Oregon Coast Community College was founded in 1987. For the first twenty plus years of its history the college provided classes and services out of a variety of rented spaces. In 2004 the voters of Lincoln County passed a $23.5 million bond to develop a permanent college campus in Newport and college centers in Lincoln City and Waldport. In 2005, the Oregon Legislature provided $4.5 million in matching funds for the capital project. The Lincoln County Center opened in Fall 2008, followed by the Newport Campus and Waldport Center in 2009. In Fall 2011, a separate facility for the college’s signature Aquarium Science Program opened on the Newport Campus.
Throughout its history the college has provided courses and programs to meet the educational and economic development needs of Lincoln County. In July 2014, Dr. Birgitte Ryslinge was named the president of Oregon Coast Community College. Dr. Ryslinge is charged with leading the college to independent accreditation. In 2014, the college revisited its mission, values and established core themes. The core themes were revised in 2017 to better reflect the college’s mission. Under the mission and core themes OCCC will equip students for success by providing educational pathways and support in response to the diverse needs of the community. And, by providing accessible and engaging programs OCCC will continue to enrich the economic and civic vitality of Lincoln County.