At $2,114/yr net price, College of the Canyons graduates earn $49,022/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,022/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,114 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $8,456 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,022/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,022/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,612 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,104/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,924/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,334/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,175/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,741/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $72,022 | $13,000 |
| Education, General. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | $8,000 |
| Sociology. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $17,162 |
The Risk Factor
43.9% of students at College of the Canyons graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
College of the Canyons delivers strong financial value for a community college, with extremely low costs and solid earning potential in key programs. At $2,114 per year, you can complete most programs without taking on crushing debt.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $72,022 annually against just $13,000 in debt. This represents strong ROI in a field with strong demand in the Santa Clarita Valley and broader Los Angeles area. If you can get into this competitive program, the financial payoff justifies any additional time investment.
Other programs show mixed returns. Education graduates earn $33,281, which works well if you plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree but falls short as a standalone credential. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn $25,194 with $8,000 in debt, making this a reasonable foundation for transfer students but poor preparation for immediate workforce entry.
The biggest financial risk is the 44% graduation rate. More than half of students leave without completing their programs, often with debt but no credential. You need strong self-discipline and clear academic goals to avoid this outcome.
This school works best financially if you have a specific career target like nursing or plan to transfer to a four-year university. The location serves students well, with proximity to healthcare systems, entertainment industry support roles, and government jobs that value associate degrees. Avoid programs like sociology unless you have concrete transfer plans, as the $21,508 median earnings barely exceed what you could earn without any college credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Canyons worth the money?
At $2,114 per year net cost and median debt of only $9,612, College of the Canyons offers strong financial value for a community college. The low debt load makes it a smart choice for students seeking affordable education or transferring to four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at College of the Canyons?
Nursing programs at College of the Canyons lead to the highest earnings at $72,022 annually, making them excellent ROI choices. Education graduates earn $33,281, while most other programs like liberal arts and sociology produce lower salaries in the $21,000-$26,000 range.
What is the graduation rate at College of the Canyons and does it matter?
College of the Canyons has a 44% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees. Since most students use community college as a stepping stone to four-year schools or specific career training, this rate doesn't reflect the school's actual value.
How much debt do College of the Canyons students typically have?
Students at College of the Canyons graduate with a median debt of $9,612, which is very low compared to most colleges. This minimal debt burden makes the school financially accessible and reduces long-term financial risk for graduates.