Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Golden West College

Huntington Beach, CA

Total Enrollment

18,859

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

70

70 career programs

Full-Time Students

11,310

18,859 part-time

Total FTE

6,319

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
18,859
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 70
High diversity
~269 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Golden West College operates as a large trade college with 18,859 students across 70 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 18,859 students, Golden West College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 70 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 11,310 (37.5%)
37.5%
Part-Time Students 18,859 (62.5%)
62.5%
Total Students 30,169

Majority part-time students (62.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (60.0%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
53.4%
10,065 students
Men
46.6%
8,794 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
34.7%
6,547 students
Hispanic/Latino
34.7% (6,547)
Asian
30.4% (5,736)
White
23.0% (4,334)
Two or More Races
5.0% (937)
International Students
2.0% (377)
Black/African American
1.8% (345)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.5% (95)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (37)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 18,859 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 35% of the student body (6,547 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

30,169 students

48% Men, 52% Women
11,310 Full-time
Diversity Index: 73% • Minority Students: 68%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,844
All full-time students
1,436 men, 1,408 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Undergraduate

2,844
Full-time undergraduate
1,436 men, 1,408 women
Diversity: 74%

FT Degree-Seeking

2,811
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,425 men, 1,386 women
Diversity: 74%

FT First-Time

967
Full-time first-time students
492 men, 475 women
Diversity: 73%

FT Continuing

1,844
Full-time continuing students
933 men, 911 women
Diversity: 73%

Part-Time Students

All Students

10,433
All students total
4,909 men, 5,524 women
Diversity: 73%

Transfer

1,388
Transfer-in students
635 men, 753 women
Diversity: 74%

Continuing

5,524
Continuing students
2,555 men, 2,969 women
Diversity: 72%

Non-Degree

1,514
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
695 men, 819 women
Diversity: 70%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

6,756
White
575
Black/African American
10,663
Hispanic/Latino
8,960
Asian
773
International
Diversity Index: 73% Minority Students: 68%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Golden West College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 18,859 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (60.0%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 6,319 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (51% exclusively online).
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

15744 Goldenwest St.

Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2710

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials