Gulf Coast State College | Gulf Coast Guarantee

free funds to help you reach your educational goals!

Getting this money is easy as 1...2...3...

STEP 1

Apply to Gulf Coast State College

APPLY NOW

STEP 2

*Must enroll in at least 12 credit hours.

Contact Academic Advising

View College Catalog

STEP 3

Receive the Gulf Coast Guarantee

$700 per semester ($2,800 total)

*This is an estimated 60% off the cost of our tuition for 12 credit-hours!

How do I apply for the Gulf Coast Guarantee?

You don’t have to. We’ll use the information provided in your application for admission to GCSC along with your high school transcript to verify eligibility.

Will I have to pay this money back?

No. The Gulf Coast Guarantee is not a loan and will not have to be repaid.

How much money will I get through the Gulf Coast Guarantee?

$1,400 per year for 2 years – which could pay up to 60% of your tuition & fees, depending on how many credit hours you take.

What if I qualify for other financial aid like the Pell Grant or Bright Futures?

You will still get the Gulf Coast Guarantee!

The Gulf Coast Guarantee is a “first-dollar” program. This means that being awarded other aid does NOT impact your eligibility for the GC Guarantee. Some grants and scholarships only pay if there’s still a balance after all other sources of aid have been applied, but that is not how the Gulf Coast Guarantee works.

What if my parents make too much money for me to qualify for financial aid?

You will still get the Gulf Coast Guarantee!

The Gulf Coast Guarantee does not have an income threshold, so your family’s income doesn’t matter.

Do I have to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify?

No, your eligibility for the Gulf Coast Guarantee is not based on the FAFSA. However, we do highly encourage students to complete the FAFSA every year, as they may be eligible for additional sources of financial aid.

When must I attend GCSC to receive the Gulf Coast Guarantee?

You must enroll in the fall semester immediately following graduation.

How many classes do I have to take to receive the Gulf Coast Guarantee?

You must be enrolled in a minimum of 12.0 credit hours (full-time status) to receive the Gulf Coast Guarantee.

How long am I eligible to receive the Gulf Coast Guarantee?

Four semesters, or two years, as long as you continue to enroll in at least 12.0 credit hours and meet the renewal criteria following the first spring semester.

How do I keep receiving the Gulf Coast Guarantee?

You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 and successfully complete (grade of “D” or better) a full-time course load (24 credit hours) in the academic year funded. Renewal will be evaluated after each spring semester. Students who fail to meet renewal criteria due to illness, death in the family, or other special circumstances may submit an appeal request.

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact our Financial Aid Department

"With work, practice, and classes, it can be very difficult. But the Gulf Coast Guarantee has taken the worry off of my shoulders, and I don't have to worry about money as much."

Sarah Livingstone, Arnold High School Graduate

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

"The Guarantee has helped pay for my books and other resources that I need for school. It has also helped me take some time off from work and just really focus on school."

Soverin Tyson, Mosley High School Graduate

Computer Science Program

"The Gulf Coast Guarantee has helped me in more ways than I can imagine! With this support, I am able to focus on nursing school and dedicate my full attention towards getting my degree"

Ragan Helmlinger, Franklin County Virtual School Graduate

Practical Nursing Program

"The Guarantee has helped me concentrate my focus onto just the education portion of school rather than having to worry about worrying if I can pay for school or not."

Maleah Scott, Bay High School Graduate

Psychology Program