Student Enrollment

Understand who studies at Orange Coast College — from total enrollment and demographics to attendance status.

Costa Mesa, CA

Total Enrollment

17,085

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

204

204 career programs

Full-Time Students

6,527

10,558 part-time

Total FTE

10,649

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

26:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

4673
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
4696
Total Recent Graduates

With 17,085 students, Orange Coast College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 204 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 6,527 (38.2%)
38.2%
Part-Time Students 10,558 (61.8%)
61.8%
Total Students 17,085

Majority part-time students (61.8%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (38.2%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
50.1%
8,558 students
Men
49.9%
8,527 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
36.7%
6,268 students
Hispanic/Latino
36.7% (6,268)
White
28.6% (4,879)
Asian
21.1% (3,612)
Two or More Races
5.4% (923)
International Students
5.0% (854)
Black/African American
1.7% (293)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.3% (44)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (34)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 17,085 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 37% of the student body (6,268 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

17,085 students

50% Men, 50% Women
6,527 Full-time 10,558 Part-time
Diversity Index: 73% • Minority Students: 60%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

6,527
All full-time students
3,422 men, 3,105 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Undergraduate

6,527
Full-time undergraduate
3,422 men, 3,105 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Degree-Seeking

6,468
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
3,385 men, 3,083 women
Diversity: 76%

FT First-Time

2,448
Full-time first-time students
1,203 men, 1,245 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Continuing

4,020
Full-time continuing students
2,182 men, 1,838 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Transfer

369
Full-time transfer students
185 men, 184 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Continuing

3,651
Full-time other continuing
1,997 men, 1,654 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Non-Degree

59
Full-time non-degree seeking
37 men, 22 women
Diversity: 76%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

10,558
All part-time students
5,105 men, 5,453 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Undergraduate

10,558
Part-time undergraduate
5,105 men, 5,453 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Degree-Seeking

9,649
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
4,703 men, 4,946 women
Diversity: 72%

PT First-Time

1,612
Part-time first-time students
797 men, 815 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

8,037
Part-time continuing students
3,906 men, 4,131 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Transfer

1,231
Part-time transfer students
539 men, 692 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

6,806
Part-time other continuing
3,367 men, 3,439 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Non-Degree

909
Part-time non-degree seeking
402 men, 507 women
Diversity: 68%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,879
White
293
Black/African American
6,268
Hispanic/Latino
3,612
Asian
854
International
Diversity Index: 73% Minority Students: 60%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Orange Coast College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 17,085 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 10,649 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 48% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Standard class sizes (26:1) with structured learning environment.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

2701 Fairview Road

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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