Admissions Information
Admissions & Records Office
Oceanside, Building 3300: 760.795.6620
San Elijo, Administration Building: 760.634.7870
www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/admissions
Eligibility for Admission
To attend MiraCosta College, a student must be one of the following:
- Eighteen years of age or older and able to benefit from instruction
- A high school graduate or equivalent
- A sophomore, junior, or senior in high school with a Concurrent Enrollment Permit signed by the high school principal and parent. This form is available at high school counseling offices and Admissions and Records at both MiraCosta campuses. Students under 18 years of age who have not completed high school and are not pursuing the equivalent of a high school education should contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information.
Residency Requirements
The residency rules as established by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations require one year of physical presence in the state of California prior to the first day of the academic term combined with one year of evidence of intent and ability to establish residency in California. Exceptions and limitations exist. Students may be required to present evidence regarding their residency.
Once students complete and submit the Application for Admission, the Admissions and Records Office will determine their residency status. Students should contact Admissions and Records for further information regarding residency requirements.
Admission of International Students
Oceanside: 760.795.6897
As part of its educational program, MiraCosta promotes the internationalization of its college community by attracting capable international students. MiraCosta is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant F-1 visa students.
The college's Institute for International Perspectives (IIP) processes international student admissions and provides support services for F-1 students attending MiraCosta College. Prospective international students can be considered for admission to MiraCosta after submitting in writing to the IIP all required application materials as outlined by MCCCD Administrative Procedure 5012 including the following:
- Official high school (secondary school) transcript translated to English
- Official transcripts in English from all colleges and universities attended
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or other proof of English proficiency
- Proof of financial certification for all educational and personal expenses while attending college as an F-1 visa student.
All F-1 visa students must contact the IIP prior to enrolling at MiraCosta. The priority deadline to submit an application for fall semester is July 1 of the application year; the priority deadline to submit an application for spring semester (which begins in January) is November 15 of the previous year.
International students who do not meet the college's English language proficiency requirement and/or wish to improve their English skills can apply for full-time English language training offered by the college's Community Services program English Language Institute.
Applications for admission and details regarding MiraCosta's international student programs are available at the IIP (located on the Oceanside Campus) or on the institute's website.
Special Admission: Nursing
Nursing students have special application and registration procedures. They should contact the Admissions and Records Office at either campus for specific details.
Information for Veterans
Oceanside, Building 3300: 760.757.2121, x6285
Students receiving GI Bill educational benefits are subject to the following general policies:
- Students must declare a major and enroll in classes required for their major
- Students must have ALL prior college and military credit evaluated
- Transcripts must be received by the college before the end of their first semester
- Students must meet with a MiraCosta academic counselor to obtain an educational plan during their first semester
- Students must be making satisfactory progress toward their educational goals
- Students must report all changes in their educational status, including adds and drops in class schedule, education plans, or Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) agreements, to MiraCosta's Veterans Education Office.
Continuing students should notify the appropriate staff member of their intention to continue the GI Bill prior to the end of each term to prevent interruption. Because not all classes are VA approved, students should have their classes reviewed by a counselor.
Students changing their major must file the necessary paperwork and make a counseling appointment to update their education plan. It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process a VA Education Claim.
Early Military Discharge
Military service personnel who plan to request an early discharge in order to attend MiraCosta College should complete an Application for Admission and request confirmation from the Admissions and Records Office.
Full/Part-Time Student Status
Full-time status is required for certain programs, including the following:
- Intercollegiate sports: Students must be actively enrolled in at least 12 units.
- Veterans: Students must be enrolled in at least 12 units. Reduced benefits are available for students taking at least 6 units.
- Financial aid: Most programs require at least half-time enrollment, which is 6 units.
- EOPS: Students must be enrolled in at least 12 units or 14 contact hours per week.
