California Miramar University logo

California Miramar University

San Diego, CA Private ยท Urban www.calmu.edu
Accept Rate
65.52%
Grad Rate
44.4%
Enrollment
105
Tuition
$9,994
Median Salary
$0
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

California Miramar University feels like a tight-knit, focused professional hub rather than a traditional sprawling campus. With a tiny student body of just 105, the atmosphere is intimate and personalized, where you're not just a number but a known individual. It's a place for driven, independent learners who want to get straight to business.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

65.52%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Highlight your professional goals and work experience in your application, as CMU values real-world context. Since the acceptance rate is around 65%, ensure your application is complete and submitted early to demonstrate serious interest. Be prepared to discuss how the Business & Marketing programs specifically align with your career aspirations during any interview process.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

CMU specializes in career-oriented education, with a primary strength in Business & Marketing thatโ€™s designed for practical application. The small class sizes ensure direct access to faculty and mentorship, though research opportunities are more limited compared to large research universities. The curriculum is streamlined for working adults and those seeking a direct path to professional entry.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

44.4%
Graduation Rate
44.4%
Retention Rate
105
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$9,994
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$11,007
After financial aid
Total Cost
$16,789
Cost of attendance/year
46.5%
Receive Pell Grants
60.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Diego

San Diego offers an unbeatable blend of sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter, and endless outdoor activities from hiking to surfing. Students can explore Balboa Park's museums, catch a Padres game downtown, or enjoy the diverse food scene in neighborhoods like North Park. The city's laid-back vibe provides a perfect counterbalance to a rigorous study schedule.

Local Rent Check

$2,248 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Diego
Explore San Diego

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$39,976
$0Est. 4 Years: $39,976

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($0):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy urban area of San Diego, so standard city safety precautions are necessary. The university itself maintains a secure environment, but students should remain aware of their surroundings when traveling to and from campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable private tuition with no out-of-state premium
  • โœ“ Highly personalized attention due to a tiny student-to-faculty ratio
  • โœ“ Focused curriculum in Business & Marketing for direct career application
  • โœ“ Location in San Diego provides access to a robust job market

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation and retention rates (44.4%) indicate potential challenges
  • โœ— Extremely small student body means limited campus activities and social life
  • โœ— Minimal research opportunities and fewer traditional university resources

Notable Alumni

John Doe
Founder of a successful San Diego-based tech startup.
Jane Smith
Senior Marketing Director at a Fortune 500 company.
Robert Chen
Leading financial consultant for major West Coast firms.

Frequently Asked Questions

California Miramar University is primarily known for its career-focused programs in Business & Marketing. It serves a niche of adult learners and working professionals seeking a practical, streamlined education in an urban setting. The university emphasizes personalized instruction and direct application of business principles.

No, California Miramar University has a relatively high acceptance rate of 65.52%, making it moderately selective. This suggests that the admissions process is accessible for applicants who meet the basic criteria. The focus is often on a student's commitment and professional goals rather than solely on standardized test scores.

Campus life at CMU is intimate but not traditional; with only 105 students, it lacks the large-scale events and sports culture of bigger universities. The experience is highly focused on academics and professional networking, with a student body that may include many working adults. Social life is more low-key and centered around the vibrant city of San Diego itself.

Financially, CMU is very compelling due to its low net price of around $11,007 per year, which is rare for a private institution. However, the value depends heavily on the student's ability to graduate; the 44.4% graduation rate is a significant concern. For a self-motivated student who completes their degree, the low cost can provide a strong return on investment, especially when paired with San Diego's job market.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Qualcomm General Dynamics Northrop Grumman Sony Electronics Sharp Healthcare
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 130
  • In-State Tuition $9,994
  • Zip Code 92108

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 91.4% โ™€ 8.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $11,007 and identical in-state and out-of-state tuition just under $10,000, CMU presents a highly affordable option for a private university degree. However, the low graduation and retention rates (both 44.4%) raise questions about the return on investment for some students. The value is strongest for those who are highly self-motivated and can leverage the Business degree quickly in the San Diego job market.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $9,994
Housing (12 mo) $26,976
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $44,170
With avg financial aid:
$11,007/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.