Mission College, Santa Clara (MCSC) is a public community college located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a range of qualifications to enhance career pathways and prepare students for competitive roles in a variety of employment markets.
The school is located next to world-leading tech companies like Apple and Google, and is the ideal place from which to launch a successful career. At Mission, students can improve their English language skills in the IIS Intensive English Program, earn an associate or transfer degree, and transfer to a four-year university. Many international students successfully complete the college's 2+2 program and transfer to top universities in California such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, and San Jose State University.
Mission College works hard to empower its students to find their own mission, and pursue it with enthusiasm and determination. Students are the top priority, and the college’s expert teaching staff are passionate about their subject area, and engaged with the curriculum as well as their student learners. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to progress onto the next stage of their education or career with confidence, and receive expert tuition based on core principles of equity, community, integrity, excellence, sustainability and curiosity.
Mission College works hard to keep their tuition fees competitive, and promotes free and fair access to education for all. For the 2021/2022 academic year, estimated undergraduate tuition and fees at Mission College is set at USD 1,208 for California residents and USD 8,472 for out-of-state students.
Their in-state fee amounts are significantly lower than the national average amount, of USD 3,802, and their out-of-state undergraduate tuition and fee amounts are also lower than the average for schools offering similar types of education pathways, estimated at USD 8,586 annually.
Eligible California residents can be exempt from paying enrolment fees and a portion of parking permit costs, under the California College Promise Grant scheme. The college’s Financial Services Team offers funding options in a variety of ways, including non-payable grants, repayable loans, scholarships for eligible applicants, and opportunities for employment on campus, alongside studies.
Mission College is continually looking for ways to improve the student experience, and add value to the many qualifications and certificates which are offered. This year, the college has designed a new range of financial support services for both domestic and overseas students, and now offers the International Achievement Scholarships for new college members, and other scholarship opportunities for continuing international students. These financial awards aim to provide an additional layer of security for students who have moved countries to live and study in California, ensuring they have the resources to focus on their programme and achieve success.
Mission College has a reputation for progressing its students into top universities in California, and is now a proud member of the UCLA Transfer Alliance Program (UCLA TAP). The school’s Honors students are eligible to be TAP certified to receive priority admission into the College of Letters and Sciences at UCLA.
US$21,480 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
US$14,400 Living costs
US$9,804 To live on campus
Mission College encourages students from all academic and international backgrounds to apply for one of their innovative and inclusive courses. Prospective students are eligible to apply for placements if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
There are a number of alternative pathways towards admission, and each application is considered on its individual merit. Mission encourages anyone with the desire to be a member of the college’s learning community to get in touch with the Admissions Team, who are available all year round to help with any enquiries.
Applications are submitted online, and prospective students are encouraged to check their eligibility for any important information regarding scholarships and financial aid. There is special provision for veterans, and a checklist of additional requirements for international applicants, which can be viewed on the college website.
Established in 1975, Mission College has cultivated a reputation for teaching excellence, with over forty years of providing quality education to students from all over the world. The college has a population of around 10,000 students with a growing community of international students representing countries from all over the world.
Mission College’s teaching staff are highly qualified professionals, with years of experience in both teaching and industry. They are invested in the success of their students, and skilled communicators, able to engage with students from all backgrounds. Class sizes are small, which gives plenty of contact time with staff, and a more personalized learning experience.
The college offers hundreds of courses, covering a wide range of programme types, including associate degrees, transfer programmes, vocational and skills-based courses, short courses and certificates of achievement. Mission has guided thousands of students on to realize their dream of enrolment at top institutions in California and beyond.
Mission College offers alternative pathways into undergraduate degree study at UCLA, San Jose State University, UC Berkeley, and other top US institutions.
There are two primary programs available for transfer into university-level baccalaureate study. These are the Associate in Arts (AA-T) and Associate in Sciences (AS-T) qualifications, which guarantees admission with junior standing for all students who complete the Mission course.
Admission is guaranteed to an institution within the California State University (CSU) system, and students are granted priority admission consideration when applying to their local CSU location, or when applying to a course which is similar to the major studied at Mission College.
The school is comprised of the following departments, which each offer associate degrees, transfer courses and certificates of achievement:
Additionally, students of all ages can enroll for vocational apprenticeship courses as well as ESL and Non-Credit programmes for professional development.
Mission College is a purpose-designed learning environment, which provides everything its students need for academic success and personal enrichment. The college has invested heavily in its infrastructure and facilities, and students will find a comprehensive selection of resources to explore, all located within a compact and convenient campus location.
Students gain access to modernized technical facilities including state-of-the-art computer laboratories, featuring free and fast Wi-Fi, as well as the latest software. The college has individual and group study spaces and a fully-equipped main library, with thousands of books, journals and digital resources.
The Gilmour Center is home to spacious classrooms and music facilities, as well as the Cisco Network Academy, and the Student Engagement Centre which is the logistical hub of the campus, with various student service departments and KJ’s café which serves refreshing food and drinks to ensure students stay refueled throughout the day.
Mission has a strong reputation for athletics and team sports, and its Sports and Fitness facilities are second-to-none, with tennis courts, three softball fields, a championship baseball field, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium with dance studios and a weights room.