by Cynthia Wall

Created on: August 09, 2011   Last Updated: August 10, 2011

Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) is a two to four year college in the coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregon. With its neighbor city, North Bend, the Coos Bay area offers a beautiful and friendly environment for higher education. The town itself is historically famous for lumber and ship building. It’s also a tourist attraction with its excellent crabbing, fishing, and beautiful beaches and campgrounds. The emerald forest comes right to the water and offers a backdrop to one of the most scenic spots on the Northwest coast. 

SWOCC, established in 1961, is the oldest community college in Oregon. Its 125 acre campus is located at 1988 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420-2193. It offers not only two year degrees but also coordinates four year programs with Oregon universities. Several undergraduate degrees are offered. Student enrollment is around 11,000 and the faculty includes 69 full-time professors and 275 part-time instructors. Its apartment-style student housing is popular offering students an economic way to live while attending college. 

Tuition for 2011-12 is $26 per course registration fee and $21 per credit incidental fee and $79 tuition fee. Online classes (distance learning) have an additional $30 fee. International students pay $237 per credit tuition. There is no extra charge for out of state students. Students may enroll for dual admission in SWOCC and other Oregon universities.  Educational loans and grants are available. Further information about tuition and programs can be found at www.socc.edu. Phone is 541-888-2525. 

Degree programs include Associate of Arts with an Oregon Transfer Degree into a bachelor’s program; OTM (Oregon Transfer Module) one year of post secondary general education; AS (Associate of Science Degree); AGS (Associate of General Studies Degree); AS/OT-BUS (Associate of Science/Oregon Transfer Degree in Business; and several one year completion programs in technical areas. 

While Coos Bay is a self-contained city with all essential services including excellent hospital and library facilities, it is a good distance from a major urban area such as Portland. Students who enjoy being in a rural rather than a big city atmosphere will thrive here. There’s a small town feel where residents know most people by name. Store and restaurant owners quickly become familiar with their patrons and often act like extended family to students far away from home. The city has good shopping, fine restaurants, recreation, and many church denominations. There is air service to North Bend. 

SWOCC students tend to do well after transferring to four year colleges. The small teacher student ratio prepares them well with a good foundation for whatever path they choose. For the student looking for the learning opportunities of a large college without the congestion and stress of a big city, SWOCC is a good choice.

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