- MiraCosta College, one of California's comprehensive, public two-year community colleges, has served the coastal area of North San Diego County for 75 years. Recognizing that individuals and domestic and international communities are diverse and changing, the college is committed to offering a variety of programs and services in Transfer Education, Vocational Education, General Education, Basic Skills Education, Community Education and Support Services.
School Highlights
MiraCosta College serves 16,640 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 26:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 16,640 students
- In-state tuition: $1,152
- Out-state tuition: $5,784
- Student:teacher ratio: 26:1
- Minority enrollment: 64%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
MiraCosta College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 649 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
MiraCosta College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
649 staff
315 staff

Student Body
The student population of MiraCosta College has grown by 28% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 26:1 has increased from 19:1 over five years.
The MiraCosta College diversity score of 0.69 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
16,640 students
9,796 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
32:1

# Full-Time Students
4,561 students
1,259 students

# Part-Time Students
12,079 students
8,537 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
166 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,561 students
1,250 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,079 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
8%
13%

% Hispanic
41%
47%

% Black
3%
7%

% White
36%
23%

% Hawaiian
1%
1%

% Two or more races
7%
5%

% Non Resident races
1%
1%

% Unknown races
3%
3%


Diversity Score
0.69
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
28%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.4262%
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,100
$34,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,152 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,784 is less than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,152
$1,516

Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,784
$6,779

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
75%
85%

Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$10,500

Median Debt for Dropouts
$8,500
$6,239

Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- MiraCosta College is a public California community college serving coastal North San Diego County. The college was founded in 1934 as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College, the second community college in San Diego County. Changed name to MiraCosta College and moved to Barnard Drive location in 1964. Student Resources includes library and information hubs at both the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses; More than 1,000 networked computers for student use; Wellness Center at the Oceanside Campus; free tutoring in nearly every subject; more than 1,000 students participate in Service Learning projects related to class curricula; Honors Scholars Program and active national honor society. MiraCosta's Adult Learning Center opened in 1992 at a newly remodeled site on Horne Street. The center relocated to its current Mission Avenue location in 2000 and was renamed the Community Learning Center. Over the years the center has expanded its adult education offerings to include parenting classes, workshops for older adults, and programs for those who are physically and mentally challenged. The Cisco Academy, which offers training in computer networking, is also housed at the center. The college's Small Business Development Center is right next door. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MiraCosta College cost?
MiraCosta College's tuition is approximately $1,152 for In-State students and $5,784 for Out-State students.
What is MiraCosta College's ranking?
MiraCosta College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition.
In what neighborhood is MiraCosta College located?
MiraCosta College is located in the Mira Costa neighborhood of Oceanside, CA.
Recent Articles

Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.

How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.

Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.