Glendale Community College was established as the second school within the Maricopa County Community College District in 1965. Given the mission of serving the higher educational needs of the West Valley, Glendale Community College began its first semester with enrolling 2,000 students at two temporary locations. The next year, the college moved to its current main location on 59th and Olive Avenue, where the palm-tree lined campus spans 147 acres.

In response to community needs, the college has continued to grow. In 2000, Glendale Community College North - located on 57th Avenue and Happy Valley Road - opened its doors to 839 students. Since that time, the extension site has grown to include more than 2,500 students.

Glendale Community College also enjoys a partnership with Arizona State University's West Campus, allowing students of the college full access to the university's resources and aiding in the ease of transfer between the two.