Estimated Cost of Attendance

Based upon 2012-2013 Academic year (August-May)

F-1 visa regulations require international students to show proof of financial support for a minimum of one year. This estimate show a MINIMUM AMOUNT students and sponsors must be prepared to pay for each year a student is attending school. Actual expenses will depend upon housing options, number of classes students take, and personal spending habits. While attending MiraCosta College, students are expected to continue to pay all expenses --- educational and personal to maintain F-1 visa status. 

Registration and payment of fees/financial resources:

• Tuition and fees must be paid at the time you register for classes. You will register for your first semester after you complete the required testing and attend the International Orientation and Advisement.  Students must register for classes twice per year:   July (fall semester) and December (spring semester).    
• Students can pay tuition and fees using U.S. dollars, U.S. dollar traveler’s checks, Master Card or Visa. 
• Housing is the responsibility of the individual student and/or sponsor. MiraCosta College does not provide dormitories or college-approved housing for students.  Visit our housing information webpage for information on how to find housing:  http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/iip/newstudents.html#housing
• Upon your arrival we suggest you bring at least $4,000 in traveler’s checks or in cash in order to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and insurance require to begin your first semester  
• Because of the requirements of the F-1 student visa, all international students are required to pay non-resident tuition which is included in the estimated tuition and fees calculation.
• The transportation estimated cost above does not include the cost of renting, leasing or purchasing a car.  Students expecting to purchase a car need to include mandatory car insurance, maintenance expenses, and gas costs when estimating total cost of purchasing a car.

Comparison of Tuition and Application Fees at Community Colleges

MiraCosta charges lower per unit tuition than most community college in California and is one of only a few colleges that does not charge an application fee.