About College of the Canyons
The financial math works strongly in students' favor here. In-state tuition costs just $1,176, and the average net price drops to $2,114 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,104 annually. Graduates earn a median of $49,022 ten years later, making the typical debt load of $9,612 very manageable at $102 monthly payments. The low federal loan rate of 0.96% shows most students avoid significant borrowing.
The 43.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often attend part-time while working. The college fields 17 varsity sports with 316 athletes competing as the Cougars. An employment rate of 82.2% demonstrates strong job placement, though the 24:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than smaller colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,022
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $72,022 |
| Education, General. | Associate | $33,281 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Sociology. | Associate | $21,508 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $17,162 |
Campus Life
With 97% of students living off-campus as California residents, College of the Canyons feels more like a commuter center than a traditional college town. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes where you'll need to advocate for yourself. Students often work part-time jobs in Santa Clarita's retail and service sectors, reflected in the 82% employment rate.
Weekends revolve around LA adventures rather than campus traditions. Many students head to Hollywood, beaches, or hiking trails in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. The Cougars field 17 varsity sports with 316 total athletes, but athletic culture doesn't dominate campus life. With over half the student body being Hispanic, the campus reflects the valley's diverse demographics. Most students transfer to four-year universities, making this a stepping stone rather than a four-year experience.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–63°F
- July Avg
- 63°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 16.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 55.9%
- Women
- 44.1%
- White
- 25.3%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 52.8%
- Asian
- 9.0%
- In-State Students
- 97.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.6%
Location
- Address
- Santa Clarita, California 91355-1899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,022
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,713
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $102/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,612
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at College of the Canyons?
College of the Canyons operates with open enrollment, accepting virtually all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 15,365 students primarily from the local Santa Clarita Valley area. As a community college founded in 1969, it focuses on providing accessible education to transfer students and those seeking career training.
How much does College of the Canyons cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $2,114 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,176 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,104 on average. The school keeps costs minimal as part of California's community college system, making it an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of the Canyons?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, which is typical for California community colleges. Classes tend to be larger than at private institutions, but the school emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. Faculty focus heavily on transfer preparation and career readiness programs that serve the diverse student body.
How much do College of the Canyons graduates earn after completing their programs?
Graduates earn a median of $49,022 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 82.2%. The school's career programs and transfer pathways help students enter the workforce or continue their education. Those who borrow money graduate with a manageable median debt of $9,612.
Where is College of the Canyons located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Santa Clarita, a large suburban community about 30 miles north of Los Angeles. With 55.88% male and 44.12% female students, the school reflects the area's diverse demographics, serving a majority Hispanic population at 52.77%. The Cougars compete in 17 varsity sports with 316 total athletes across various independent athletic programs.
What is the graduation rate at College of the Canyons?
The six-year graduation rate reaches 43.90%, which reflects the school's role as both a transfer institution and career training center. Many students complete their goals in different timeframes, either transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce. The school has built a strong reputation for preparing students for California State University and University of California transfers.
