MiraCosta College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About MiraCosta College
Set between coastal breezes and rolling hills, MiraCosta College is known for strong transfer preparation and practical, career-minded learning. Students find depth across the arts, sciences, business, and technology, with faculty who tend to be approachable and direct. The campus pairs a bright library with well-kept labs and studios, plus resources like tutoring, counseling, health services, and a transfer and career center that actually feels lived-in.
Student life leans welcoming and low-key, with clubs, performances, and community projects that pull in students from many paths. And the beach is close enough to make a quick reset after class. The culture has a SoCal ease but a get-it-done streak, helped by connections to nearby employers, creative firms, and Camp Pendleton. Expect internship leads, employer meetups, and regular showcases of student work. It is a place that values momentum and keeps the door open.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
MiraCosta College offers 80 degree programs across 28 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,857 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 1,627 graduates), Business (12 programs, 532 graduates), Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 270 graduates), Human Sciences (5 programs, 242 graduates) and Computer & IT (9 programs, 178 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 1,627 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 1,518 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 109 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Business (12 programs, 532 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 287 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 81 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 41 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1801 |
| Small Business Management | 40 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
| Hospitality Management | 30 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0901 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 20 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0203 |
| Business Administration | 19 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0101 |
| Taxation | 8 |
|
Residency
|
52.1601 |
| Retail Management | 3 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0212 |
| E-Commerce | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0208 |
| Accounting | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0301 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 270 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 261 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
| Behavioral Sciences | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
30.1701 |
Human Sciences (5 programs, 242 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 222 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
| Child Care Management | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19.0708 |
| Adult Development and Aging | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
19.0702 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0501 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
19.0201 |
Computer & IT (9 programs, 178 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 50 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.1003 |
| Computer Graphics | 36 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11.0803 |
| Computer Programming | 29 |
|
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
11.0201 |
| Computer Science | 26 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0701 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 15 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0101 |
| Web and Digital Multimedia Design | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0801 |
| Information Technology | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0103 |
| Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications | 4 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0601 |
| Computer Support Specialist | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
11.1006 |
Health (2 programs, 143 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | 81 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0801 |
| Registered Nursing | 62 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
Psychology (1 programs, 142 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 142 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 113 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Technology | 88 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
15.0401 |
| Drafting and Design Technology | 18 |
|
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
15.1301 |
| Mechanical Drafting and CAD | 7 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1306 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 77 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 56 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
Communication (3 programs, 72 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 47 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0101 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0701 |
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 12 |
|
Other Award
|
09.0702 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about MiraCosta College
How much does it cost to attend MiraCosta College?
The annual tuition at MiraCosta College is $1,152 for in-state students and $9,120 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,090 for in-state students and $10,058 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $27,280 (off-campus) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does MiraCosta College offer?
MiraCosta College offers 80 academic programs across 28 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (12 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (2 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (5 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (9 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at MiraCosta College?
MiraCosta College provides financial aid to 10% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,594 and average loans of $7,073.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,326
- State/Local grants: $2,595
- Institutional grants: $1,075
- Federal loans: $7,073
The university supports 844 students with grants and 18 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for MiraCosta College graduates?
MiraCosta College graduates earn a median salary of $37,965 after 6 years and $43,845 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,652 (25th percentile) to $64,861 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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