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Golden West College

Huntington Beach, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 28,272
  • Tuition Fee From$ 13,740
  • Country Rank#2152
  • Batch Strength20,361
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Golden West College, situated in Huntington Beach, California, is one of the three colleges within the Coast Community College District (CCCD). The other two are Orange Coast College and Coastline Community College. The CCCD functions as a regional organisation, offering administrative services and funding for postsecondary education. GWC, as a California Community College, allows enrollment with just a high school diploma or a GED. Golden West College’s acceptance rate is 100%. It is a small institute with a total enrollment of 2,963 undergraduate students.

 

GWC's mission is to provide affordable education by offering Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, as well as lower-division classes transferable to other colleges and universities and degrees in licenced trades and skilled professions, such as nursing, automotive technology, and cosmetology. A significant percentage of GWC students are able to attend college with low to no tuition or fees due to the financial help offered by the California College Promise Grant.

 

Most transfer students at GWC proceed to further their education at institutions like California State University, the University of California, and various other colleges and universities. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Junior and Community Colleges, and its nursing programme is also approved by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing.

 

GWC was recently recognised as one of the top 150 community institutions in the United States eligible for the Aspen Prize in 2021. The college's new mathematics and science building was recently completed. Students get free access to a variety of resources, activities, and STEM groups, as well as research and internship opportunities, due to the presence of a contemporary STEM centre. It is also a welcoming environment where students can work alone or collaboratively while also seeking help from teachers.

Ranking

The Golden West College rankings can vary widely depending on the criteria and the ranking organisation. Instead of relying solely on rankings, students should consider factors like program offerings, faculty qualifications, student support services, and campus culture to determine if Golden West College aligns with their educational goals. Find the latest 2024 rankings below: 

 

  • #189 - Best Colleges in Nation - College Factual 2024
  • #31 - Best Colleges in California - College Factual 2024
  • #197 - Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions in America - Niche 2024
  • #362 - Best Community Colleges in America - Niche 2024

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

Facilities

GWC provide an enriching student experience outside of the classroom through its student clubs and organisations. It is well-known for its academic quality and creativity, learning-centred programmes, athletics, and student assistance. Golden West College facilities offer support to its students' educational and personal needs. These facilities contribute to students' learning experiences and create a conducive environment for personal growth and academic success.  Listed below are a few facilities-

 

Library facilities - The college library houses a vast collection of books, e-books, journals, and reference materials. Students can access computer workstations, printers, and study areas for research and academic purposes.

 

Sports facilities - The college has a well-equipped fitness centre for students to engage in physical activities and exercise. There are sports fields and courts for basketball, tennis, and other athletic pursuits.

 

ICT facilities - Golden West College offers computer labs with access to essential software and online resources. Campus-wide Wi-Fi allows students to connect their devices to the internet for academic purposes.

 

Medical facilities - GWC's Health Centre provides students with basic medical services, including first aid and health consultations. It also offers referrals to nearby medical facilities for more specialised care when needed.

Notable Alumni

Kevin Elster
Kevin Elster
Baseball player
John Moses
John Moses
American former baseball player
James McDonald
James McDonald
Baseball pitcher

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Golden West College’s acceptance rate is 100%. It is a small institute with a total enrollment of 2,963 undergraduate students. The college will have its expected GPA and SAT/ACT requirements for admissions.

 

Entry Requirements

Golden West College's entry requirements are generally inclusive and cater to a diverse range of students. Prospective students must complete the online application process, and specific educational background requirements vary depending on the desired programme. International students may have additional requirements, such as English proficiency tests and visa documentation. The applicants must meet the following requirements- 


 

Application Portal

UG: Common App

PG: University website

Required GPA

2.0 on a scale of 4.0

English Language Requirement

IELTS: 6.0

TOEFL: 61

Standardised Test Score 

GMAT/GRE

Additional Documents

Transcripts

LOR

SOP

Certificate of Financial Stability

ACT or SAT scores


 

Fees

Golden West College's fees for in-state and out-of-state students may vary. Community college tuition is generally more affordable compared to four-year universities, and financial aid options, such as grants and scholarships, are available to help eligible students manage their education costs.

 

  • Non‐Resident TuiƟon ($381 per unit)  - $9,144 
  • Enrollment Fee ($46 per unit) - $1,104 
  • Capital Outlay Fee ($31 per unit) - $744
  • Health Services Fee ($26) - $52
  • College Service Charge ($20) - $40
  • Student Represention Fee ($2) - $4 

 

Placement

The Career Centre at the college assists students in exploring their academic options, developing employable skills, and achieving their career objectives. The Golden West College placement and careers team assists students in finding appropriate employment and internships and provides access to a broad library of career-related resources and publications. Throughout the year, it also hosts workshops and career fairs to provide further support and networking possibilities. International students can explore job opportunities through the college’s Central Network System. It is a free job posting platform and online career resource that posts positions that are only available to GWC students and graduates.

 

Students can also create and submit their CVs and portfolio, as well as receive other suggestions and resources. The Centre for Global and Cultural Programmes at the institution also provides extensive support for students applying to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for candidates who desire to get job experience in the United States after completing their course.

 

Scholarship

Golden West College and its international student programme provide a variety of scholarships and financial opportunities to international students. GWC is offering a new student scholarship to qualified incoming international students. Scholarships are provided to continuing students based on academic success and merit. Some grants will request more information, such as transcripts and essays. All financing and eligibility criteria are available on the college's website. Stephanie Dumont Memorial International Student Scholarship is one of the scholarships given to international students by the college. 

 

With so many scholarships now available, international students can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in a new country. UniScholars allows you to apply for scholarships to study at your dream destination.

Finances

GWC participates in federal loan programs, offering students the opportunity to access financial aid to cover educational expenses. Students may apply for Direct Subsidised and Unsubsidised Loans. The amounts depend on various factors, including financial need and grade level. GWC’s financial aid office assists students in navigating the application process and provides counselling on responsible borrowing to ensure they make informed decisions about financing their education. UniCreds is the best education loan marketplace for students looking for attractive interest rates and free services!

Accommodation

Various off-campus housing options are available around the college to cater to students' needs and preferences. Many students choose to rent apartments in nearby neighbourhoods for the convenience of living close to the college. Additionally, some opt for shared housing arrangements, where they share rental units with roommates to split costs. For international students, the college may provide the option of living with local host families through homestay programs, offering a cultural exchange experience while studying. To find suitable off-campus accommodation, students can utilize online rental platforms, community bulletin boards, or college-specific resources. UniAcco makes it easier to find student housing and provides a variety of possibilities. As a result, students can choose from a variety of student lodgings near the institution, including luxury studios, en-suites, and communal apartments that are more affordable and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Huntington Beach, California, is a popular and vibrant coastal city but generally comes with a higher cost of living. For international students, expenses will typically include housing, transportation, food, and personal necessities. Rent for apartments or shared housing can be a significant factor in the cost of living. Additionally, the cost of groceries and dining may vary based on personal preferences and lifestyle choices. International students should plan and budget accordingly to manage their living expenses effectively in Huntington Beach. Here’s a breakdown of living costs in the city-

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

$1,542

On-Campus Accommodation

$1,262

Transportation

$69

Food 

$540

Utility 

$167

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$40

Clothes

$117

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

$2,603

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

$2,323

Annual Cost of Living

$31,236

FAQs