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"IT'S COOLER AT COAST"

17³Ô¹Ï (OCC) is located in the city of  in Orange County, California minutes from Disneyland Resort, California's most popular beaches, and home to the largest shopping mall in California - South Coast Plaza. International students who attend a community college like OCC and transfer to a university for a bachelor degree, save 50-70% in cost on average! OCC's affordable education comes with incredible value. We invite you to learn what sets us apart from the 1,000 community colleges in the U.S. and why "IT'S COOLER AT COAST"...

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT

17³Ô¹Ï is an educational destination for the 18,000+ students enrolled representing 80 countries from around the world. Supporting more than 900 international students, the Global Engagement Center is committed to your success!

*OCC is the 2nd largest host community college for international students (IIE Open Doors, 2018). Here why our students choose to attend 17³Ô¹Ï.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

 

OCC Harbour Logo

 

17³Ô¹Ï is the first and only community college in Southern California offering on-campus student housing. "The Harbour at Coast" will accommodate a little more than 800 students in apartment style-living. Apply as an international student today and take advantage of a unique opportunity to experience college residential living. 

COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMS

Students can choose to study any of 135 courses leading to associate degrees, certificates, and transfer to 4-year universities. Exploring your interest is encouraged! Pursue a wide range of programs, such Architecture, Business, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Film and Television, Hospitality, Visual and Performing Arts, and so much more! 17³Ô¹Ï is also home to the largest 2-year Marine Science program in the U.S.
*Mya Soe, Myanmar is a marine science major who volunteers part time at the Dennis Kelly Aquarium, the only student led research aquarium in California.

MANY "FIRSTS" AND DISTINCTIONS

17³Ô¹Ï is reknown for achieving many firsts and distinctions.  

  • The only community college competing in collegiate level crew (rowing) including internationally consistently defeating notable NCAA teams such as UCLA, Berkeley, Stanford, and Princeton.
  • Led by the OCC Communication Studies program, OCC became the first community college to win four straight . (LA Times)
  • First community college to qualify for the finals of the . (ESPN)
  • Oldest  in the U.S. and the only triple gold certified facility in the world.
  • Led by the OCC Computer Science program, OCC became the first community college to win at the ". (LA Times)
  • Located in the Newport Harbor, OCC is the only community college in California with a . 
...and much more...
Charline Sanchez at competition celebrating a victory

*Charline Sanchez, France is a digital artist and a member of the OCC history-making Esports team.

HIGH LEVEL ACADEMIC QUALITY

OCC's tradition of academic excellence is a byproduct of university-level academic instruction, a wealth of student support and academic services, research opportunities, , an active campus life supported by the ASOCC (Associated Students of 17³Ô¹Ï), and a curriculum designed for  to bachelor degree-granting universities. OCC offers a wide variety of classes - many taught by faculty who are professors at 4-year universities, published researchers, and experienced professionals in their respective fields. 

*OCC Theatre Arts department is a strong example of the high level of instruction provided by our faculty and the college's committment to prepare students to accomplish success both inside and outside of the classroom.

LEADER IN UNIVERSITY TRANSFERS AND GRADUATION

In 2023, OCC granted more than  and more than  in merit-based scholarships for continuing students. OCC international students have transferred to more than 200 universities in the last 2 years and is consistently the top community college in Orange County for the number of  to the University of California and Cal State University combined.

*Thao Anna Nguyen, Vietnam was a member of the OCC Student Senate and transferred to UC Berkeley in Fall 2019.

#GOCOAST - CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

The  is one of the most winning  (California Community College Athletics Association) programs, taking more than 100 state, conference, and national championships. Offering 23 athletic teams in 13 sports, many former OCC student athletes have moved on to compete at the NCAA level and even at the world championship, Olympic, and professional levels! Competing for the Coast Pirates is an opportunity to continue your athletic passion and to go on to compete at the university level.
*Gabriele Simonti, Italy transferred to George Washington University in Fall 2019 to compete for NCAA Division I water polo - the highest level of collegiate athletics.