Central Oregon Community College: $4,941 Tuition

$4,941Tuition

3,577Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,940Earnings

#21 in OregonPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Central Oregon Community College

Central Oregon Community College serves 3,577 students in the heart of Bend's outdoor recreation scene. The school draws students who want technical training and transfer preparation while living in one of Oregon's most desirable mountain towns. With 88.94% of students coming from Oregon, COCC functions as the local community college for a region known for skiing, hiking, and craft brewing. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes small and personal.

Students pay an average net price of $10,765, which drops to just $7,752 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $38,940 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of only $12,000. The monthly loan payment averages $127, making this education affordable for most families. However, the 24.60% graduation rate within six years means many students either transfer before completing their degree or take longer to finish.

The campus houses just 320 students in dorms, so most live off-campus in Bend's expensive rental market. About 92.1% of graduates find employment, and the quarter system lets students move through coursework quickly. For students wanting a mountain town college experience without university costs, COCC offers solid career training with access to strong outdoor recreation right outside the classroom.

Academics & Faculty

Central Oregon Community College serves students who want to transfer to four-year universities or jump straight into careers, with about 89% of its 3,577 students coming from Oregon. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors actually know your name, but the 25% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students work full-time jobs or have families while studying part-time. COCC is known for strong transfer programs that feed into Oregon State and University of Oregon, plus career-focused programs in nursing, culinary arts, and outdoor recreation management that take advantage of Bend's location near mountains and forests. The quarter system keeps classes moving quickly, which works well for students balancing school with other responsibilities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,940

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,238
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$47,260
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$38,289
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$38,289
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$35,060
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$33,993
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$32,467
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$30,771
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$28,960
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$27,947

View all 71 programs →

Campus Life

Bend sits at 3,600 feet in Oregon's high desert, about three hours east of Portland, where you'll need both winter coats and sunscreen depending on the season. The city gets over 300 days of sunshine annually, but winter temperatures drop into the 20s while summers reach the 80s. Only 320 students can live on campus out of 3,577 total enrollment, so most students commute from town or nearby areas. The 88.94% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where many students already know each other from local high schools.

Weekend life revolves around Bend's outdoor scene rather than traditional college parties. Students hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor in winter or explore the dozens of hiking trails and rock climbing spots in summer. The Deschutes River runs right through town, offering rafting and fishing. Many students work part-time jobs in Bend's growing tourism industry, which explains the 92.1% employment rate. The quarter system keeps classes moving quickly, and the 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in this mountain town setting.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 320 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1949

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	2	2
Aggravated Assault	1	0
Rape	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–42°F
July Avg: 48°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 10.6"
Annual Snowfall: 21.6"

Student Demographics

Central Oregon Community College draws mostly local students, with 89% coming from Oregon. The student body is 54% women and 68% white, with Hispanic students making up the next largest group at 15%. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families in the Bend area who need affordable education options. Many students are older adults returning to school or high school graduates staying close to home while exploring career paths or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 46.2%
Women: 53.8%
White: 67.7%
Black: 1.0%
Hispanic: 14.8%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 88.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.2%

Location

Central Oregon Community College sits in Bend, Oregon, a city of about 100,000 people known for outdoor recreation and tech companies. Bend is 160 miles southeast of Portland and attracts students who want access to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The city has grown rapidly as remote workers and retirees move to the high desert region. With 88.94% of students coming from in-state, most already know the area's appeal. The campus serves students who want to stay close to the Cascade Mountains while earning credits or career training. Housing capacity of 320 rooms reflects the school's role as a regional center rather than a destination college. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Central Oregon Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bend, Oregon 97703

Central Oregon Community College, Bend - DPLA - 4e9b011ee613524467f2b160381bb419

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,940
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,447
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Central Oregon Community College?

Central Oregon Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 3,577 students with 88.94% coming from within Oregon. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for career changers and students seeking affordable higher education in the Pacific Northwest.

How much does Central Oregon Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,765 annually at Central Oregon Community College. In-state tuition runs $4,941 while out-of-state students pay $13,185. The college keeps costs manageable with relatively low median debt of $12,000 and monthly loan payments averaging just $127.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Oregon Community College?

Central Oregon Community College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention than many larger institutions. The college operates on a quarter system, which provides flexibility for working adults and career-focused students. This structure supports the college's mission of serving the diverse educational needs of central Oregon's mountain communities.

What are the job prospects for Central Oregon Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.1% employment rate, reflecting strong connections with local employers in Bend's growing economy. However, the 6-year graduation rate sits at 24.60%, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing programs. Median earnings reach $38,940 ten years after enrollment, competitive for the region's cost of living.

Does Central Oregon Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for 320 students at $12,841 annually for room and board. Campus life centers around outdoor recreation opportunities that match Bend's reputation as an adventure sports center. The Bobcats compete in various sports, though many students are drawn more to the area's skiing, hiking, and mountain biking than traditional college athletics.

What makes Central Oregon Community College unique compared to other community colleges?

Central Oregon Community College serves as the educational gateway to one of Oregon's fastest-growing regions, with Bend attracting tech workers and outdoor enthusiasts. Only 24.16% of students receive Pell Grants, lower than many community colleges, reflecting the area's relatively affluent population. The college has adapted its programs to serve both traditional students and the influx of professionals seeking career changes in this mountain resort town.