The first effort to establish GCCC as an entity separate from the Garden City public school system was launched in 1958.

In 1963, the college moved back to Sabine and Calkins Halls, and also made use of nearby Ben Grimsley Gym, as well as a group of adjacent World War II-era barracks buildings.

This authorized the institution to levy taxes, conduct its own programs, and function independently of the K-12 school system.

[3] Voters approved a $2.5 million bond issue, supplemented by a $538,000 federal grant for construction.

1.4 million dollar technical teaching laboratory was completed so that GCCC could provide more training for workers in area and national industries.

The 19,260-square-foot (1,789 m2), three-level, two-story Student and Community Services Center opened in August 2006 and was dedicated in October of the same year.

Attached to the original Administration Building, the $3.12 million facility consolidated public and student services, provided an on-campus home for adult basic education, added a series of 21st-century classrooms and created a single point of assistance for most services GCCC provides.

The athletic teams offered at GCCC are referred to as the Broncbusters and compete in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.