GCSC vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than GCSC based on total student enrollment (16,291 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); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

GCSC vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or WKU? 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 WKU ($7,729 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 6.7% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($12,582 vs. $13,482).
• Western Kentucky University is 391.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $9,282 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 212.7% higher at WKU than at Gulf Coast State College (about $18,365 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Gulf Coast State College (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 73.5% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($10,921 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.

GCSC vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $15,250 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($9,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $157 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($93 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCSC students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.