1. I just registered for my classes, when are fees due? I can I pay them?
You have 48-hours after you register to pay your fees. You can pay for them using your credit card at www.mygwc.com. You may also pay your fees in-person in Admissions and Records (by cash, credit or debit, or by check). Students with a BOG Fee Waiver must still pay the required health fee, College Service Charge and materials fees or you will be dropped from your classes if you register prior to the start of the semester.
2. How do I apply for Financial Aid?
Apply for Federal Financial Aid as early as possible beginning in January of each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need to obtain a PIN number for this to be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
For additional information on Financial Aid, visit www.goldenwestcollege.edu/gwcfao. You will likely need to complete your file prior to an award letter being issued. This often includes verification of your (and parents if under 24) tax records, copies of W2 forms, Independent/Dependent Student Verification form, and projected Education Plan.
3. How do I check my Financial Aid Status?
- Log in to your MyGWC account
- Locate the "Financial Aid Status" card.
- Select VIEW MY FINANCIAL AID STATUS
- Select the correct award year from the drop-down menu
- After selecting the correct award year, the 'Home' tab will appear with completed or incomplete items on your financial aid file
- ALL requirements must be completed, so a Financial Aid Specialist may review your file
- After you complete all the requirements, please check your student email regularly for correspondence from Financial Aid.
4. Where can I find out about scholarships?
GWC Scholarship Applications are available from November-January on the Financial Aid website at www.goldenwestcollege.edu/scholarships. Numerous scholarships are available to students attending Golden West College. Listed below are the minimum qualifications needed to apply for Golden West College Scholarships.
- You must have completed at least 12 units at Golden West College prior to the first day of the Spring semester.
- You must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (gpa) of 2.00 (subject to change).
- You must be enrolled in and complete at least 6.0 units during the Spring semester.
- You must plan to enroll in a minimum of 6.0 units at a college or university in the Fall semester. Some awards may not be transferable.
- You must complete a golden West College Scholarship Application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Be sure to indicate any unique financial need you might have that makes you deserving of scholarship assistance.
*Scholarship funding is limited and meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship. By meeting the minimum criteria listed above, you will be considered for awards that mandate “GWC General Criteria” for initial eligibility.
**Some awards are awarded by various departments on campus (Arts & Letters, Nursing, Technology, Science, etc.). Based upon your major area, your application will be forwarded to the appropriate department for review if you qualify. Individual departments have their own criteria and committees that evaluate each applicant.
Scholarships are also available to continuing Golden West College students. Applications are available in January for the following academic year. Generally, students need at least 12 units earned at Golden West College and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Other scholarship websites include https://www.fastweb.com/, https://www.collegenet.com/, and https://finaid.org/. Another helpful website for students looking for ways to pay for school is https://icanaffordcollege.com/.
5. I am an unemployed single parent. Are there any programs to assit with paying for fees and books?
You may be eligible to participate in the following programs. Please contact each office to obtain eligibility information.
Re-Entry/CalWORKs Center 714-895-8111 www.goldenwestcollege.edu/calworks
The Re-Entry/CalWORKs Programs offer specialized support services to parents receiving CalWORKs/TANF/GAIN benefits for themselves to ensure a smooth transition into the college environment. Support services consist of individualized counseling, career assessment, transportation assistance, book bag and school supplies, free student success workshops, job development assistance, resume preparation and job interviewing skills, and may also include child care assistance and work-study opportunities, if funding is available.
EOPS & C.A.R.E.714-895-8768 www.goldenwestcollege.edu/eops
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (C.A.R.E.) are designed to assist students from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Service includes counseling and guidance, program advisement, tutoring, grants, and transfer assistance.