Trade and career programs at Orange Coast College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 127 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 95 | $88,199 | $91,682 | $14,125 |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 67 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 53 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Certificate | 50 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 24 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 23 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 23 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Associate degree | 17 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Plumbing | Certificate | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Orange Coast College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $1,222 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $11,776 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $1,850 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $1,850 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | Not reported |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | Not reported |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | Not reported |
| Over $110,000 | Not reported |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 49% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 74% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $53,930 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $9,500 in federal student loans.
- 27% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Orange Coast College cost?
Tuition and fees are $1,222 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $1,850 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Orange Coast College?
49% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do Orange Coast College graduates earn?
EMT, surgical tech and imaging associate degree graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $88,199 one year after finishing.
Is Orange Coast College accredited?
Orange Coast College is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Paul Mitchell the School-Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa: $14,075 a year
- East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park: $1,238 a year
- Santa Ana College, Santa Ana: $1,188 a year
- Long Beach City College, Long Beach: $1,560 a year
- Fresno City College, Fresno: $1,334 a year
- Cerritos College, Norwalk: $1,364 a year
More: all trade schools in California · Orange Coast College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.