GCSC vs. Polytechnic University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL with Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando in Orlando, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gulf Coast State College is larger than Polytechnic University based on total student enrollment (5,426 students vs. 127 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gulf Coast State College is located in Panama City, FL (Small City setting); Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando is in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando 5:1.

GCSC vs. Polytechnic University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic University ($7,729 vs. $16,577).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando are 5.2% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($12,781 vs. $13,482).
• Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando is 513.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $12,177 more per year; $14,547.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.5% higher at Polytechnic University than at Gulf Coast State College (about $5,912 more per year; $14,547.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando students is 2.2% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($6,434 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. Polytechnic University Admissions comparison

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

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; Polytechnic University - Open admission.

GCSC vs. Polytechnic University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than Polytechnic University graduates ($9,000 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Polytechnic University graduates ($93 vs. $201).
• More Polytechnic University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCSC students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.