Based on preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa ranked 49th overall, conferring 1,147 associate's degrees. Orange Coast was also ranked 40th in producing associate's degrees for minority students.

       Armando R. Ruiz, president of the CCCD Board of Trustees, said he is proud of the District's ability to provide a quality education for Orange County residents.

       "While the numbers reported in Community College Week are based on preliminary data, they do show that our District's colleges give our students what they need most - results," Ruiz said.

       Two of CCCD's three colleges ranked among the top 15 AA degree producers for Asian Americans. OCC ranked 9th with 294 degrees conferred to Asian Americans, and Golden West College (GWC) ranked 11th with 239.

       "These numbers are further proof that we are meeting the needs of our community by providing an opportunity to receive a quality education," said Ruiz. "I am gratified to know that students are taking advantage of what we have to offer in record numbers. The ethnic make-up of Orange County is changing rapidly, and we have been able to rise to the challenge of providing the educational services this changing population needs."

       OCC and GWC also made the list of the top 50 AA degree producers in arts and sciences. OCC ranked 14th with all 1,147 of its degrees in these combined disciplines. Golden West College ranked 38th with 709 art and science degrees conferred.

       "All associate's degrees conferred by Coast Community College District colleges are considered arts and science degrees," said Jorge Sanchez, District director of vocational education and institutional research. "One of our District's primary missions is to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution. Obviously, we are fulfilling that mission."

       The Coast Community College District is the fourth largest community college district in the nation in credit enrollment, serving 55,000 students each semester. The district is comprised of Coastline Community College headquartered in Fountain Valley, Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and KOCE-TV, the district's public broadcasting station.

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