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Charles Hilton Center

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go anywhere.

Whether you have a career in mind or you’re just starting to explore your path, Gulf Coast State College can help you get where you want to be. Start your journey at one of the best state colleges in Florida for affordability, accessibility, and ultimately student success.

WHERE WILL GCSC TAKE YOU?

Get valuable career training in the field you’re passionate about. Learn a new skill to advance in your current job. Earn credits toward higher education at other top colleges in Florida. Whatever your goal, you can reach it at Gulf Coast State College.

Choose Your Pathways

GCSC pathways: Helping you define your career path.

Not sure which Gulf Coast State degree program is right for you?

Explore by pathway—choose the group of fields or industries that best aligns with your interests, strengths, or goals.

EXPLORE GCSC BY LOCATION

Take courses or earn your Gulf Coast State College degree where it works best for you. As one of the most affordable state colleges in Florida and offering four locations and online options, GCSC is ready to meet you, wherever you are on your path.

Explore by Location

  • Panama City
Panama City Campus
Panama City

Located next to the water in Panama City, Florida, Gulf Coast State College is ready to provide you a first-class education with an emphasis on success. With some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, Gulf Coast offers you a variety of options focused on quality and practicality.

Learn More

Why Gulf Coast State College?

Summer is Coming 2024

Registration for the Summer 2024 semester opens April 1

Get ready to DIVE IN and complete credits this summer!  Registration for our Summer 2024 semester opens  Monday, April 1, 2024.

New students can get started at gulfcoast.edu/admissions.

Get Started Today!

Kids at Beach

Affordable. Accessible. Attainable.

At GCSC, a college education is truly within your reach. In addition to our flexible course formats, easy application process, and personalized student support, we work to keep our tuition rates among the lowest for community colleges in Florida.

Discover GCSC

Our Mission

Charles Hilton Center

Enjoy a Rich, Dynamic Campus Life.

Whether you’re interested in arts and culture, athletics, history, social justice, or academic competitions, you’ll find your place at GCSC. Catch a Gulf Coast NJCAA ball game. Show off your smarts in the Brain Bowl. Join a kickball or ping-pong team. These are just a few of your options—and part of what sets GCSC apart from other colleges in Florida.

Campus Life

Schedule a Tour

Purple Star

GCSC is a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus

The Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus recognition signifies Gulf Coast State College's ongoing dedication to maintain an educational community that values and supports  military students and their families.  

Senior Night

GCSC is celebrating local high school seniors!

GCSC is  celebrating local high school seniors during  Senior Night 2024! 

Come out and explore what GCSC has to offer, and enjoy food, music, games, and giveaways sponsored by the GCSC Foundation.

Students who preregister, have a chance to win  big prizes. 

Click here to register

What's Happening at GCSC

19:1
Ratio of Gulf Coast State College students to Gulf Coast State College teachers
Receive the personalized attention you deserve in a college setting and work with respected, dedicated faculty. Learn more about how GCSC helps you succeed.
98.6%
of GCSC students recommend Gulf Coast State College degrees, pathways, and programs.
Experience the reasons alumni continually recognize Gulf Coast State College: outstanding student support, affordable tuition , and career preparation.
91%
of students are either hired or continuing their education within their field of study within 1 year of graduation from Gulf Coast State College.
Realize your potential—in your career, education, or passion. Our pathway navigators will be your guide along the way.

Izzy Denton
"GCSC has taught me to fight adversity and prove the odds wrong. Even though the time was short, I will forever be thankful for my time here. I could not have achieved the awards I have without my fantastic team and coaches. They are the baseline for the whole team’s success. We, as a team made a big name for ourselves, and I know that will continue in the following season."
Izzy Denton
Volleyball Player and General Studies, A.A. student
Jim Lewandowski
“Gulf Coast State College gave me the educational foundation and confidence to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. I started my education in the Florida panhandle and continued in North Dakota."
Jim Lewandowski
Biology A.A. graduate
Allie Smith
"Gulf Coast allowed me to create so many new opportunities. I started at Gulf Coast as a student. I now work a full-time position and go to school here. I received my A.A. and now I am working towards my bachelor's degree with an expected graduation date of summer 2024. Being a student has allowed me to have a deeper connection with the students I work with. Gulf Coast has allowed me to not only learn, but to grow. I have made many friends along with great connections."
Alexzandrea "Allie" Smith, GCSC Graduation Specialist
Samantha Snow
“GCSC offered relevant courses that prepared me for a university workload and the same core classes at half the price. GCSC has always been accommodating to my personal needs, which made for an easy transfer and an overall great experience!"
Samantha Snow
Veterinary Medicine A.A. graduate
Adam Bleday
“My time at GCSC was a positive experience. I am grateful for the small class sizes and the professors who mentored and prepared me with a good foundation for the next level of learning."
Adam Bleday
General Studies, A.A graduate
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Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.