Exploring Oregon Coast Community Colleges: Opportunities and Access

Oregon's community colleges offer accessible and diverse educational pathways for students seeking career training, academic advancement, and personal enrichment. Among these institutions, Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) stands out as a vital resource for the residents of Lincoln County. This article explores the unique aspects of OCCC, its programs, and the broader landscape of community colleges in Oregon.

Oregon Coast Community College: An Overview

Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) is a public community college located in Newport, Oregon, serving students throughout Lincoln County. With a total enrollment of 417 students and a student-faculty ratio of 9-to-1, OCCC provides a personalized learning environment. The college operates on a quarter-based academic year.

History and Accreditation

OCCC held its first classes in 1987, initially utilizing available spaces throughout the community. A significant milestone was achieved in 2020 when OCCC became officially independent and accredited, marking a culmination of over 30 years of progress.

Locations and Facilities

OCCC operates four learning centers across Lincoln County, located in Newport, Waldport, Toledo, and Lincoln City. The Central Campus in Newport features the main campus structure (77,677 sq. ft.) and the specialized Aquarium Science Building (9,274 sq. ft.), situated on 20 acres of land in the South Beach area. The Aquarium Science facility includes an animal holding laboratory, a teaching lab, a food preparation area, and a water quality/animal health lab. Both facilities were constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards, emphasizing energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

The North Center (25,025 sq. ft.) in Lincoln City is located near Taft High School, facilitating OCCC course enrollment for Taft students. The South Center (4,200 sq. ft.) in Waldport is adjacent to Waldport High School and Crestview School. The Oregon Coast Welding Laboratory, situated across from the Shipyard at the Port of Toledo, houses the largest of the College's welding labs.

Read also: About Grossmont Community College

Academic Programs and Opportunities

OCCC offers a range of programs, including degrees and certificates in 11 different fields. Popular programs include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, and General Studies. The college also provides opportunities for students to earn college credit for prior learning, including AP exams, IB exams, prior work experience, and military service.

Unique Aquarium Science Program

Oregon Coast Community College is the only college in the United States to offer a degree program in aquarium science. This unique program offers both an associate's degree and a one-year certification for individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher in life sciences. Due to limited availability (22 places), applicants undergo a selective process involving interviews with aquarists and biologists. Courses cover topics such as Biology of Captive Fish, Aquatic Animal Health Management, and scuba diving. The Aquarium Science Program has launched hundreds of rewarding careers across the globe.

Business Transfer Degrees

Students can begin their Business Degree at OCCC and transfer to Oregon State University (OSU) as a Junior.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has served Lincoln County businesses for over 30 years, providing no-cost business advising and workshops covering accounting principles, technology, and tools. These services are designed to help Lincoln County businesses compete globally.

Admissions and Financial Aid

OCCC has an open admissions policy, making higher education accessible to a wide range of students. The in-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $5,148, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $9,072. There is no application fee.

Financial Assistance

At Oregon Coast Community College, 48 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, with the average scholarship or grant award being $4,955. Students can explore financial aid options through OregonStudentAid.gov, which provides information on grants, scholarships, and financial aid applications.

The Broader Context: Community Colleges in Oregon

Oregon boasts a network of 17 community colleges, providing diverse programs and services throughout the state. These colleges offer degrees and coursework that facilitate transfer to four-year universities. Some community colleges in Oregon also offer four-year degrees.

Transferring to a Four-Year University

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) provides resources to help students plan their transfer from a community college to a four-year public university in Oregon.

State Support and Governance

The HECC works closely with the 17 community colleges. The community colleges are governed by locally elected boards.

Additional Resources and Opportunities

OCCC encourages prospective students to explore its website for information on admissions, programs, and resources. Returning students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred sections and courses. Community groups and clubs can inquire about using college facilities for meetings and events.

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