Golden West College
Huntington Beach, California
About Golden West College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1965, Golden West College is a 2-year college serving students in Huntington Beach, California. With a tradition of academic excellence, Golden West College prepares graduates for success in Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Business, and more.
A Diverse Community in Huntington Beach
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. With a supportive student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Golden West College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $1,748, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This commitment-based policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Golden West College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Golden West College students
| First-year retention rate | 66% |
|---|---|
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $40,575 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $43,145 |
| Median debt at graduation | $7,179 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Golden West College
| Total enrollment | 10,721 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 10,721 |
| International students | 2% |
| First-generation students | 53% |
What you can study at Golden West College
67 programs, most of them in these fields:
Visual and Performing Arts (9)
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects, Art/Art Studies, General, Commercial and Advertising Art, and more
Business Management Marketing Support (8)
Accounting, Business Administration and Management, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, and more
Foreign Languages (6)
American Sign Language (ASL), Foreign Languages and Literatures, General, Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other, and more
Social Sciences (6)
Anthropology, General, Economics, General, Geography, and more
Physical Sciences (4)
Chemistry, General, Geology/Earth Science, General, Physical Sciences, General, and more
Communication Journalism (3)
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Journalism, Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Computer Information Sciences (3)
Computer Programming/Programmer, General, Computer Science, Computer Software Engineering
Engineering Technologies (3)
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician, Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General, Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
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