Chet Raj Bhandari Written by Chet Raj Bhandari

About Orange Coast College

Study at Orange Coast College from Nepal 

Orange Coast College (OCC) is a public community college in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. It was founded in 1947.

OCC is known for its strong transfer programs to the University of California and California State University systems, with great programs in marine science, aviation, and visual arts. 

The total number of students studying at OCC is approximately 17,748, with about 5% of international student population. 

Why Choose Orange Coast College?

  • Strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems.
  • Excellent programs in aviation, marine science, business, nursing prerequisites, and arts.
  • Affordable compared to 4-year universities.
  • Vibrant student life with on-campus housing and beach access.
  • 91% employment rate within one year of graduation.

Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Campuses

  • Main Campus (Costa Mesa, California) – All academic programs, housing, and student services are based here.

Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Number of Courses & Levels

Levels offered:

  • Associate Degrees (transfer and technical)
  • Certificates of Achievement

Departments:

  • Business & Computing
  • Consumer & Health Sciences
  • Counseling
  • Kinesiology & Athletics
  • Literature & Languages
  • Mathematics & Sciences
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Technology
  • Visual & Performing Arts

Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Popular Courses & Degrees

  • Biology / Natural Sciences
  • Aviation / Pilot Training
  • Marine Science
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Nursing prerequisites

Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Campus Life

  • Planetarium & Observatory
  • On-campus housing (rare for community colleges)
  • Student Union & College Center
  • LeBard Stadium and athletics programs
  • Arts & Language buildings
  • Guided student-led tours
  • Beach-close campus in Costa Mesa

Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Rankings

  • #117 out of 755 U.S. colleges
  • #34 out of 103 in California community colleges

Source: Academic Influence

Tuition & Cost of Study (Annual)

Expense TypeCost (USD)Approx. Cost (NPR*)
Tuition & Fees$11,916NPR 1,585,000
Medical Insurance$1,980NPR 263,000
Room & Board$14,301NPR 1,900,000
Books & Supplies$1,400NPR 186,000
Total (per year)~$30,000~NPR 3,934,000

*USD 1 = NPR 133 approx.
Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Library

  • Extensive library with research databases, e-books, and multimedia.
  • Group study rooms and technology-equipped workspaces.
  • Academic support workshops and reference services.

Source: OCC Library

Placements & Career Opportunities

  • 91% employment rate within a year of graduation.
  • Strong career coaching, internship matching, and networking with local employers in tech, healthcare, arts, and trade industries.

Source: https://orangecoastcollege.edu

Part-Time Jobs (On-Campus)

Common on-campus jobs for students:

  • Library Assistant
  • Student Center Clerk
  • Peer Tutor / Lab Assistant
  • Department Administrative Aide
  • Student Ambassador / Campus Tour Guide
  • Event Staff (Arts/Performances)
  • Career Center Assistant

Source: OCC Career Center

Notable Alumni

  • Diane Keaton (Actress)
  • Scott Weiland (Musician)
  • Adam DeVine (Actor)
  • Patrick Warburton (Actor)
  • Scott Aukerman (Writer & Producer)

Source: OCC Alumni

Eligibility Criteria

  • Completion of Higher Secondary (+2) / A-Levels or equivalent.
  • TOEFL iBT: 61+
  • IELTS: 5.5–6.0+
  • Duolingo: 90+
  • Valid Nepali Passport.

Source: OCC International Admissions

Required Documents

For Admission Application:

  • Passport copy
  • Application form
  • High school transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Financial certification
  • Sponsor’s affidavit or guarantee form
  • Copy of high school certificate
  • Personal statement/essay
  • Application fee receipt

For Visa Application:

  • Valid Passport
  • Form I-20
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt
  • DS-160 Confirmation
  • Visa Appointment Letter
  • Passport photo
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of financial support
  • Statement of Purpose
  • NOC (No Objection Certificate, if required)

Source: OCC International Student Office

Application Process & Deadlines

  • Fall Intake (August) – Apply by May/June
  • Spring Intake (January) – Apply by October/November
  • Summer Intake (May) – Apply by February

Application steps:

  • Research programs (7–8 months before intake)
  • Gather documents (6 months before intake)
  • Submit application (3 months before intake)

Source: OCC International Admissions

Contact Details

Program Details

Associate in Arts – Business Administration

Business & Computing Divisionnistration Division

Orange Coast College

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Transfer pathway to UC/CSU system.

Associate in Science – Computer Science

Mathematics & Sciences Division

Orange Coast College

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Designed for transfer to UC Irvine, UC San Diego, CSU.

Associate in Science – Aviation & Pilot Training

Technology Division

Orange Coast College

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+6.0

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Includes flight training.

Associate in Science – Marine Science

Mathematics & Sciences Division

Orange Coast College

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Strong UC transfer pathway.

Associate in Arts – Visual & Performing Arts

Visual & Performing Arts Division

Orange Coast College

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Includes theatre, music, design programs.

Associate in Science – Biology/Natural Sciences

Mathematics & Sciences Division

Orange Coast College

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Prepares for transfer to UC/CSU biology majors.

Associate in Science – Nursing Prerequisites

Consumer & Health Sciences Division

Orange Coast College

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

5.5+

TOEFL:

61+

PTE:

50+

*Note:

Prepares for transfer to nursing bachelor’s programs.

Accommodation (For Nepali Students)

OCC provides on-campus housing (a rare option among U.S. community colleges) as well as access to nearby apartments and homestays.

TypeMonthly Cost (USD)Monthly Cost (NPR*)
On-campus Housing$900–$1,200NPR 119,700–159,600
Shared Apartment$800–$1,000NPR 106,400–133,000
Private Apartment$1,200–$1,800NPR 159,600–239,400

*USD 1 = NPR 133 approx.
Source: OCC Housing

Orange Coast College Location and Contact details

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