MiraCosta College (International Student Information) - Overview
Two-Year College in San Diego a Perfect Start for International Students
MiraCosta College is a fully accredited, public community college in California, situated in the north coastal region of San Diego County. Founded in 1934, the school serves about 14,000 students at its Oceanside and San Cardiff-by-the-Sea (San Elijo) campuses.
Known for small class sizes, personal attention, free tutoring, and a beautiful environment, MiraCosta has one of the highest transfer rates to University of California campuses of all community colleges in San Diego County.
University Two + Two Transfer Programs
MiraCosta College offers associate degrees and certificates in more than 50 subject areas. For international students interested in bachelor's degrees, MiraCosta is an ideal choice to begin studies. Students should ask about the 2+2 international student transfer guarantee program with the University of California, Irvine, and 4 other UC campuses.
The most popular academic majors include accounting, business administration, child development, computer science, graphic design, hospitality management, music and recording arts, and psychology.
Certificate Programs
MiraCosta offers more than 50 different certificates for students interested in short-term training in a specific career area. A certificate can be completed in 1 or 2 years.
Certificates of Achievement are designed to prepare graduates for employment in specific career areas such as Business Management, Child Development, computer-aided drafting, computer programming Graphic Design, Marketing, Personal Fitness Trainer, and Real Estate.
Tuition and Financial Aid
At less than $6,000 for one academic year, MiraCosta College's tuition and fees are affordable for international students. MiraCosta does not offer financial assistance for international students.
Intensive English Language
International students can apply to MiraCosta with no TOEFL score by starting at the English Language Institute (ELI). ELI provides full-time English training to prepare international students to enter college. Academic counselors and international student advisers provide academic planning, immigration advising, and workshops throughout the year. Eight-week English language programs cost about $2,000 USD.
Meet the Students
International student bloggers share their experiences living, studying, and succeeding at MiraCosta. Interested students can join in! They can meet current students and ask about academic and home life in beautiful Southern California at the MiraCosta student services bloggers site.
How to Apply to College
Here are some of the requirements for MiraCosta:
- International student application form (no application fee!)
- Official TOEFL score of 450 on the paper-based test / 133 on the computer-based test / 46 on the iBT
- Official high school transcript and English translation with evidence of high school completion and above-average grades
- Official transcripts with English translations from all colleges and universities attended
- Certification of Financial support showing $16,500 USD for one academic year
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation from former or current teachers
Conditional admission is available to students who want to start English language training before beginning academic classes.
Campus Amenities and Activities
Facilities at MiraCosta include a new library and technology center, student computer labs, a cafeteria with outdoor dining patio, a performing arts center, tennis courts, a track, a gymnasium, and a health and fitness center.
More than 50 student clubs are active on campus, including the International Club, Business Club, Soccer Club, and many others supporting a variety of student interests.
Cultural events, student exhibits, and performing arts events featuring guest artists are ongoing, along with popular weekly "College Hour" events.
MiraCosta College's intercollegiate men's and women's basketball and soccer teams compete in the Pacific Coast Conference. The school's top-ranked surfing team competes in the college division of the National Scholastic Surfing Association.
Convenient and Commuter-Friendly
Ocean views and a sunny climate make MiraCosta College an inviting place to learn. Housing options include nearby private apartments and host-family placements.
The 121-acre main campus in Oceanside on top of a hill and the 42-acre Cardiff-by-the-Sea (San Elijo) campus are located in a safe, suburban area about 35 miles north of the San Diego Airport. Major highway access is Interstate 5.
MiraCosta College is within driving distance of Disneyland, Sea World, Hollywood, La Jolla, Mexico, and many world-famous Southern California attractions.