About Orange Coast College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students pay an average net price of $4,754 after aid, with low-income families paying just $3,105. Graduates earn a median of $47,348 ten years after starting, making this education a solid investment. Most students graduate with only $9,500 in debt, and monthly loan payments average just $101. Only 1.56% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's affordability.
The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with 36% Hispanic students and 22% Asian students creating a multicultural campus environment. The Pirates field 24 varsity sports teams with 637 total athletes, giving students opportunities beyond academics. With a 90.8% employment rate, graduates find work in the region's thriving economy. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students, despite the large enrollment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 26:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,348
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $57,920 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,921 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $18,771 |
Campus Life
The Pirates compete in 24 varsity sports with 637 total athletes, giving the campus an active athletic culture despite being a community college. Students often head to nearby beaches on weekends or explore Costa Mesa's shopping and dining scene. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, typical for a commuter school where many students work part-time jobs. With 91% of students from California, you'll find a distinctly SoCal vibe. The semester system keeps things moving quickly, and many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their programs here.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 800 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1947
Campus Safety (2023)
170 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 35 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 11 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 15 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Burglary | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 48°–67°F
- July Avg
- 66°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.2%
- Women
- 49.8%
- White
- 28.6%
- Black
- 1.7%
- Hispanic
- 36.1%
- Asian
- 21.6%
- In-State Students
- 92.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.6%
Location
- Address
- Costa Mesa, California 92626
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,348
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,536
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Orange Coast College?
Orange Coast College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, allowing any student with a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. The college serves 16,117 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse Costa Mesa community. Students can begin classes in fall or spring semesters under the traditional semester calendar system.
How much does Orange Coast College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,754 annually, with costs varying by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,105 on average, while higher-income students pay up to $10,872. Only 23.58% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the relatively affordable base tuition of $1,208 for California residents.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Orange Coast College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is typical for large community colleges. Orange Coast College emphasizes transfer preparation and career training programs that serve the Orange County region. The college offers comprehensive academic support despite the higher ratio through tutoring centers and student success programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Orange Coast College?
Graduates achieve a 90.8% employment rate, with median earnings of $47,348 ten years after enrollment. The college's 45.30% six-year graduation rate reflects its role as both a transfer institution and career training center. Many students successfully transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce in Orange County's robust economy.
Does Orange Coast College offer on-campus housing?
The college provides housing for 800 students in its residence facilities, unusual for a community college. On-campus room and board costs $19,159 annually, bringing total attendance costs to $21,832. Most of the 91.95% in-state student population commutes from the surrounding Costa Mesa and Orange County areas.
What athletic programs does Orange Coast College offer?
The Pirates compete in 24 varsity sports with 637 total student-athletes as an independent institution. The college has a strong athletic tradition in California community college sports, particularly in basketball and baseball. Orange Coast College does not offer athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic merit and need-based aid.
