GCSC vs. University of West Florida

Comparable Facts

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

University of West Florida is larger than GCSC based on total student enrollment (14,822 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); University of West Florida is in Pensacola, FL (Small City setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of West Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; University of West Florida 22:1.

GCSC vs. University of West Florida Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or University of West Florida? 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 University of West Florida ($7,729 vs. $10,092).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Florida are 7.8% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($12,432 vs. $13,482).
• University of West Florida is 168.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $3,990 more per year; $6,360.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.8% higher at University of West Florida than at Gulf Coast State College (about $10,606 more per year; $19,241.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at University of West Florida (91% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Florida students is 52.4% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($9,595 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. University of West Florida Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCSC or University of West Florida? 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 University of West Florida and GCSC.

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of West Florida 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of West Florida 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; University of West Florida - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Florida Jun 1, 2027.

GCSC vs. University of West Florida Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and University of West Florida? 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 University of West Florida earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than University of West Florida graduates ($9,000 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Florida graduates ($93 vs. $193).
• More University of West Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCSC students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.