Seminole Pathway FAQ

Office of Admissions

Panama City Seminole Pathway Students

Experience Florida State quality education with smaller class sizes, one-on-one attention, and incomparable value. Become a Seminole by the Bay! At FSU Panama City students are our priority and admissions is here to guide every step of the way. Check out our Promise

Q: What is the Seminole Pathways Program?

A select number of students will be offered an opportunity to join us on the Tallahassee campus after completing one of these four pathways: FSU-Panama City Pathway, First Semester Abroad Pathway, First Year Abroad Pathway, and Spring Transfer Pathway. Detailed information about these pathways can be found at FSU Admissions | First-Year | Decisions. The Office of Admissions selects the students for the Seminole Pathways Program from summer and fall applicants and decisions are based upon academic profile and interests.

Q: Does FSU Panama City have residential living?

Yes! On-campus housing is located along the bay just steps away from your classes. Seminole Landing is an on-campus luxury apartment community for undergraduate and graduate students attending FSU Panama City and Gulf Coast State College. Apartments will feature one, two and 4-bedroom floor plans in a variety of layouts. The apartments are fully furnished, and include an in-unit washer and dryer, vinyl plank wood flooring, granite countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and TV service. Outside of their units, students get amazing views of the St. Andrews Bay, access to a 24/7 gym, a resident lounge and coffee bar, an infinity edge pool equipped with a jumbotron, and study rooms on every floor.

Q: What programs are offered at FSU PC?

FSU Panama City offers a diverse selection of undergraduate degree programs that combine hands-on learning, internships and research to engage students. Students can further tailor a degree by adding a minor or certificate

Q: What if I don’t see my program?

Don’t see your major listed? Don't worry! FSU Panama City offers the general education courses and electives students need to complete their liberal studies requirements.

Q: Where is the campus located? 

The Panama City campus was founded in the fall of 1982 as a regional campus of Florida State University at 4750 Collegiate Drive. The bay front, 25-acre campus is only a few minutes away from Panama City Beach.

Q: What is student life like? 

Our campus offers a number of student activities including campus celebrations, co-curricular opportunities, cultural events, and wellness activities. Student life and campus involvement creates unique ways to apply classroom learning to real world experiences, share common interests and goals, and build a network of personal and professional connections. Here are some ways to get involved:

  • Registered Student Organizations: Student involvement allows students to share common goals and interests for a well-rounded University experience. As a member, you can strengthen your leadership skills by serving as an officer or project leader. You may also contribute as an active member to the goals and mission of your organization.
  • Student Government Council (SGC): SGC provides representation for students at Florida State University Panama City within the university structure and serves as a liaison between the student body and administration. The purpose of SGC is to provide students with an opportunity to participate in campus decision-making processes, enhance student life, serve as a forum for student concerns, and represent students within the Student Government Association. RSOs and SGC involvement offer students the opportunity to become a campus leader and collaborate, create and coordinate events and programs. 
  • Campus Ministry Association: CMA is a partnership of local faith-based organizations providing religious services, resources, and information for students of all faiths.
  • Outdoor Recreation and Intramural Sports: Outside the classroom, the campus boasts of plenty of opportunities for recreation and intramural sports with limitless possibilities to make your college experience your own. We also have a partnership with the city for intramural sports participation in kickball, softball, and basketball.
  • Seminole Commodore Alliance: The Seminole-Commodore Alliance (SCA) is a collaboration between FSU Panama City and Gulf Coast State College, which is just across the street. The SCA provides additional opportunities to enhance student engagement at both campuses and allows students full access to campus amenities. 
  • Seminole Hall: Located on the first floor of the Barron Building, Seminole Hall serves as the campuses student union. A common area to wind down, play pool, watch the game and enjoy being a Seminole.

Q: What resources are available on campus? 

  • Peer TutoringWhether you are stuck on a specific problem or need help writing a paper, our faculty recommended Peer Tutors are here to help. 

Tutoring services are currently offered in the following areas: chemistry, electrical and computer engineering, English/writing, math, physics and biology.
If the course or subject areas you need support in are not listed, you can arrange a tutor through the academic advising and student success team to arrange a tutor. To request remote tutoring through the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) on the Tallahassee campus, visit ACE’s tutoring page.

  • Career Services: The FSU Career Center provides services to students virtually and in-person, including career advising, mock interviews, resume and cover letter critique, job and internship searches, and mentorships.
  • The Counseling Center at FSU PC: College can be filled with new and enriching experiences but can also present a variety of challenges in your personal, social, emotional, and professional life. The Counseling Center is here to help you overcome challenges, attain your life goals, and enhance your personal growth, making the most of your time here at FSU.
  • The Dr. and Mrs. James T. Cook Library and Learning Center: Students have anytime-from-anywhere access to all the FSU Libraries’ electronic collections; instant access to our local print collection; and express delivery of physical items from the other FSU Libraries via daily courier.
  • Student Disability Services: Advocating for students with disabilities, SDS provides accommodations for students with a variety of abilities and needs.
  • John and Gail Robbins Center for Academic Excellence and Innovation:"The Robbins Center" houses the Digital Design Studio, the Idea Space and Peer Tutoring. The center serves as a common space, open to all students who are interested in learning innovative design and technology, experimenting with an augmented reality lab or collaborating in a study room.

