Southwestern Oregon Community College: $6,840 Tuition

$6,840Tuition

1,199Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,349Earnings

#10 in OregonPublic2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Southwestern Oregon Community College

This coastal community college serves 1,199 students on Oregon's remote south coast with a focus on career training and transfer programs. The quarter-system school attracts students who want hands-on education in a small-town setting near the Pacific Ocean. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay intimate and professors know their students personally. The college draws from both local high school graduates and working adults looking to change careers or upgrade skills.

Students pay an average net price of $8,815 after financial aid, regardless of whether they're from Oregon or out-of-state since tuition costs $6,840 for everyone. Graduates earn a median of $38,349 ten years after starting, while typical student debt sits at just $12,000. Monthly loan payments average $127, making this education affordable for most families. The 91.3% employment rate shows employers value the practical training students receive.

Women make up 61.8% of students, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health and human services programs. The Lakers compete in 19 NAIA sports with 236 total athletes sharing $670,661 in athletic scholarships. Housing capacity of 396 beds means about one-third of students can live on campus in this tight-knit coastal community.

Academics & Faculty

Southwestern Oregon Community College focuses on career training and transfer preparation for students along Oregon's remote south coast. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides close attention in small classes, though the 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. The college offers practical programs aligned with regional industries like forestry, healthcare, and marine sciences. Students can complete associate degrees for transfer to four-year universities or earn certificates in trades and technical fields. With 1,199 students spread across multiple programs, the college serves as both a stepping stone to university education and a direct pathway to local employment opportunities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,349

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$62,260
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$27,947
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$22,932
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,227

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

Coos Bay sits on Oregon's rugged coast, about 180 miles from Portland and 110 miles from Eugene. The Pacific Ocean creates mild, wet winters and cool summers where you'll need both rain gear and layers year-round. Only 33% of the 1,199 students live in campus housing, which accommodates 396 residents. Most students commute from the surrounding timber and fishing communities.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. Women make up 62% of the student body, with many balancing coursework alongside work or family responsibilities. Weekend activities often revolve around the coast, from tidepooling and hiking to exploring nearby state parks. The Lakers compete in 19 NAIA sports, drawing local support to athletic events. Students frequently work part-time in town, connecting classroom learning to real jobs in healthcare, forestry, or marine industries. The quarter system keeps academic momentum high, while the small size means you'll recognize faces across campus and develop close relationships with classmates in your program.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 396 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	4	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–51°F
July Avg: 52°–64°F
Annual Precipitation: 136.5"
Annual Snowfall: -2,332.7"

Student Demographics

Students at Southwestern Oregon Community College come mostly from the local area and surrounding Oregon communities. The student body draws 63% from in-state, reflecting strong ties to the rural south coast region. Women make up 62% of enrollment, likely drawn to the school's healthcare and human services programs that serve coastal communities. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation alongside predominantly white students from small coastal towns.

Men: 38.2%
Women: 61.8%
White: 66.0%
Black: 1.5%
Hispanic: 13.8%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 63.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.1%

Location

Coos Bay sits on Oregon's rugged south coast, about 100 miles from Eugene and 230 miles from Portland. The town of roughly 16,000 residents centers around timber and fishing industries that have shaped the region for generations. Students experience true coastal living with Pacific Ocean beaches, dense forests, and dramatic headlands defining the landscape. The 62.97% in-state enrollment reflects the college's role serving local communities across this sparsely populated stretch of coastline. This remote setting offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities compared to Oregon's larger college towns. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare Southwestern Oregon Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Coos Bay, Oregon 97420-2193

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,349
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,227
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment at Southwestern Oregon Community College?

Southwestern Oregon Community College enrolls 1,199 students with women making up 61.8% of the student body. The college serves Oregon's rural south coast region with a mix of career training and transfer programs.

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

The average net price is $8,815 for all students, with costs dropping to $7,466 for families earning under $30,000. Only 36.1% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable tuition structure.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, providing personalized attention in a small college environment. The college operates on a quarter system and focuses on hands-on career training alongside academic transfer preparation.

What are the graduation outcomes at Southwestern Oregon Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 38.1%, with graduates earning a median salary of $38,349 after ten years. The employment rate reaches 91.3%, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical career preparation for the local workforce.

Does Southwestern Oregon Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 396 students at $7,959 per year for room and board. This housing capacity serves students from across the region, as 37% come from out-of-state to attend this coastal Oregon community college.

How strong are athletics at Southwestern Oregon Community College?

The college competes in NAIA athletics with 19 varsity sports programs and 236 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $670,661, making sports an important pathway for students at this small community college founded in 1961.