GCSC vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Jackson State University is larger than GCSC based on total student enrollment (6,326 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); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

GCSC vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or Jackson State University? 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 Jackson State University ($7,729 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gulf Coast State College are 6% lower than at Jackson State University ($13,482 vs. $14,341).
• Jackson State University is 278.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $6,595 more per year; $8,965.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.6% higher at Jackson State University than at Gulf Coast State College (about $3,330 more per year; $11,965.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at Jackson State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Jackson State University students is 33.2% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($8,386 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

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

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.

GCSC vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and Jackson State University? 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 Jackson State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,800 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $20,000 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($9,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $206 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($93 vs. $299).
• More GCSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (39% vs. 36%)

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.