Golden West College
Overview
Golden West College, or GWC, is a state-owned community college founded in Huntington Beach, California. Opened in 1966, GWC provides certificate programs and associate’s degrees. Serving 11,000 students with 70 degree programs, GWC grants out $23 million in Financial Aid annually.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Total International Students: 140
Student to Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Golden West College Intake
Golden West College has three intakes for international students: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Here are the key application deadlines:
- Fall Intake: Registration begins in May, and classes start in August.
- Spring Intake: Registration for the Spring intake begins in October, while classes start in January.
- Summer Intake: Registrations begin in April for the Summer intake, while classes start in June.
Golden West College Courses
GWC offers majors and programs that lead to an associate’s degree or certificate. Here are some of the top programs of GWC:
Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fees | Units |
Associate in Arts in Accounting | 2 Years | $29,100 | 60 |
Associate in Arts in Esthetician | 2 Years | $29,100 | 60 |
Associate in Arts in Chemistry | 2 Years | $29,100 | 60 |
Associate in Science in Business Administration | 2 Years | $29,100 | 60 |
Associate in Science in Computer Science | 2 Years | $29,100 | 60 |
Associate in Arts in Software Development | 2 Years | $29,100 | 60 |
Certificate of Achievement in Digital Art Production | 1 Year | $8,730 | 18 |
Certificate of Achievement in Business & Management | 1 Year | $8,730 – $9,215 | 18 – 19 |
Cost of Studying at Golden West College
GWC charges tuition fees to international students based on program units. The detailed cost breakdown of GWS is as follows:
Current Academic Year Expenses | Per Semester | Per Year |
Tuition ($485 per unit) | $5,820 | $11,640 |
Enrollment Fee ($46 per unit) | $552 | $1,104 |
Capital Outlay Fee ($51 per unit) | $612 | $1,224 |
Mandatory Health Services Fee (per semester) | $26 | $52 |
College Service Charge (per semester) | $20 | $40 |
Student Representation Fee (per semester) | $2 | $4 |
Mandatory Health Insurance | $870 | $1,740 |
Estimated Living Expenses | $6,600 | $13,200 |
Estimated Incidentals, Books, and Supplies | $350 | $700 |
Total | $14,852 | $29,704 |
Golden West College Scholarships
With the support of generous donors, GWC awards hundreds of scholarships annually to support students. The scholarships are often awarded on merit, financial need, academic achievement, and more. Some of the top GWC scholarships are:
- Stephanie Dumont Memorial International Student Scholarship: To avail this scholarship, you must record and submit a video essay and must be enrolled at GWC for a minimum of 12 units.
- C. Dean Hill International Scholarship: Must have a GPA of 3.5 or more and must be pursuing a degree at GWC.
- Patrons International Student Scholarship: Must have a 2.5 GPA and must enroll in a minimum of 12 units at GWC.
Golden West College Admission
To apply to associate degree programs or certification programs at GWC, apply online while paying a fee of $55 (non-refundable). The admission requirements for international students are as follows:
- Academic transcripts from high school or the highest level of education
- Proof of funds (minimum of $27,376) to cover tuition, fees and living expenses
- Affidavit of support form by your sponsor, or self-sponsoring status of the sponsorship letter
- Copy of Passport
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
Student Essential Services
Golden West College has several campus opportunities for international students. From clubs, organizations, to a basic needs hub, GWC has it all.
- Clubs & Organizations: GWC offers a variety of academic, professional, cultural, identity-based, special interest, and social clubs for international students.
- Campus Events: GWC has campus events throughout the year. Performing arts events, wellness and student support, cultural and intercultural events are a part of GWC.
- Basic Needs Hub: GWC offers student support services in food & essentials, financial assistance, campus and community help, and more.
Location of Golden West College
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS or other English proficiency tests to be admitted to Golden West College?
Yes, if you are an international student, you must demonstrate your English language proficiency when applying for admission to GWC. The college accepts TOEFL (iBT, PBT), IELTS, Duolingo, and more.
Are high school transcripts required, and if so, in what format, for admission to Golden West College?
Yes, official high school transcripts are required, and they must be in English language in a PDF format for admission to Golden West College.
What is the process for transferring to a 4-year university after completing studies at GWC?
To transfer from Golden West College (GWC), you must complete 60 transferable semester units to qualify for admission. Then you must apply to the university, potentially through the Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) for UC. You should also meet with a counselor for personalized planning.
Does Golden West College issue I-20s for F-1 student visas?
Yes, Golden West College (GWC) issues I-20s for F-1 student visas. The I-20 form is a crucial document required for applying for an F-1 visa.
Can international students work on campus while studying at Golden West College?
Yes, as an international student, you can work on campus while studying at GWC under specific conditions. The students can work through CalWORKs Work-Study, which offers on-campus work experience.
Does Golden West College offer on-campus housing or help finding off-campus housing?
GWC does not offer on-campus housing to the students. However, the college offers assistance in homestay programs, rental apartments, student apartments, and more. GWC also has a Basic Needs Center, known as The Stand, for additional support.
Do I need to purchase health insurance through Golden West College, or can I use my plan?
International students are required to purchase health insurance from Compass Student Insurance, provided by Cigna Global, every semester to be eligible. Other health insurance plans are not accepted in GWC.
