- Orange Coast College enhances student learning by providing exemplary programs leading to the Associate of Arts degree, transfer to other institutions of higher education, occupational certificates, and continuous workforce improvement, as well as quality instruction in basic skills and English as a Second Language. Additionally, the college is a partner in contributing to the economic vitality of the community and to serving the community`s diverse needs for lifelong learning.
School Highlights
Orange Coast College serves 22,363 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 27:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 22,363 students
- In-state tuition: $1,288
- Out-state tuition: $7,728
- Student:teacher ratio: 27:1
- Minority enrollment: 71%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Orange Coast College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 836 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Orange Coast College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
836 staff
315 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Orange Coast College has grown by 11% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 has increased from 22:1 over five years.
The Orange Coast College diversity score of 0.74 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
22,363 students
9,796 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
27:1
32:1

# Full-Time Students
7,332 students
1,259 students

# Part-Time Students
15,031 students
8,537 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
223 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
7,332 students
1,250 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students

% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
22%
13%

% Hispanic
35%
47%

% Black
2%
7%

% White
29%
23%

% Hawaiian
n/a
1%

% Two or more races
5%
5%

% Non Resident races
5%
1%

% Unknown races
1%
3%


Diversity Score
0.74
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4508%
0.4221%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$41,600
$34,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,288 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has grown by 8% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,728 is more than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,288
$1,516

Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,728
$6,779

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
69%
85%

Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$10,500

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,950
$6,239

Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Orange Coast College, located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches, was founded in 1948 with an opening day enrollment of 500 students. In the years since, it has grown into one of the nation's largest and finest community colleges, enrolling more than 28,000 students each semester. Featuring exceptional facilities and the latest in computer and high-tech equipment, OCC offers more than 130 academic and career programs, including one of the nation's largest and most acclaimed public nautical programs. Nearly half the students on campus are enrolled in one of OCC's career and technical programs. Orange Coast College ranks first out of Orange Counties nine community colleges in the number of students it transfers to the University of California and California State University systems. Over the past decade, nearly 16,000 OCC students have transferred to UC and CSU campuses. OCC is a leader in transferring students to four-year universities, and nearly half of our students are enrolled in two-year career and technical programs. Orange Coast is well known for rigorously preparing students for successful transfer to the University of California, California State University, and other four-year colleges and universities. Orange Coast College enhances student learning by providing exemplary programs leading to the Associate of Arts degree, transfer to other institutions of higher education, occupational certificates, and continuous workforce improvement, as well as quality instruction in basic skills and English as a Second Language. Additionally, the college is a partner in contributing to the economic vitality of the community and to serving the community's diverse needs for lifelong learning. Just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches, Orange Coast College ranks as one of America's largest single-campus community colleges. More than 27,000 students enroll in classes on our beautiful 164-acre campus each semester. The college is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Orange Coast College cost?
Orange Coast College's tuition is approximately $1,288 for In-State students and $7,728 for Out-State students.
What sports does Orange Coast College offer?
Orange Coast College offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo.
What is Orange Coast College's ranking?
Orange Coast College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
Recent Articles

Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.

How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.

Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.