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$1,332Tuition
4,878Students
49%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$50,087Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Canada College

Cañada College serves as a stepping stone for students in Silicon Valley's backyard. The community college enrolls 4,878 students in Redwood City, positioning itself between San Francisco and San Jose. Students here often transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce with practical skills. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the college focuses on accessibility and career preparation.

The financial picture looks strongly strong. Students pay an average net price of just $10 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive California. Graduates earn a median of $50,087 ten years after starting, creating an outstanding return on investment. Even more impressive, recent graduates show median earnings of $85,021 just one year out. Only 0.52% of students take federal loans, reflecting the low cost and strong employment prospects.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 43% Hispanic and 25% White students. Women make up 60% of enrollment, typical for community colleges. The Colts field five varsity sports with 101 total athletes. With a 96.6% employment rate and strong earning potential, Cañada College delivers practical value in one of America's most expensive regions.

Academics & Faculty

Cañada College serves as a transfer-focused community college that prepares students for four-year universities. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top colleges, but professors remain accessible for students seeking help. The school's 49% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or caring for families. Cañada offers strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, and kinesiology that lead directly to careers. The college also provides solid academic foundations in liberal arts and sciences for students planning to transfer to UC or CSU campuses. Most students benefit from small lab sections and tutoring centers despite the higher ratios in lecture courses.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Full-Time Faculty
41.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
49.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,087

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $42,682

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Canada College sits in Redwood City, about 30 miles south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. The campus draws 4,878 students to its suburban setting where year-round mild weather means you'll need light layers more than heavy coats. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a balanced but female-majority environment.

As a community college, Canada College has no dorms, so students commute from across the Bay Area. The 88% in-state enrollment means most students are locals navigating California's community college system as a pathway to four-year universities or career training. With a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. The Colts compete in five varsity sports with 101 total athletes, though the athletic scene stays low-key compared to four-year schools.

Weekend life revolves around the broader Bay Area rather than campus events. Students often head to nearby Stanford's campus, explore San Francisco, or take advantage of the region's hiking trails and beaches. The Silicon Valley location means many students balance classes with internships or part-time work at tech companies.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–61°F
July Avg
52°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
19.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Cañada College draws primarily from the Bay Area's diverse communities, with nearly 9 out of 10 students coming from California. The student body reflects Silicon Valley's demographics, with Hispanic students forming the largest group alongside significant Asian and white populations. Women outnumber men by a 3:2 ratio, typical for community colleges offering strong health science and transfer programs. The college serves as an affordable stepping stone for local students seeking either workforce training or university transfer, with minimal reliance on federal financial aid indicating many students work while attending.
Men
39.9%
Women
60.1%
White
24.7%
Black
3.0%
Hispanic
43.0%
Asian
16.7%
In-State Students
88.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
10.0%

Location

Cañada College sits in Redwood City, California, about 30 miles south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. The campus serves nearly 5,000 students in one of the most expensive regions in the country. Redwood City offers a suburban setting with easy access to tech companies, beaches, and mountains. The college draws 88% of its students from in-state, many commuting from nearby communities. With a Hispanic enrollment of 43% and Asian enrollment of 17%, the student body reflects the diverse demographics of the Bay Area. The region's high cost of living contrasts with the college's extremely low average net price of just $10. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cañada College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Redwood City, California 94061-1099
Cañada College, June 2017 - 03
Cañada College, June 2017 - 03

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,087
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,180
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,500
Loan Repayment Rate
38.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Canada College?

Canada College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, serving 4,878 students in Redwood City. The college welcomes students regardless of academic background, making it an accessible entry point for higher education in the Silicon Valley area.

How much does Canada College cost after financial aid?

In-state students pay just $1,332 in tuition annually, while the average net price drops to only $10 after aid. Only 10.01% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the relatively low-income student population that benefits from California's robust community college funding.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Canada College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on career preparation and transfer programs. Canada College operates on a semester system and emphasizes practical skills training alongside traditional academic coursework.

What are the career outcomes for Canada College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $50,087 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 96.6% employment rate. The college's location in Silicon Valley provides strong job market connections, though the 49.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students.

Where is Canada College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Redwood City, a large suburban community in the heart of Silicon Valley between San Francisco and San Jose. With 88.10% in-state enrollment, it primarily serves local students, and the Colts compete in five varsity sports with 101 total athletes.

What is the student diversity at Canada College?

The student body is 43.01% Hispanic and 24.74% White, reflecting the changing demographics of the Bay Area. Women comprise 60.07% of enrollment, which aligns with national trends showing higher female participation in community college programs.