Golden West College

Founded in 1965, Golden West College (GWC) is among Southern California's most beautiful campuses. GWC is known for its excellence in academic quality and innovation, student-centered programs, and championship winning athletic programs. It is part of the Coast Community College District, which includes Coastline Community College and Orange Coast College. Golden West College is among the top community colleges in California, ranking fourth out of the state's 116 community colleges on EDSmart's 2024 edition of the Best Community Colleges in California.

Enhancing student's career prospects and preparing them for transfers to four-year institutions, the college offers over 60 major options across several disciplines. The University of California Transfer Admission Guarantee program and the California State University Associates for Transfer Degrees guarantee eligible students' admission to specific UC and CSU campuses. The combined transfer rate from GWC to California State University or University of California campus is among the top 10 percent of California community colleges. Students can pursue associate's in arts and science degrees in popular programs including biology, business administration, computer science, engineering, liberal arts, and more.

Outside of classrooms, GWC offers students an enriching student experience through its student clubs and organizations. It also offers in-depth support to students from their time of enrollment all the way through to graduation.

Golden West College is split into eight academic pathways which allows students to easily explore and map out their future with a variety of degrees and certificates programs. These are:

• Business
• Career Education
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Languages and Communication
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• STEM
• Visual and Performing Arts

Offering over 60 major options across several disciplines, the college offers three types of majors and programs. These are:

• Associate degrees
• Certificates
• University transfer preparation

GWC's courses align with general education requirements, and its transferable programs comply with lower-division requirements for several majors.

On a university transfer preparation program, students achieve between 60 and 72 units of coursework. This allows them to transfer to a university as a third-year student and earn an undergraduate degree. The UC transfer admission guarantee system means eligible students are guaranteed admission to a UC campus.

The college's associate degrees specialize in the areas of arts and science. The degrees can either be studied as a preparation program before transferring to a four-year institution or for career development purposes.

Whether students wish to study for academic or occupational purposes, areas of study include accounting; automotive technology; business administration; design; computer science, and more.

The college also hosts English as a second language courses. These courses are designed to help students improve their English language skills alongside their general education courses.

As an open-access institution, to be considered for a place at Golden West College, applicants need to be high school graduates, or in the final semester of high school (or equivalent). If applicants are under the age of 18, they will also require permission from their legal guardian.

International applicants need to submit:

• An international student application
• Application fee
• Copy of their passport
• Proof of funding to show required finances
• Affidavit of support to show proof of financial sponsorship

If an applicant's native language isn't English, they will also need to submit proof of English language proficiency. The college accepts TOEFL and IELTS English language tests and the following minimum scores:

• TOEFL iBT – 61
• TOEFL PBT – 500
• IELTS – 5.5
• Duolingo – 90 (first attempt only)

If international applicants are already studying at a U.S. institution, they can attend GWC as a part-time student. Part-time applicants need to submit an F-1 part-time international student application, a letter from a designated official at their current school, and a copy of their I-20 form.

All college applications can be submitted throughout the year, and international students don't require SAT, ACT, AP or GPA scores to be considered.

Scholarships & Funding

Continuing international students can apply for a range of annual scholarships and funding opportunities awarded once a year through Golden West College and its international student program.

For continuing students, scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and merit. Some scholarships will require additional information including transcripts and essay submissions. All details of funding and criteria are on the college's website.

The college continually invests in its facilities, ensuring students have access to the best academic and social resources.

GWC's comprehensive library has plenty of resources including books, online materials, and electronic texts. Students can also access large databases of articles in the on-site computer center or work collaboratively in a group study room.

The college has a dedicated Tutoring and Learning Center, which houses a range of academic support services. This includes a math study lab, the writing and reading center, tutoring support, a computer center and workshops. Students can book appointments for short courses to develop specific skills (such as reading and writing in English) or attend tutor-led workshops.

For students studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics, the STEM center provides an open study space. Offering study areas for individuals and groups, there is also a range of free resources and opportunities to chat with STEM faculty.

All the college's health services are confidential. The student health center provides a variety of free and low-cost medical services, including:

• Blood pressure screenings
• Drug and alcohol counseling
• Eye and hearing tests
• Immunizations
• Medications
• Orthopedic supplies
• Mental health therapists
• Physical exams
• Short-term medical care
• Social services
• Wellness and health information
• Women's health exams and information

The student health center can also provide referrals to community health care providers and agencies.

When students want to relax, they can head to the student union. With a comfortable lounge, game room, and a cafeteria, it's the perfect place to socialize with friends.

Throughout their time at Golden West College, international students receive high-quality, dedicated support from the Center for Global and Cultural Programs. Led by friendly staff and counselors who specialize in providing advice to international students, they support across a range of areas. This includes advising on academic planning, accommodation, as well as immigration and visa issues.

Additional support on-campus can be found at the GWC Student Services Center. A central hub for support resources, students can find the following services there:

• Academic and career counseling
• Admissions and records
• Campus life
• Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS)
• Global and cultural programs
• Transfer Center

The career center offers a free service that focuses on enhancing career development. Its trained staff help students explore their options and find them the necessary resources to achieve their goals.

Accessibility support is provided by the disabled students programs and services. The dedicated team ensures all students with disabilities have equal access to education and can participate fully in all programs and activities.

Students will also find peer and staff support through joining clubs and organizations which range from interest-based clubs, volunteer service based clubs, and even faith based clubs. It is also a great opportunity for students to take on leadership opportunities or to make friends with others who share similar interests.

The Stand is a critical resource for students on campus, providing groceries and hygiene items for GWC students, with more than 21,000 visits each year. The Stand also serves students with personalized case management, connecting them to on- and off-campus resources to help address needs such as housing, childcare and emergency grants.

The college's Public Safety Department ensures the campus is safe and secure, 24 hours a day, throughout the year.

Campus safety officers are trained to help students in safety and security procedures, including first aid and CPR. The team's safety services include:

• Crime prevention
• Crisis alert system
• Emergency responses
• Lost and found
• Room lock-out assistance
• Safety escorts
• Safety tips and advice
• Suspicious activity reporting
• Vehicle jump-starts
• Training videos

The safety department can also provide information and guidance about what students should do in an emergency.

The college also has a Crisis Alert Team, who respond to all campus incidents which involve personal and/or sexual assaults. If these incidents occur, the team decide on the most appropriate action and who to notify.

Located on Huntington Beach, the city is also rated as one of the top ten safest cities (City Crime Ratings). Students become part of the diverse, welcoming, and multicultural environment, while always feeling safe.

Golden West College is always pursuing new developments, improving its services for students, and expanding its educational offerings and achievements. Students can see all of the latest news and events on the college's website.

Award nomination

Golden West College was recently named amongst the top 150 U.S. community colleges eligible for the 2025 Aspen prize. Recognizing educational excellence through analyzing student outcomes, only 15 percent of community colleges were eligible to be nominated.

Zero-Cost Textbook (ZTC) Courses

Over 72% of Golden West College courses are now ZTC. ZTC means that there are no textbook costs or class materials fees for students enrolled in these courses.