Orange Coast College Photo

Best Costa Mesa Community Colleges (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 community colleges serving 17,339 students in Costa Mesa, California.
The top-ranked community college in Costa Mesa, CA is Pacific College.
The average community college acceptance rate in Orange County, CA is 59% (compared to national acceptance rates).
Orange County, CA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.71, which is higher than the national average of 0.00 (compared to national diversity statistics).
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), and the student:teacher ratio is 39:1.

Top-Ranked Costa Mesa, CA Community Colleges (2026)

College
Location
Quick Facts
Pacific College
Private for-profit
3160 Red Hill Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 662-4402
Enrollment: 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Acceptance rate: 56% Minority enrollment: 89%
1370 Adams Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 438-4600
Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College Photo
Public
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 432-5072
Enrollment: 17,096 students Student-teacher ratio: 41:1 In-state tuition: $1,288 Out-state tuition: $7,728 Minority enrollment: 71%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many community colleges are located in Costa Mesa, CA?
There are 3 community colleges serving 17,339 students in Costa Mesa, CA.
What is the community college acceptance rate in Costa Mesa, CA?
The average community college acceptance rate in Orange County, CA is 59% (compared to national acceptance rates).
What is the community college diversity score in Costa Mesa, CA?
Community colleges in Orange County, CA have a diversity score of 0.71, which is higher than the national average of 0.00 (compared to national diversity statistics).
How diverse are community colleges in Costa Mesa, CA?
Community colleges in Costa Mesa, CA have approximately 71% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic.

Recent Articles

As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As universities expand short-term workforce certificates, learn how community colleges compare on cost, flexibility, employer partnerships, and career outcomes.
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
Learn how new federal financial aid rules affect short-term workforce training programs and what prospective community college students should consider before enrolling.
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Learn how childcare, transportation, food assistance, and other basic needs services help community college students stay enrolled and graduate.

Quick Links