- 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 11,125 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 11,125 students
- In-state tuition: $1,152
- Out-state tuition: $5,784
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 93%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
MiraCosta College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 649 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
MiraCosta College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
649 staff
294 staff
Student Body
The student population of MiraCosta College has declined by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has decreased from 20:1 over five years.
The MiraCosta College diversity score of 0.69 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,125 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
3,933 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
7,192 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
104 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,933 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,192 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
7%
13%
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
1%
1%
% Black
37%
46%
% White
7%
5%
% Hawaiian
40%
24%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.71
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)
0.3587%
0.4884%
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 $1,236. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,784 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,152
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,784
$6,547
% 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
92%
Source: 2023 (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 and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is MiraCosta College located?
MiraCosta College is located in the Mira Costa neighborhood of Oceanside, CA.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to MiraCosta College is Palomar College (7.6 miles away)
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