Orange Coast College

Located in Costa Mesa, California, Orange Coast College offers one associate, one bachelor’s,  and three certificate programs, each with different specializations. The school also offers flight rating to be taken individually to degree programs. Most of Orange Coast’s classes are in the evenings between 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Flight training happens as part of a customized schedule between students and flight instructors, perfect for those looking to change career paths.

Program Highlights

Orange Coast College is an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school and flight operations are housed at John Wayne Airport (KJWA) in Costa Mesa, California. The airfield is only five minutes from the main campus.

Programs Orange Coast offers include:

• Associate of Science
  • Aviation Science-Professional Pilot
• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation Management
• Certificate
  • Achievement
    ■ Airframe and Powerplant
    ■ Aviation Science
    ■ Aircraft Dispatcher
  • Specialization
    ■ Avionics
    ■ Helicopter Theory
    ■ Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Flight

The certificate programs are aimed at students who are looking for hands-on training and can be taken in addition to the base courses for the Associate of Science in aviation science.

Students enrolled in the Orange Coast aviation pilot training, aviation management, aircraft dispatcher and aviation maintenance programs can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management at the Orange Coast campus.

Orange Coast College is part of Region 2 of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

Value

Orange Coast College is one of the most affordable aviation colleges. A full load of classes, before flight training will cost students about $1,000 a semester. Flight training costs are on the lower end and average about $50,000 for the entire program.

Students can finance their education directly with the school.

Orange Coast offers scholarships for students, including:

● Institution Scholarships
● The SoCal Pilot Scholarship
● The Women in Aviation Scholarship

Orange Coast College also accepts veteran’s benefits for flight training.

Fleet and Facilities

Orange Coast College has a fleet of Cessna C172 aircraft. The school also uses advanced aviation flight simulators.

It is an FAA-approved Part 141 school. Graduates of the associate’s degree program may benefit from a restricted ATP.

Campus Life

There are more than 60 student clubs available for students at Orange Coast. There are also many athletic programs, including baseball, basketball and swimming. The college has won more than 100 state and national sports championships.

Orange Coast College offers fully furnished student housing at a low cost, as well as on-campus dining options.

The Bottom Line

Orange Coast College offers FAA-recognized flight training at a very affordable cost. This school may be a good fit for students who are looking to achieve a degree or certificates toward starting their career in the aviation industry. Orange Coast also offers some traditional college experiences such as college athletics, clubs and organizations, and on-campus housing.