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)
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
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
4,561 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
12,079 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
166 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,561 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,079 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 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%
0.4304%
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 stayed relatively flat 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 28% 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: 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.
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
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)
