MiraCosta College
About MiraCosta College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
MiraCosta College teaches on the coast of northern San Diego County, from Oceanside and Cardiff, and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The sciences and business are its largest programs, and it teaches horticulture on its own farm.
Founded
1934
Location
Oceanside, California
Students
10,278
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
41.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$1,158
Out-of-state: $9,750
Avg Net Price
$7,339
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$43,845
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
Jul 1
Regular
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
41.1% complete their degree within three years
Retention
Not reported
Transfer Out
9.9%
The federal survey collects no first-year retention cohort for this college.
Teaching Quality
22:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
23.1%
$/Student
$7.2K
Class Size
Large
The 41.1% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$1,158
In-State
$9,750
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$15,531
After Financial Aid
$7,339
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,535
Receive Grants
27.4%
Take Loans
2.3%
Tuition is $1,158/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $7,339.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at MiraCosta College fund their education.
While in School
27.4%
Get Grants
Free money
2.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$19,811
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$9,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$95/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $9,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends MiraCosta College.
Gender
58.4%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,278
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
51%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
35.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 51% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
10,278
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
MiraCosta College fields 4 varsity teams with 114 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
CCCAA
California Community College Athletic Association
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
4
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
114
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
46% / 54%
52
Men
62
Women
2
Men's Teams
4
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of MiraCosta Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$43,845
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
—
457 grads
Biological and Physical Sciences
—
250 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
183 grads
Psychology, General
—
125 grads
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
—
59 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
—
50 grads
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MiraCosta College
How much does MiraCosta College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at MiraCosta College?▾
How much do MiraCosta College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.