The Central Oregon Community College Madras campus is welcoming students for fall 2026 term — a milestone that reflects years of investment in bringing higher education closer to home for Jefferson County residents.
Among the highlights this fall is the campus's nursing cohort, which offers eight seats for students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The Madras cohort is part of COCC's broader nursing program, which also runs a larger cohort at the Bend campus. The local seats are a significant asset for the region: nursing is one of the most in-demand career pathways in rural Oregon, and having those seats in Madras means students don't have to relocate to Bend to get their start.
New Building Opens Its Doors
The campus also has a new facility to show off. Construction on a new education building — long in the planning — was expected to wrap up in early 2026, and the completed space is now serving students this fall. The addition expands classroom capacity and supports the hands-on training programs the Madras campus has been growing in recent years.
Campus Director James Rodriguez, who took the role in early 2025, has been a driving force behind the expansion. At a Jefferson County Coffee Cuppers networking event last fall, Rodriguez highlighted rising enrollment numbers and the new programs the campus was rolling out. That momentum appears to be continuing into the 2026-27 academic year.
Why It Matters for Jefferson County
The Madras campus, which has operated since 2011, is designed to serve the northern Central Oregon region — communities like Madras, Metolius, Culver, Crooked River Ranch, and the Warm Springs Reservation. For residents who might otherwise face a long commute to Bend or have to leave the area entirely to pursue a degree, the local campus is a genuine lifeline.
COCC's programs span workforce training, transfer degrees, and professional certifications. The nursing program is a standout example of career-focused education that meets local employer needs — Jefferson County's healthcare providers consistently need qualified nurses.
Getting Enrolled
Students who missed the fall term can begin planning for winter or spring. COCC's academic calendar lists deadlines by term, and the admissions office can be reached at welcome@cocc.edu or 541-383-7500. The Madras campus is located at the Madras Education Center.
For a community that has historically had to send its young people elsewhere to find opportunity, every new program and every filled seat at the Madras campus is a step toward keeping talent — and the future — right here in Jefferson County.