Understanding Golden West College Tuition and Fees
Golden West College (GWC) offers accessible higher education with a range of fees and financial aid options. This article provides detailed information on tuition, mandatory and optional fees, financial aid, payment methods, refund policies, and other associated costs to help students plan their finances effectively.
Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Enrollment Fee
The primary cost for California residents is the enrollment fee, which is \$46 per unit. It's important to note that this fee is subject to change by the State Legislature.
Nonresident Tuition
For students who are not California residents, the tuition is significantly higher. Nonresident students are required to pay \$402 per unit, plus an additional \$44 per unit for Nonresident Capital Outlay, in addition to the standard fees. Nonresident students have the responsibility to prove they are a California resident.
Student Health Service Fee
All students are required to pay a health fee of \$27 per semester for fall and spring, and \$22 for the summer session. This fee supports essential health services for students. A waiver is available for students who depend solely on prayer for healing, in accordance with the teachings of a bona fide religious organization. Students enrolled in courses of less than two weeks duration are also eligible for a waiver.
Student Representation Fee
A \$2 Student Representation Fee is charged each semester (fall, spring, and summer). One dollar goes to the campus, and one dollar supports a statewide community college student organization, providing student government representatives with the means to express their positions to government and public agencies. This fee is mandatory unless a waiver is secured in advance.
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Optional Fees
College Service Charge
Students are charged \$20 per semester for fall and spring, and \$12 for the summer session for the College Service Charge. This fee supports student services and campus programs. A portion (\$1.00) of each \$20 goes to fund student scholarships. Waivers are available, and information about funded programs is available in the Office of Campus Life.
Other Costs
Books and Supplies
Students should budget for textbooks, manuals, and other supplies, which can cost up to \$1000 per semester, depending on the program. Required items are available at the Golden West College Bookstore. There may be other non-textbook mandatory costs, such as scantrons, scientific calculators, and laboratory materials.
Living Expenses
Students are responsible for housing, transportation, food, and other living costs. Golden West College does not operate dormitories or any off-campus housing, but a housing referral service is available online and on the GWC Mobile App. However, the college does not supervise these referrals.
Parking Permit
A parking permit is required to park a vehicle on campus. When purchasing a permit, the buyer must enter the vehicle’s license plate number. A convenience fee is added to each daily parking permit purchased.
Financial Aid
Financial aid options include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on financial need, which is determined based on the FAFSA. In 2022-2023, 57% of undergraduates at Golden West College received grant or scholarship aid, with the average award being \$3,125.
Read also: Applying for the Golden Key Scholarship
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) covers enrollment fees for eligible students. However, students with a CCPG must still pay the health fee, College Service Charge, and materials fees. Contact the Financial Aid Office if the CCPG has not been posted to the student account.
Scholarships
Students receiving scholarships should contact the Admissions & Records immediately after registering for classes to avoid being dropped. They may also need to contact the Financial Aid Office with outside scholarship information.
Third Party Payments
If a student's tuition is being paid by a third party, such as Boeing, CA Department of Rehabilitation, or Vocational Rehab, paperwork should be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office immediately.
Veterans
Veterans receiving Chapter 33 Post 9/11 or Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment educational benefits should contact Veterans Services immediately after registering. They may be eligible for fee deferrals.
Payment Methods
Students can pay fees online by credit card via their MyCoastPortal. Cash and checks may be accepted on a limited basis in the Bursar’s Office.
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Payment Plans
Golden West College offers payment plans. Students must enter the total amount due for the registration term when signing up. Balances due from prior terms cannot be added to a current Payment Plan. Payment plans must be set up before 12pm on the scheduled drop for non-payment date.
Refund Policy
To be eligible for a refund, students must officially withdraw from classes by the refund deadline, as indicated in the Student Class Program/Web Schedule Bill. It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw and verify all withdrawals. Refunds are processed automatically each week, beginning the first week of registration.
Online Credit Card Payment Refunds
Registration fee payments made by credit card through the MyCoastPortal will be refunded to the same credit card. Allow 6-10 business days for the refund to post. If the credit card is no longer valid, students must notify Admissions & Records.
Cancelled Classes
If Golden West College cancels a class, registration fees for that class will be refunded.
Returned Checks
Any check returned unpaid does not constitute automatic withdrawal from class and is subject to a \$25 service charge.
Additional Information
Library Fines
Students are encouraged to return library materials on time to avoid fines, registration holds, or loss of library privileges. Fines are assessed for weekends, holidays, and during library hours.
International Students
International students must provide proof of sufficient funds for tuition, fees, and living expenses for one year to receive the Form I-20. They are also required to purchase health insurance coverage from Compass Student Insurance.
General Information
Golden West College is a public institution located in a suburban setting. The academic year is semester-based. The student-faculty ratio is 29-to-1. The college offers an open admissions policy and credit for life experiences. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 60 different fields, with popular programs including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Biological and Physical Sciences, and Humanities.
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