- The mission of Golden West College is to support students' goals and interests in higher education, develop their employment skills, prepare them to be productive citizens, and respond to community needs by providing a range and variety of educational programs; two year degrees; transfer preparation; career and technical training, and remedial activities. We encourage all members of our learning communities to grow to their maximum potential as they contribute to the well-being of our diverse society.
School Highlights
Golden West College serves 17,298 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 38:1 is higher than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 17,298 students
- In-state tuition: $1,176
- Out-state tuition: $5,472
- Student:teacher ratio: 38:1
- Minority enrollment: 75%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Golden West College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 461 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Golden West College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
461 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Golden West College has grown by 43% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 38:1 has increased from 25:1 over five years.
The Golden West College diversity score of 0.74 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
17,298 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
38:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
3,349 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
13,949 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
172 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,349 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
13,949 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
30%
13%
% Hispanic
32%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
25%
23%
% Hawaiian
1%
1%
% Two or more races
5%
5%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.74
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4184%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4304%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,600
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,176 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,472 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 34% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,176
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,472
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
75%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Golden West College is part of the California Community College system and was founded in 1965. On 120 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, GWC serves 13,000 students and is considered a medium-size, two-year college. GWC provides an Associate degree in most subjects, a strong university transfer program, in addition to a wide variety of short-term vocational [Certificate] options-- offering over 60 major areas. It provides a safe and secure location, a multicultural environment, an active student body and is proud of its newly developed honors program. The college is highly regarded for academic quality and innovation. In its earliest years, the college was recognized for its pioneering leadership in designing learning-centered programs and services for its student body and continues in that tradition to this day. Golden West College is committed to excellence and endeavors to provide an optimum teaching and learning environment. This will be demonstrated by innovation which embraces demographic and technological changes. Golden West College is fortunate to be located in one of the safest cities in the country. Our educational philosophy is founded on ethical conduct and teamwork. To ensure institutional excellence, we continually challenge, test, reevaluate and raise our standards. As an educational organization, we have high expectations and believe that our success depends upon the combined capability and contribution of faculty, staff, students and members of our community. Golden West College offers many Career Certificate programs that prepare students by providing them with the entry or advanced level knowledge and skills critical for successful employment. Our Career Certificate programs are taught by highly qualified faculty who are dedicated to the students they serve and provide them with the best education possible. The Performing Arts Department, a part of the Creative Arts Division at Golden West College, provides an excellent education for students of Dance Multi Media, Music, and Theater. You will be taught by instructors who are highly regarded professionals in their fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Golden West College cost?
Golden West College's tuition is approximately $1,176 for In-State students and $5,472 for Out-State students.
What is Golden West College's ranking?
Golden West College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition and Largest student body.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Golden West College is Career Academy of Beauty (3.6 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
Career Academy of Beauty
Private for-profit
12471 Valley View
Garden Grove, CA 92845
(714) 897-3010
Garden Grove, CA 92845
(714) 897-3010
3.6 miles
| 194 students
11460 Warner Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 546-7600
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 546-7600
4.4 miles
| 14,752 students
Concorde Career College-Garden Grove
Private for-profit
12951 Euclid Street, Suite 101
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 703-1900
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 703-1900
4.7 miles
| 1,168 students
Modern Technology School
Private for-profit
16560 Harbor Blvd., Suite K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 418-9100
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 418-9100
4.9 miles
| 111 students
1370 Adams Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 438-4600
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 438-4600
6.5 miles
| 0 students
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