition $8,635

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 27.6%
Median Student Debt $7,147

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $2,370, graduates see a median starting salary of $38,359, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Florida.

What salary can Gulf Coast State College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $38,359

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 44.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $2,339
Median Salary (6yr) $33,651
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City?

3,614 Students

Gender Comparison

34.8% Men
65.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.7%
Pacific Islander
0%
Asian
3.4%
Black
12.5%
White
68%
Unknown
1.1%
Hispanic
8.1%
Two or More Races
5.5%
International
0.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 25
🎓
First-Generation 48.9%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 87.8%
🎖️
Veterans 1.4%
💍
Married Students 18.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $48,565
Average Family Income $29,691
Median Family Income $22,880

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

37.2%
62.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Panama City Campus Environment

Located at 5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Gulf Coast State College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Florida. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Gulf Coast State College compare?

Direct Comparison Gulf Coast State College vs Tom P. Haney Technical College →

Common Questions about Gulf Coast State College

Is Gulf Coast State College a good college in Panama City, Florida?
Gulf Coast State College is a recognized institution in Panama City with an enrollment of 3,614 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Florida based on Department of Education data.
Is Gulf Coast State College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Gulf Coast State College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $38,359. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Gulf Coast State College cost for Florida residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Gulf Coast State College is approximately $2,370. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $8,635. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Gulf Coast State College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Gulf Coast State College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 87.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Gulf Coast State College good for Humanities and Health Professions programs?
Gulf Coast State College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Gulf Coast State College?
Graduates of Gulf Coast State College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $38,359, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Gulf Coast State College?
Gulf Coast State College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Gulf Coast State College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Gulf Coast State College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Gulf Coast State College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Gulf Coast State College earn a median salary of $38,359 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Gulf Coast State College a good investment compared to other FL colleges?
Gulf Coast State College stands out as a high-value investment in Florida. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Gulf Coast State College located and what is the campus like?
Gulf Coast State College is located at 5230 West U.S. Highway 98 in Panama City, FL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 3,614 learners.
Who typically attends Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL?
The student body at Gulf Coast State College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 48.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Florida

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Gulf Coast State College with other leading institutions in Florida across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Panama City

Degrees & Research Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Professional Training Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Career Opportunities Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Affordable Tuition Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Accredited Programs Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Leading Schools Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
International Support Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Community Colleges Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete

Looking for similar schools in Florida?

Our intelligence engine has audited 6,400+ institutions to find the best matches for your career goals.

View State Rankings →