- At Gulf Coast Community College, a comprehensive public institution, we provide high quality, affordable educational, training, and enrichment programs. We serve primarily the residents of Florida’s Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties.
School Highlights
Gulf Coast State College serves 5,426 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is higher than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 67%.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Enrollment: 5,426 students
- In-state tuition: $2,765
- Out-state tuition: $10,072
- Student-teacher ratio: 34:1
- Minority enrollment: 31%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Gulf Coast State College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 158 teachers has declined by 62% over five years.
Gulf Coast State College
(FL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
158 staff
39 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Gulf Coast State College has grown by 23% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 34:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Gulf Coast State College diversity score of 0.50 is less than the state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has grown by 10% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,426 students
1,014 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
34:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
2,107 students
559 students
# Part-Time Students
3,319 students
455 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,426 students
661 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,107 students
552 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,319 students
482 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
3%
3%
% Hispanic
8%
32%
% Black
11%
20%
% White
69%
33%
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
3%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.50
0.74
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
38%
44%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
38%
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,800
$31,500
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $2,765 is less than the state average of $3,280. The in-state tuition has grown by 16% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,072 is less than the state average of $10,578. The out-state tuition has grown by 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,765
$3,280
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,072
$10,578
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,700
$10,286
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Gulf Coast State College provides a first-class education with an emphasis on success. With some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, Gulf Coast offers over 150 programs focused on quality and practicality.The College offers four bachelor’s degrees in Digital Media, Technology Management, Nursing and Organizational Management with specializations in Entrepreneurship, Health Services Administration and Emergency Services Administration. Our students may pursue an Associate in Arts degree with 75 different transfer-tracks, workforce specific Associate in Science degrees and technical certifications, including the Educator Preparation Institute.We serve students in traditional classes, online courses, Corporate College and professional training courses with classes at convenient times and in multiple locations. In addition to the main campus in Panama City, the College holds classes at Tyndall Air Force Base, the North Bay Campus in Southport and the Gulf/Franklin Campus in Port St. Joe. The College is also recognized as one of the top-tier military friendly colleges in the country, providing a supportive environment for active duty, reservist and dependents as well as veterans. Our goal at Gulf Coast State College is simple – to offer the highest quality, accessible and affordable education and training. Our students really start here and go anywhere!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gulf Coast State College cost?
Gulf Coast State College's tuition is approximately $2,765 for In-State students and $10,072 for Out-State students.
What is Gulf Coast State College's ranking?
Gulf Coast State College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Florida for: Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Gulf Coast State College is Northwest Florida State College (50.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
100 College Boulevard E.
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 678-5111
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 678-5111
50.4 miles
Enrollment: 4,752 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 In-state tuition: $3,064 Out-state tuition: $11,373 Minority enrollment: 37%
Chipola College
Public
3094 Indian Circle
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 526-2761
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 526-2761
51.1 miles
Enrollment: 1,934 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 In-state tuition: $3,120 Out-state tuition: $8,950 Minority enrollment: 34%
Okaloosa Technical College
Public
1976 Lewis Turner Blvd
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 833-3500
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 833-3500
56.4 miles
Enrollment: 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Gadsden Technical College
Public
201 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Quincy, FL 32351
(850) 875-8324
Quincy, FL 32351
(850) 875-8324
73.7 miles
Enrollment: 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
1141 Wallace Drive
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 983-3521
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 983-3521
76.2 miles
Enrollment: 4,044 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 In-state tuition: $3,960 Out-state tuition: $7,350 Minority enrollment: 44%
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