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 10,721 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 48:1 is higher than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is equal to the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
Enrollment: 10,721 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $5,472
Student-teacher ratio: 48:1
Minority enrollment: 77%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
The student population of Golden West College has declined by 5% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 48:1 has increased from 26:1 over five years.
The Golden West College diversity score of 0.74 is more than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $1,176 is less than the state average of $1,238. 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 $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 36% over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition Notes
$46/unit for California residents; $388 per unit for non-resident students
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Source: 2025 (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.
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
Quick Facts (26-27)
Enrollment: 10,721 students
In-state tuition: $1,176
Out-state tuition: $5,472
Student-teacher ratio: 48:1
Minority enrollment: 77%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
