At a Glance
Transforming Lives & Strengthening Communities
Nestled along the stunning coastline of North San Diego County, MiraCosta College has been transforming lives and communities for more than 90 years. With four accessible campuses and a dynamic online presence, MiraCosta serves nearly 27,000 students each year, fueling individual dreams and advancing regional prosperity.
Our mission is simple and profound: to provide high-quality education that opens doors, creates opportunity, and drives change. Whether you’re starting your college journey, advancing your career, returning to the classroom to reskill, or preparing to transfer to a four-year university, MiraCosta is here to help you thrive. From first-time students to lifelong learners, our programs are designed to support every stage of your educational and professional journey.
Where Community, Opportunity, and the Ocean Meet
MiraCosta is more than a college - it’s a launchpad for futures. As one of just 15 California community colleges authorized to offer a bachelor’s degree, and with over [insert final number] degrees and certificates, we provide students with the skills, support, and credentials they need to rise.
Our graduates go on to serve the region in vital fields like healthcare, biotechnology, education, public service, and clean energy. Over 90% of MiraCosta alumni stay in San Diego County, building stronger families, businesses, and neighborhoods.
A Coastal College with Deep Roots and Bold Impact
MiraCosta by the Numbers
Your Local College. A Global Impact.
- $648.4 million in annual regional economic impact (Economic Impact Report, 2021–22)
- $7 return for every $1 invested (Economic Impact Report, 2021–22)
- Top [insert percentile]% of U.S. community colleges for graduation and transfer outcomes
- Over $4 million saved by students through free and low-cost textbooks (OER)
- One of the highest UC transfer rates among California community colleges
- 1 in 3 students is the first in their family to attend college
- Military- and veteran-friendly, serving one of the highest populations of veteran students in the region
- [Insert] UC/CSU transfer rate ranking (note to Chris - build rates dashboard/table also compare to HS?)
- [Insert] number of students with a prior BA/BS degree
- [Insert] national graduation/transfer rate ranking
- [Insert] apprenticeship job placement rate
- [Insert] Institution Set Standards (ACCJC Requirements - course success rates, transfer rates, degree earning rates (AA and BS), certificate earning rates)
Support to Thrive
Student-Focused Services that Empower Success
MiraCosta is committed to supporting the whole student, in and beyond the classroom.
Financial Assistance
- MiraCosta Promise: Two years of free college
- Grants, scholarships, and textbook aid
- Emergency grants for unexpected expenses
Academic and Personal Counseling
- Transfer advising and degree planning
- Career exploration
- Mental health counseling and wellness services
Basic Needs Assistance
- Food pantry and CalFresh enrollment
- Housing resources and transportation support
- Technology lending (laptops, WiFi hotspots)
Academic Pathways. Real-World Skills. Lifelong Opportunity
At MiraCosta College, we believe education should be accessible, affordable, and transformative. Whether you're preparing for university transfer, building job-ready skills, or learning something new later in life, we offer a range of programs to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
Academic & Career Education Programs
Credit Programs
- Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) to UC and CSU
- General education and major preparation for university-bound students
- Career education programs in high-demand industries like nursing, biotechnology, and cybersecurity
Free Adult Education
- High School Diploma or GED preparation
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Citizenship classes
Fee-Based Intensive Skills Programs (noncredit and not-for-credit)
Hands-on training in:
- Robotics and Automation
- Engineering Technology
- Machining and Welding
- BrewTech (brewing and fermentation science)
- Biomedical Device Technician Training
Coastal Excellence, Local Commitment
Education That Uplifts. Programs That Deliver
Our college is anchored in the belief that education uplifts lives and strengthens communities. This purpose guides every program, initiative, and partnership we lead:
- MiraCosta Promise – Two years of free college for eligible students
- Biomanufacturing Bachelor's Degree – Pioneering workforce innovation in biotech (Biomanufacturing Outcomes)
- Teresia M. Heyen Hall for Nursing & Allied Health – State-of-the-art healthcare training hub
- Clear Digital Labs – Apprenticeships in digital marketing and data science
- Strong Workforce Programs – Fast-track certificates aligned with regional employment needs
Each Story Has an Origin - MiraCosta College
Real Students. Real Impact.
At the heart of MiraCosta’s mission are thousands of students whose lives are transformed every year. We elevate their voices to celebrate their journeys and inspire others to begin their own.
MiraCosta College is proud to serve the communities of North San Diego County and beyond.
Points of Pride
- Achieving the Dream Leader College
Recognized nationally for systemic efforts to improve student outcomes and close equity gaps through data-informed, equity-driven strategies. - NSF Advanced Technological Education Grant Recipient
Funding awarded to expand biotechnology and STEM education through MiraCosta’s Biomanufacturing Bachelor's Degree and related programs. - Strong Workforce Program Innovation Grant Recipient
Supporting forward-thinking career education initiatives across digital marketing, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. - San Diego Business Journal Top 500
MiraCosta College leadership recognized for vision and influence in the region's economic and civic sectors. - Rebuilding Nursing Infrastructure Grant
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office RNI Grant. - Teresia M. Heyen Hall for Nursing & Allied Health
Funding awarded to expand nursing education capacity through the opening of the Teresia M. Heyen Hall for Nursing & Allied Health. - Inclusion in the San Diego Regional EDC Inclusive Growth Strategy
Highlighted as a key contributor to closing talent and equity gaps in North County. - California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association Recognition
Commended for the quality and workforce relevance of the Biomanufacturing Bachelor’s Degree—one of the most successful in the state.
