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MiraCosta College

Oceanside, CA

publicbachelors

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1934
Founded
Public community college
Type
10,474
Total Students
$1K
Tuition (In-State)
$9K
Tuition (Out-State)
$7K
Avg Net Price
41%
Graduation Rate
6-year
86%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Sunita V. Cooke

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About MiraCosta College

MiraCosta College: Coastal education empowering North County's diverse learners.

Nestled along the picturesque coast of North County San Diego, MiraCosta College offers a vibrant and comprehensive educational experience for a diverse student body. Founded in 1934 as the second community college in San Diego County, MiraCosta has a rich history of growth and innovation. Originally known as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College, it quickly established itself as a vital pathway for students seeking transfer credits to institutions like the University of California.

Today, MiraCosta College is renowned for its stunning 121-acre hilltop campus in Oceanside, which provides panoramic ocean and coastal mountain views, inspiring its very name: "MiraCosta" (behold the coast). Beyond the beautiful scenery, the college is a hub of academic excellence, particularly in fields like biotechnology—housing a facility designated as a Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Labor—and horticulture, with a remodeled complex offering hands-on learning. The college also boasts a Cisco Academy for computer networking and a robust Community Learning Center providing extensive adult education programs, including parenting classes and support for individuals with physical and mental challenges.

Prospective students and families will find a welcoming and supportive environment at MiraCosta. With state-of-the-art facilities like a modern library, a new Concert Hall, and a Child Development Center that offers both academic instruction and childcare services, the college is committed to student success. Its commitment to inclusivity is further highlighted by initiatives such as a scholarship for transgender students, ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to thrive and pursue their educational and career aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1934, MiraCosta College was the second community college established in San Diego County.
  • The 121-acre Oceanside campus, relocated in 1964, offers panoramic ocean views, inspiring the college's name ('behold the coast').
  • Initially, 16 courses offered credit toward advanced standing at the University of California.
  • Houses a biotechnology facility designated as a Center of Excellence in bioprocessing by the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Features a modern Child Development Center providing both academic instruction and childcare services to the community.
  • Operates three primary locations: Oceanside Campus, San Elijo Campus, and the Community Learning Center (CLC) in Oceanside.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity by introducing a scholarship for transgender students in 2015.

Timeline

1934
Founded as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College with 122 students.
1964
Relocated to its present 121-acre hilltop campus and renamed MiraCosta College.
1976
District expanded to include all North County coastal communities from Camp Pendleton to Del Mar.
1988
The San Elijo Campus opened in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, serving 2,500 credit students.
2000
The Adult Learning Center relocated and was renamed the Community Learning Center.
2005
Opened a biotechnology facility, designated a Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Labor.
2015
Introduced a scholarship specifically for transgender students.
🏛️
92 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Sunita V. Cooke
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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