GCSC vs. UWSP

Comparable Facts

Compare Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL with University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in Stevens Point, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point is larger than GCSC based on total student enrollment (8,233 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 Wisconsin Stevens Point is in Stevens Point, WI (Distant Town setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; University of Wisconsin Stevens Point 21:1.

GCSC vs. UWSP Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or UWSP? 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 UWSP ($7,729 vs. $14,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point are 34.7% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($8,800 vs. $13,482).
• University of Wisconsin Stevens Point is 300.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $7,118 more per year; $9,488.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.3% higher at UWSP than at Gulf Coast State College (about $9,873 more per year; $18,508.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (91% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gulf Coast State College students is 25.5% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Stevens Point students ($6,295 vs. $5,014).

GCSC vs. UWSP Admissions comparison

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

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Wisconsin Stevens Point 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; UWSP - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UWSP Sep 1, 2026.

GCSC vs. UWSP Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and UWSP? 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 Wisconsin Stevens Point earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $15,360 lower median loan debt than UWSP graduates ($9,000 vs. $24,360).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $158 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UWSP graduates ($93 vs. $251).
• More UWSP graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCSC students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.