GCSC vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Gulf Coast State College is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (5,426 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gulf Coast State College is located in Panama City, FL (Small City setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; Life University 15:1.

GCSC vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or Life 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 Life University ($7,729 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gulf Coast State College are 9.2% lower than at Life University ($13,482 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 534.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $12,666 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.1% higher at Life University than at Gulf Coast State College (about $6,401 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at Life University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 79.4% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($11,292 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCSC or Life 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 Life University and GCSC.

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLife University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLife University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; Life University - Test optional.

GCSC vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and Life 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 Life University earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $666 lower median loan debt than GCSC graduates ($8,334 vs. $9,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GCSC graduates ($86 vs. $93).
• More GCSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (39% vs. 33%)

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.