The college was formed in a tax district election in May 1961. It originally included Coos, northern Curry, and western Douglas and Lane counties, though Curry and Lane counties chose to leave the district a year later. On July 1, 1995, Curry County rejoined the district following a successful annexation vote by its residents. With the addition of Curry County, the college area nearly doubled in size, extending to the California border. The district now encompasses 3,648 square miles with a population of approximately 90,000. The college is the only public, post-secondary institution in the region.

Enrollment has grown from 815 total students in 1961 to around 10,000 students annually. SWOCC's faculty have grown from 15 to about 60 full-time faculty and from 11 to around 200 part-time instructors. Cultural and athletic events at the college attract thousands of men, women and children from our communities each year.