Welcome designers, animators, gamers and chefs. Home to a thriving metropolis, coastal living and a creative spirit second to none, Orange County is a great place to live, work and learn.

In a region that's just under 800 square miles and a population of nearly 3 million, it boasts an economy of $112 billion annually and ranks fourth nationally in highest median household income. In 2000, Forbes rated Orange County seventh in its "Best Places to do Business" survey.

The Art Institute of California — Orange County sits in a strategic location at the heart of the booming Southern California region that includes the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura, with a combined population of over 18 million. Southern California is a central hub to the entertainment, advertising, design, aerospace and culinary industries.

And who could forget the outdoors. Orange County offers 42 miles of beautiful sandy, Pacific Ocean coastline. Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano and Newport Beach are known the world over and Huntington Beach is internationally known as "Surf City, USA." In fact, Orange County has become the center of the booming $3.3 billion skate and surf industries. Wilderness and mountain parks are minutes away for camping, hiking and biking. All of this comes with one of the most desirable climates in the world, with zero days a year under 32 degrees, only 5 days over 90 degrees and more than 250 sunny days a year.

Orange County also boasts famous attractions like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and world-renowned cultural events like the annual Laguna Beach Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters and Broadway-quality entertainment at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Orange County has an endless array of arts venues, museums, concerts and theatres. It's no wonder that more than 35 million people visit Orange County yearly and USA Today says it's the new "Capital of Cool".

The Art Institute of California — Orange County is located in the heart of Orange County's South Coast Metro region. The new, modern facility is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County's thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and famous beaches. Many students commute from Orange County's more than 30 towns and communities while others students enjoy apartment living in school-sponsored housing located just two miles from campus.

This remarkable region offers unparalleled opportunities for business and skilled talent who choose to live and work here.