GCSC vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than GCSC based on total student enrollment (6,053 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); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Gulf Coast State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gulf Coast State College 22:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

GCSC vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCSC or NSU? 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 NSU ($7,729 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 14% lower than at Gulf Coast State College ($11,591 vs. $13,482).
• Norfolk State University is 329.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCSC (about $7,810 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $2,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 151.1% higher at NSU than at Gulf Coast State College (about $13,047 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,635.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gulf Coast State College than at Norfolk State University (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 139.2% larger than aid received by Gulf Coast State College students ($15,056 vs. $6,295).

GCSC vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• Gulf Coast State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCSC - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

GCSC vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCSC and NSU? 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 Norfolk State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than GCSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gulf Coast State College graduates have a $22,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($9,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, GCSC graduates have an estimated $227 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($93 vs. $320).
• More GCSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (39% vs. 27%)

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.