Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA

Total Enrollment

30,110

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

150

150 career programs

Full-Time Students

25,990

30,110 part-time

Total FTE

10,649

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
30,110
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 150
High diversity
~201 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Orange Coast College operates as a large trade college with 30,110 students across 150 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 30,110 students, Orange Coast College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 150 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 25,990 (46.3%)
46.3%
Part-Time Students 30,110 (53.7%)
53.7%
Total Students 56,100

Majority part-time students (53.7%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (86.3%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
50.0%
15,056 students
Men
50.0%
15,054 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
36.7%
11,060 students
Hispanic/Latino
36.7% (11,060)
White
28.7% (8,635)
Asian
21.4% (6,434)
Two or More Races
5.4% (1,632)
International Students
4.6% (1,385)
Black/African American
1.7% (526)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.3% (77)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (61)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 30,110 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 37% of the student body (11,060 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.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

56,100 students

51% Men, 49% Women
25,990 Full-time
Diversity Index: 74% • Minority Students: 59%

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%

Part-Time Students

All Students

17,085
All students total
8,527 men, 8,558 women
Diversity: 73%

Transfer

1,600
Transfer-in students
724 men, 876 women
Diversity: 72%

Continuing

10,457
Continuing students
5,364 men, 5,093 women
Diversity: 73%

Non-Degree

968
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
439 men, 529 women
Diversity: 69%

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

15,719
White
928
Black/African American
19,728
Hispanic/Latino
12,046
Asian
3,721
International
Diversity Index: 74% Minority Students: 59%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

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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 30,110 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (86.3%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 10,649 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 48% taking some online courses.
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