Follow Your Passion
Unlock your full potential by following your passion at Orange Coast College. Whether you dream of pursuing a career in technology, culinary arts, business, or beyond, OCC will support your journey every step. With over 130 programs, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, OCC provides the perfect environment to explore your interests and turn your passion into reality. Enroll at OCC and embark on a transformative educational experience where you can pursue what you love and build a brighter future.
How OCC Students Follow Their Passion
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Melanie Zarzur
From gamer to shaping realities
OCC 2024
Melanie Zarzur started her educational journey at Orange Coast College as an international student from Brazil before transferring to University of Southern California to study civil engineering. When she graduated from USC during the pandemic, Melanie returned to OCC to pursue other passions. She quickly landed on a new program — Immersive Media. Now, Melanie is shaping realities as a Product Coordinator at Magnopus. -
Jess Moffett
From thrifter to fashion stylist
OCC 2018
Jess Moffett found a love for fashion when she rummaged through her mom’s closet to create the perfect outfit. She sharpened her skillset at Orange Coast College to make her mark in the fashion industry. Now, Jess is pursuing her passion for fashion as a Wardrobe Stylist at Boot Barn. -
Edbert Nguyen
From foodie to chef de cuisine
OCC 2020
Edbert Nguyen developed his passion for cooking at a young age when he cooked alongside his Vietnamese mother. He attended Orange Coast College, one of the top culinary programs in the nation, to hone his culinary techniques. Now, Edbert is celebrating his Vietnamese heritage one dish at a time as an Assistant Kitchen Manager at Vox Kitchen. -
Sarah Catania
From coder to research engineer
OCC 2020
Sarah Catania developed her passion for STEM as she tinkered with toys to learn how they worked. Following in her family’s footsteps, Sarah pursued engineering and enrolled in STEM classes at Orange Coast College. Now, Sarah is a Research and Development Engineer at Broadcom.
Cost Comparsion
Cost is based on tuition and fees based on 14 units per semester for an academic year.
With classes at just $46 a unit, Orange Coast College offers high-quality education for a lot less than UC, CSU, and private colleges. Students can save tens of thousands of dollars by starting at OCC and then transferring to a four-year university or using their degree or certificate to get a well-paying job. OCC offers:
- Same general education classes for 1/5 the cost of (81% less than) California State University (CSU) institutions
- Same general education classes for 1/10 the cost of (90% less than) University of California (UC) institutions
- Same general education classes for 1/25 the cost of (96% less than) Private Orange County Universities
- Same general education classes for 1/30 the cost of (97% less than) Private Los Angeles County Universities
Note: Financial aid is available for those who qualify.