MiraCosta College and National University (NU) celebrated a new partnership today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that expands access to higher education and creates seamless transfer opportunities for MiraCosta College students, employees, and alumni.
The signing ceremony, held at MiraCosta’s Oceanside Campus Welcome Center—a modern, student-focused facility made possible through voter-supported Measure MM funds—took place during
National Transfer Student Week. The event brought together leaders, faculty, and students from both institutions to mark a shared commitment to affordability, accessibility, and student success.
“This partnership underscores our mission to help students transition smoothly from MiraCosta to the next phase of their academic and professional journeys,” said Dr. Sunny Cooke, superintendent/president of MiraCosta College. “Together with National University, we’re building a bridge that supports lifelong learning and opens more doors for our students, employees, and alumni.”
Through the new MOU, MiraCosta College students and recent alumni will benefit from exclusive tuition discounts and transfer support at National University including:
• Students who complete an associate degree for transfer (ADT) are eligible for the ADT scholarship, which offers a 46 percent reduction in tuition upon transferring to National University within 36 months of ADT completion. • A 25 percent tuition discount for MiraCosta students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a master’s degree.
• A 25 percent tuition discount for MiraCosta employees pursuing most bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• A 15 percent tuition discount for MiraCosta employees pursuing doctoral programs, including the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP).
• Flexible online and hybrid learning options for busy schedules.
• Dedicated transfer support to guide students every step of the way.
The partnership between National University and MiraCosta College will open more doors for nontraditional, working, and military students, providing more flexible, affordable, high-quality options to achieve their educational and career goals,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “During National Transfer Student Week, it is important to celebrate and recognize the ways that together we can support our striving students.”
“National University is proud to partner with MiraCosta College to strengthen the education pipeline and empower students to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University and inductee into the American Association of Community College Leadership Hall of Fame. “Both institutions share a deep commitment to high-quality education, access, and service to our communities.”
“National University is proud to partner with MiraCosta College to strengthen the education pipeline and empower students to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University and inductee into the American Association of Community College Leadership Hall of Fame. “Both institutions share a deep commitment to high-quality education, access, and service to our communities.”
The event included remarks from:
• Dr. Sunny “Sunita” Cooke, president/superintendent, MiraCosta College
• Denee Pescamona, vice president/assistant superintendent of instruction, MiraCosta College
• Dr. Alketa Wojick, vice president/assistant superintendent of student services, MiraCosta College
• Donney Cummings, transfer specialist at MiraCosta College, National University, and MiraCosta College alum
• Dr. Chris Graham, executive vice president of workforce and community education at National University
• Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the agreement and a student reflection on the importance of transfer opportunities.
As the home of the ANDers™ - students balancing careers, military service, families, and other commitments - National University champions nontraditional learners and was recently recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for its “Opportunity Colleges and Universities – Higher Access, Higher Earnings” designation. By combining NU’s flexible Whole Human Education™ model with MiraCosta College’s commitment to high-quality, accessible education, this partnership opens new pathways for student success across the region.
