Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, United States • Founded 1947
Updated Oct 2026 · Source: orangecoastcollege.edu
Overview
Orange Coast College is a public community college in Costa Mesa, California, on a 164-acre campus a short distance from the Pacific coast.
It was founded in 1947, after local voters approved a new junior college, and it belongs to the Coast Community College District. The college offers more than 135 academic and career programs leading to Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, Associate Degrees for Transfer and certificates.
Many students prepare to transfer to University of California and California State University campuses, while a large share of enrollment is in career and technical education. Its Waterfront Campus in Newport Beach hosts one of the largest public nautical programs in the country.
Students can draw on counseling, tutoring, health and wellness services, honors programs, clubs and athletics.
The Harbour, an on-campus student housing facility, was the first of its kind at a Southern California community college. International students can apply through the Global Engagement Center, which also runs an intensive English program, and the college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Location & Contact
Below are Orange Coast College's address, location, and primary contact channels.
Academic Details
Orange Coast College's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Academic Structures
The academic units through which Orange Coast College delivers teaching are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- Business & Consumer Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Literature & Languages
- Mathematics & Sciences
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Technology & CTE
- Visual & Performing Arts
Programs Offered
Browse Orange Coast College's programmes by level, or filter by name.
127 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Associate's Degree 78 programmes
Showing 10 of 78.
Certificate 49 programmes
Showing 10 of 49.
How to apply to Orange Coast College
A five-step guide to applying to Orange Coast College.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Orange Coast College offers 127 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Orange Coast College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Orange Coast College's online portal at www.orangecoastcollege.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at 714) 432-5072. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orange Coast College
Below are key facts about Orange Coast College, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Orange Coast College?
The institution opened in 1947 (approximately 79 years ago).
What city is Orange Coast College in?
Orange Coast College operates from Costa Mesa, United States.
Is Orange Coast College a public or private institution?
Orange Coast College is a public institution.
How big is Orange Coast College's student body?
Orange Coast College serves approximately 16,091 students.
What is Orange Coast College's academic structure?
The institution comprises 7 academic units.
How do I find Orange Coast College online?
The institution's website is www.orangecoastcollege.edu.
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International student mix at the United States's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Costa Mesa: universities located close to Orange Coast College.
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