Q: How much does it cost?

FSU Panama City undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students enrolled in 13 credit hours for fall or spring is $4,690.00.  For information related to the estimated cost of attendance and the budgets used for the purpose of awarding financial aid, visit the FSU Office of Financial Aid.

FSU Panama City offers an affordable tuition rate. Our in-state rate is $180.49 per credit hour and out-of-state is $686.04 per credit hour. Students who live in lower Alabama and Georgia, may also qualify for our special out-of-state rate of $200.49 per credit hour. That is only $20 more per credit hour if you live in one of the following counties:

  • Alabama: Baldwin, Barbour, Butler, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Mobile, Monroe, Pike and Washington
  • Georgia: Baker, Decatur, Early, Miller and Seminole

Please keep in mind that our special out-of-state rate is only available for those who apply to FSU Panama City.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships?

Yes, FSU Panama City offers a number of scholarship opportunities. 

  • The FSU PC Promise Scholarship provides students whose total family income is $60000 or less and are Pell eligible free tuition and fees.
  • Merit-based transfer scholarships are automatically awarded to qualifying transfer students who have earned their AA from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • FSU Foundation scholarships are based on financial need, merit, and/or community service. The process of applying is simple. Complete one of our general foundation applications and tell us a little about yourself. Do not forget about the deadlines, and we will take care of the rest. If you meet the criteria and funds are available, our scholarship committee will match you to the scholarships that best match your profile.

To apply for scholarships, please visit Financial Aid and Scholarships. As a reminder, students should complete both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 FASFA applications to ensure eligibility.

Q: What are my transportation options?

Currently student parking is free, close to classes and residence hall, and easily found. Students walk, ride bikes, and navigate the pedestrian-friendly campus with ease.
Public transportation is provided in partnership with BayWay Trolley through the Garnet and GO! program. Students ride free with a valid FSUID to areas throughout Panama City and Panama City Beach.

Q: Is there food on campus?

Sandy Spear Bayside Dining is located in the Bland Conference Center right behind the Holley Academic Center and right next to Seminole Landing. While a dining plan is not available or required, students have the option to load refillable gift cards to utilize at the Sandy Spear and keep track of how much they are spending. 

 Q: Can I buy FSU Athletic event tickets as a FSU Panama City Student? 

All tickets to FSU athletic events (basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, etc.) are available to students at the student price. FSU Panama City students may opt in to paying the FSU athletic fee to receive lottery tickets for FSU Football games.

Q: What should I know about residency for tuition purposes? 

Under Florida law, being a legal Florida resident does not automatically qualify you for in-state tuition. A "Florida resident for tuition purposes" is a person who has, or a dependent person whose parent, legal guardian, or spouse has established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least twelve months prior to the first day of the term. Please Note: Students, who depend on out-of-state parents for support, are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.

Home ownership does not automatically qualify you for Florida residency for tuition purposes. Residence in Florida must be as a bona fide domicile rather than for the purpose of maintaining a residence incident to enrollment at an institution of higher education. Owning property in Florida, while residing in another state, will not of its own merit meet residency requirements.

The determination of dependent or independent student status is important because it is the basis for whether the student has to submit his/her/their own documentation for residency (as an independent) or his/her/their parent's or guardian's documentation of residency (as a dependent).

An independent student must meet the following criteria the determination of residency for tuition purposes:

  • The student is 24 years of age prior to the start of the term for which residency is sought;
  • The student is married;
  • The student has children and/or other dependents who receive more than half of their support from the student;
  • The student is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training;
  • Both of the student's parents are deceased or the student is or was (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court;
  • The student is working on a master's or doctoral degree during the term for which residency status is sought at a Florida institution;
  • The student is classified as independent by the FSU Office of Financial Aid.

A student who does not meet any of the criteria outlined above may be classified as an independent student only if he, she or they submits documentation that he or she provides fifty (50) percent or more of the cost of attendance for independent, in-state students as defined by the Office of Financial Aid at Florida State University (exclusive of federal, state, and institutional aid or scholarships).

A dependent student are all other students who do not meet the above definition of an independent student for the determination of residency for tuition purposes.


For more information about the FSU Panama City Seminole Pathway program, please call the Office of Admissions and Records at (850) 770-2160 or email admissions@pc.fsu.edu.