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Gulf Coast State College

Panama City, FL·Public·3,614 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 3,614 students.

N/A
Accept
3,614
Students
$2,339
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$34,000
Earnings
10 yr
$5,500
Debt

About This School

Gulf Coast State College is a public institution located in Panama City, Florida with approximately 3,614 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $2,339 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, and the typical graduate earns $34,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Gulf Coast State College is a public college in Panama City, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida College System. It offers the Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science degree, certificates, and as of 2011, bachelor's degrees.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $2,339 per year after aid and a median graduation debt of only $5,500, this is one of the most affordable paths to a degree you'll find anywhere. That said, only 45% of students graduate, which means the low cost only pays off if you finish — worth a real conversation about your support system and commitment level before enrolling. Median earnings of $34,000 a decade out suggest this school works best as a stepping stone, whether that's transferring to a four-year university or entering a specific local trade or healthcare field where the Panama City market rewards the credential.

Founded
1957
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions38%
Computer Science3%
Business & Marketing3%
Communications2%
Visual & Performing Arts0%
Education0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Michael PapajohnJimmy PatronisTony Dawson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$2,370
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,635
Avg Net Price
$2,339
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants28%
Median debt at graduation$5,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$5,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$5,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 6.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White68%
Black13%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,614 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Gulf Coast State College

5230 West U.S. Highway 98

Panama City, FL 32401

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Florida

Browse all Florida schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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