Gulf Coast Community College is the first public two-year institution to open after the 1957 Florida Legislature established a statewide network of community colleges. Located in Panama City on Florida's Emerald Coast, Gulf Coast is one of 28 public community colleges in the state, all located within commuting distance of 96 percent of the population.

The college provides many opportunities for learning and offers a range of programs and services to help students become well-educated, productive citizens. The college is equally dedicated to collaborating with the community to help create or improve economic well-being and to offer the space of the college for social dialog, events of art and culture, and other moments that enhance our quality of life.

You can choose distance education or "hybrid" classes that can fit your schedule. Our "E-courses" are for those whose busy lives don’t allow them to come to campus for classes. That’s why, we offer the same high-quality classes for which your college is known, with far fewer students per section than other institutions offering online courses. Be sure, you'll get the one-on-one support and guidance from your instructors that you need to succeed. Currently, GCCC offers a selection of distance learning classes leading to the Associate of Arts degree.
 
Gulf Coast Community College is fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As an "open door" institution, it accepts applicants who possess a standard high school diploma or the equivalent (a state-issued equivalence certificate or diploma).

The college provides first-class education. This commitment is evidenced by the excellent performance of GCCC graduates who transfer to a state university as well as by the high job placement rates of students in occupational programs.