Edward Waters University vs. GCSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL 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 Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (5,426 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); Gulf Coast State College is in Panama City, FL (Small City setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; Gulf Coast State College 22:1.

Edward Waters University vs. GCSC Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Gulf Coast State College than Edward Waters University ($7,729 vs. $12,029).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Edward Waters University are 36.4% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($8,571 vs. $13,482).
• Edward Waters University is 590.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $13,996 more per year; $16,366.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.5% higher at Edward Waters University than at Gulf Coast State College (about $7,731 more per year; $16,366.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Edward Waters University than at Gulf Coast State College (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Edward Waters University students is 131.7% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($14,588 vs. $6,295).

Edward Waters University vs. GCSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University.

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; GCSC - Open admission.

Edward Waters University vs. GCSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters 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 Gulf Coast State College earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,000 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More GCSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (39% vs. 14%)

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.