GCSC vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than GCSC based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 5,426 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gulf Coast State College is located in Panama City, FL (Small City setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

GCSC vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State ($7,729 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 13.1% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($11,720 vs. $13,482).
• Columbus State University is 148.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $3,528 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.9% higher at Columbus State than at Gulf Coast State College (about $8,975 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at Columbus State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbus State University students is 43% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($9,003 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCSC or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State and GCSC.

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsColumbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsColumbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.

GCSC vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and Columbus State? 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 Columbus State University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $17,000 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($9,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $175 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($93 vs. $268).
• More GCSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (39% vs. 37%)

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.