Athens State University vs. GCSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Athens State University in Athens, AL with Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gulf Coast State College is larger than Athens State University based on total student enrollment (5,426 students vs. 2,986 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Gulf Coast State College is in Panama City, FL (Small City setting).
• Athens State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Athens State University 14:1; Gulf Coast State College 22:1.

Athens State University vs. GCSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Athens State University or GCSC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Gulf Coast State College and Athens State University ($2,370.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between GCSC and Athens State University ($8,635.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at Athens State University (91% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. GCSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or GCSC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GCSC and Athens State University.

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; GCSC - Open admission.

Athens State University vs. GCSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and GCSC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Athens State University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $9,534 lower median loan debt than Athens State University graduates ($9,000 vs. $18,534).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Athens State University graduates ($93 vs. $191).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCSC students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 39%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.