College of the Siskiyous: $1,444 Tuition

$1,444Tuition

1,080Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,098Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About College of the Siskiyous

College of the Siskiyous sits at the base of Mount Shasta in the small town of Weed, serving 1,080 students who come for outdoor recreation programs and vocational training. The community college draws students seeking hands-on learning in a mountain setting where hiking trails and ski slopes provide natural classrooms. Nearly 80% of students come from California, attracted by the school's reputation for practical programs and small class sizes. The rural location means students get personal attention with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,444, and after aid, students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,156 per year. Even students from middle-income families pay less than $9,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $39,098 after 10 years, with typical debt loads of $10,750. Monthly loan payments average $114, making the investment manageable for most career paths.

The Eagles compete in 11 varsity sports with 198 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. The graduation rate of 30% reflects the community college mission where many students transfer before completing degrees. The employment rate of 94.7% shows that students find work, whether they finish their programs or move on to four-year schools.

Academics & Faculty

College of the Siskiyous offers traditional community college academics with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and natural resource programs that take advantage of its mountain setting. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring typical of small rural colleges. Students can pursue associate degrees, career certificates, or transfer preparation in a supportive environment. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or take breaks for work. The school is particularly known for its forestry, fire technology, and outdoor leadership programs that prepare students for careers in California's natural resource industries. Small class sizes mean professors know students by name and can provide individualized guidance for both career and transfer goals.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,098

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$68,858
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Associate	$65,332

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Campus Life

The College of the Siskiyous sits in the shadow of Mount Shasta, about 280 miles north of San Francisco in the small town of Weed. With housing for only 153 students on a campus of 1,080, just 14% of students live on campus. Most commute from nearby towns or rent apartments in Weed, population 2,800.

Winter brings snow and temperatures that require serious jackets, while summers are warm and dry. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With 198 student athletes across 11 sports, the Eagles compete as independents in everything from basketball to cross country. Weekends often involve skiing at nearby Mount Shasta Ski Park or hiking the region's countless trails. Students frequently drive 90 minutes to Redding for shopping and dining options beyond what tiny Weed offers. The campus culture revolves around outdoor recreation and small-town community feel. About 80% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit atmosphere where everyone recognizes familiar faces walking between the handful of campus buildings.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 153 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1957

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–44°F
July Avg: 51°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.6"
Annual Snowfall: 89.3"

Student Demographics

Students from across northern California make up nearly 80% of the campus, reflecting the college's strong ties to local communities. The school draws working-class students who need affordable options, with over a quarter receiving Pell Grants. Men slightly outnumber women by 54% to 46%, likely attracted by programs in natural resources and outdoor recreation. The student body is primarily white at 59%, with Hispanic students representing the largest minority group at 19%. These demographics align with the rural mountain region the college serves, where students often balance education with outdoor lifestyles and practical career training.

Men: 53.8%
Women: 46.2%
White: 59.3%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 18.7%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 79.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.9%

Location

Weed sits in far northern California, roughly 280 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of the Oregon border. The town of 2,800 people nestles at the base of Mount Shasta, a 14,179-foot volcanic peak that dominates the landscape. With 79.75% of students coming from in-state, most know they're heading to serious mountain country where outdoor recreation defines the local culture. The rural setting means the nearest substantial city is Redding, about 80 miles south. Snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes surround the 153-bed campus. Students considering colleges in California may also compare College of the Siskiyous with similar schools in the region.

Address: Weed, California 96094-2899

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,098
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,044
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $114/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,750

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does College of the Siskiyous cost after financial aid?

The average net price at College of the Siskiyous is $7,241 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,156 after aid, making this rural California community college highly affordable. Only 27.86% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's accessible pricing structure.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of the Siskiyous?

College of the Siskiyous maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,080 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs ranging from outdoor recreation to traditional academic transfers. The college is known for its close-knit mountain community atmosphere in Weed, California.

What are the graduation outcomes at College of the Siskiyous?

The six-year graduation rate at College of the Siskiyous is 30.00%, typical for rural community colleges where many students attend part-time. Graduates earn a median of $39,098 ten years after enrollment with manageable debt of $10,750. The college's focus on outdoor recreation and technical programs helps prepare students for careers in Northern California's natural resource industries.

Where is College of the Siskiyous located and what is campus life like?

College of the Siskiyous sits in Weed, California, in a rural-distant setting beneath Mount Shasta. The campus houses only 153 students in on-campus housing, creating an intimate mountain college experience. With 11 varsity sports and 198 total athletes competing as the Eagles, outdoor recreation dominates campus culture.

Does College of the Siskiyous offer athletic scholarships?

College of the Siskiyous offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 11 varsity sports teams. The Eagles compete independently rather than in a formal conference structure. The college emphasizes outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of its stunning Northern California mountain location.

What is the employment rate for College of the Siskiyous graduates?

College of the Siskiyous boasts a 94.7% employment rate for its graduates. The college has served the rural Siskiyou County region since 1957, preparing students for local careers in forestry, outdoor recreation, and technical fields. Its location near Mount Shasta makes it particularly strong in programs related to natural resources and outdoor industries.