1934 as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College, the second community college in San Diego County. The college moved to the current Barnard Drive location in 1964 and changed its name to MiraCosta College shortly thereafter

The MiraCosta Community College District is located in San Diego County along the Southern California coast, between Orange County to the north and the metropolitan area of San Diego to the south. The district is approximately 35 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles south of Los Angeles. The District includes the cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Del Mar, the unincorporated areas of La Costa, Olivenhain, and portions of Carmel Valley and Camp Pendleton Marine Base. 

North San Diego County is nationally known for its exceptional K-12 schools and the plethora of superb higher education choices. Public school districts served by MiraCosta College include Carlsbad, Cardiff, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Dieguito and Solana Beach . Local colleges and universities include Cal State San Marcos, National University, Palomar College, San Diego State University, UCSD andUniversity of San Diego, among others.

The San Diego Tourism Authority websitedescribes San Diego's North County as a vast, expansive region known for its pristine beaches, natural preserves and miles of open spaces. From Del Mar to Oceanside, the North County coastline is a string of unique picturesque seaside villages that have a small-town feel.

If you're looking for opportunities for outdoor activities in San Diego, the north region has plenty. From hiking and horseback riding in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Carlsbad Lagoon, to biking along historic Highway 101, or sport fishing, whale watching or surfing the coastline from La Jolla through Oceanside, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to be entertained. San Diego's north coastal town of Encinitas was recently named among the best surf towns in the world by National Geographic.

The North County Coastal region is home to some of San Diego's top attractions, including LEGOLAND California, Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Water Park, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad, and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, host to the Del Mar Fair from mid-June to early July, followed by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Races until early September. There's also the San Diego Botanic Garden for a look at San Diego native flora and fauna, and at the Eastern border of North County, you'll also find the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Las Vegas-style Indian casino gaming and a handful of great wineries and local breweries. Art enthusiasts will love the Oceanside Museum of Art and the LUX Art Institute.

San Diego's North County coastal and inland regions are also a paradise for golfers, with over 40 diverse courses to choose from. Graced by cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean, the Arnold Palmer-designed Park Hyatt Aviara and Tom Fazio-designed Grand Del Mar golf courses are uniquely sculpted around the natural landscapes and native vegetation.

San Diego's North region puts you just an hour from Disneyland yet still close to downtown San Diego where the museums of Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter and SeaWorld San Diego are nearby.

North San Diego County is home to eight of the county’s fastest growing cities, businesses and families are drawn to North County’s sunny inland valleys and scenic coastal communities. Additional information about the business environment can be found on the San Diego North Economic Development Council website or on the Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, or San Diego Coastal Chamber of Commerce websites. 

Both students and staff enjoy a friendly atmosphere, and the feeling that we are all here to help one another. Our diverse student body includes people from a variety of ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds.

Meet some of our students here.

• Credit Enrollment: 14,773
• Noncredit Enrollment: 2,479
• Credit Enrollment by Gender: Female: 57% Male: 43%
• Average Age: 26
• Credit Enrollment by Ethnicity:
  
  African American: 4% 
  White: 45%
  Hispanic: 34%
  Asian, Pacific Islander: 8%
  Multiple: 7% 
  Other: 2%

• Active Duty Military/Veterans/Dependents: 1,396