MiraCosta College, located in Oceanside, California, was founded in 1934 to serve residents located in northern San Diego County and was originally known as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College. Courses were initially offered through Oceanside High School until the school relocated to a permanent campus in 1964 and was renamed MiraCosta College (which means “Behold the Coast”) due to the view of the ocean from the college. The school's enrollment has increase sharply from its initial to 122 students, with a current annual enrollment of over 16,000. As a result the school maintains a campuses in Del Mar and San Elijo. The school is dedicated to providing the highest education and the greatest number of opportunities possible for its students and community.
Academics
MiraCosta College is a comprehensive community college that offers students a variety of programs in order to allow the pursuit of personal and professional goals with ease. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, after which students will apply to four year institutions to continue their education and eventually earn a bachelor's degree. Students applying to public California schools will have an easier time transferring due to agreements in place that guarantee admission.
Career training programs offer an education that prepares an individual for entry into the workforce as a qualified professional in a high demand field or industry. Programs provide skill development, education and training under the tutelage of experienced instructors in a variety of courses that offer access to traditional and practical teaching methods. Programs typically take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate upon completion.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
MiraCosta Community College is an open enrollment institution that admits any individuals that are eighteen years old at minimum, or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students are asked to complete an application and pay all fees, as well as submit test scores and transcripts if available. Participation in orientation is encouraged, as is meeting with a counselor to discuss enrollment options. Some students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students are asked to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the financial aid department to determine the extent of a student's needs and their aid program eligibility when constructing and aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for each academic year and should be applied for in a timely manner in order to ensure that funds are disbursed when needed.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,200. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $1,100-$1,300
- Out-of-State: $5,900-$7,085
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $250-$300 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 61% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 60% | $4,543 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 3% | $6,086 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Miracosta College may provide student services like:
- Online course work available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often times offer both career training courses and curriculum to help students transfer out to a 4-year college or university, that is why we include how this school compares for both graduation and transfer rates against other community colleges in San Diego County and community colleges in California in total.
| Miracosta College | San Diego County | California | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 27.4% | 23.1% | 24.3% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 17.0% | 16.6% | 13.8% |
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Miracosta College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Plant Nursery Operations and Management (A, C)
- Landscaping (A, C)
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations and Related Sciences (C)
Architecture
- Landscape Architect (C)
- Architectural Technology (A, C)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Real Estate (A, C)
- Small Business Management (A, C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Commerce (C)
- Sales Manager (A, C)
- Taxation (C)
- Retail Management (C)
- Office Management and Supervision (A, C)
- Ecommerce (C)
- Accounting
- Retailing and Retail Operations
- Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations
Communication Technology
- Animation (A, C)
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (A, C)
- Photographic and Film Technology (A, C)
- Audio and Video Production (A, C)
Communications and Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Science (A)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (A, C)
- Computer Networking (C)
- Computer Programming (A, C)
- Web Design (C)
- Information Technology
- System Administration
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
- Education, Early Childhood Special Education Programs (C)
- Health Teacher Education
Engineering Technology
- Biomedical Technology (A, C)
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) (A, C)
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (C)
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology
English Language and Literature
- English (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Adult Development and Aging (A, C)
- Child Care (A, C)
- Child Development
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (A, C)
- Italian Language and Literature (A)
- French Language and Literature (A)
- Japanese Language and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
- Health Services (C)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (A, C)
- Massage Therapy (A, C)
- Surgical Technologist (A, C)
- Health Preparatory Programs (A)
- Home Health Aide
History
- History (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Personal and Culinary Services
Physical Sciences
Precision Production
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Public Administration and Social Service (C)
- Human Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Physical Fitness Technician (C)
- Sports Medicine (A, C)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (A)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (A)
- Music (A, C)
- Dance (A, C)
- Design and Visual Communications (C)
- Theatre Design and Technology (A, C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Miracosta College.
- Palomar College in San Marcos, CA (8 miles away)
- San Diego Miramar College in San Diego, CA (22 miles away)
- San Diego Mesa College in San Diego, CA (28 miles away)
- Grossmont College in El Cajon, CA (31 miles away)
- Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA (33 miles away)