City: Mira Mesa, CA

Category: Education

Telephone: (858) 536-7800

Address: 10440 Black Mountain Road

Description: Opened in 1969 on 140 acres of undeveloped land, Miramar College initially concentrated on law enforcement and fire science training. Part of a public-safety cluster of courses, these are still among the associate’s degrees unique to Miramar, as are emergency medical technician (EMT) and advanced transportation (with an FAA-approved aviation program), as well as philosophy, music, and many other subjects. The college’s 12,000 students avail themselves of general education and a variety of other courses for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. An athletic complex and $4 million aquatic center add to the campus’s appeal.