College of the Canyons
Out-of-state tuition
$10,958
In-state $1,166
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
18,075
Student-faculty ratio 25:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
43.9%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 49.8%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
College of the Canyons (COC) is a prominent community college located in Santa Clarita, California. Established in 1969, the college has gained recognition for its commitment to providing high-quality education and a supportive learning environment. One of the notable features of COC is its diverse range of academic programs, offering over 100 degrees and certificates across various fields including business, arts, sciences, and technology. This diversity allows students to pursue their interests while preparing them for successful careers or further education.
The college prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities, which include modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas. The Canyons' campus is set against a picturesque backdrop, providing a unique and inspiring environment for students. COC also boasts a strong emphasis on student engagement and extracurricular activities, with various clubs and organizations that foster community involvement and personal growth. The college's dedication to student success is reflected in its impressive graduation rates and the support services available, such as academic advising and tutoring. With a focus on innovation and excellence, College of the Canyons continues to be a leading institution in higher education for its students.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at College of the Canyons
The College of the Canyons has shown notable trends in several key areas over the years, particularly in tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention.
Firstly, tuition fees for out-of-state undergraduate students have seen a significant increase, rising from $5,450 in 2014 to $11,232 in 2024. This represents a substantial financial burden for students seeking education from outside the state, reflecting a broader trend in rising tuition costs across many institutions. In contrast, in-state tuition remains relatively stable, which may encourage local students to enroll but could also deter potential out-of-state candidates due to the steep costs.
Graduation rates have also exhibited an upward trajectory. The percentage of students graduating on time has increased from approximately 8.4% in 2013 to 21.5% in 2023. This improvement suggests that the institution is effectively enhancing its support systems and educational offerings, contributing to better student outcomes. The increase in the 150% graduation rate indicates that more students are completing their degrees, albeit not within the traditional timeframe, which may point to challenges faced by some students in balancing academic and personal responsibilities.
Furthermore, retention rates have fluctuated but have remained relatively high, with a slight decline noted from about 79.4% in 2013 to 71.2% in 2023. While the institution has managed to keep a majority of its students enrolled, this trend may raise concerns about the reasons behind the drop and highlights the need for ongoing support and engagement strategies.
In summary, while College of the Canyons faces challenges related to rising tuition costs and fluctuating retention rates, the improving graduation rates indicate positive trends in student success and institutional support. As educational institutions continue to adapt to changing circumstances, maintaining focus on affordability, support mechanisms, and student engagement will be crucial in ensuring long-term success and sustainability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Los Angeles, about 30 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 35 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Jasmine Ruys (Interim Superintendent/President)
- Phone
- 6612597800
- City
- Santa Clarita, California
- Address
- 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355-1899
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at College of the Canyons
The graduation data from the College of the Canyons for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across different fields of study. Notably, there is a complete absence of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees awarded, indicating a possible lack of advanced degree programs in many disciplines. This could suggest that the college primarily focuses on providing associate degrees, catering to students seeking quicker workforce entry rather than pursuing further academic endeavors.
Among the associate degrees awarded, the Child Care Provider/Assistant program stands out with 39 graduates, representing approximately 25% of the total associate degrees conferred. This significant number highlights the growing demand for childcare professionals, especially in light of recent trends emphasizing early childhood education and development. Similarly, the English Language and Literature program produced 33 graduates, reflecting a sustained interest in the humanities and literary studies despite broader economic shifts.
Interestingly, the Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts program produced 15 graduates, showcasing the arts' resilience even in challenging times. The presence of one international student graduating from the Drama program suggests that the institution attracts a diverse student body, emphasizing its inclusive environment.
Overall, the data points to a focused educational approach at the College of the Canyons, emphasizing associate degree programs that align with current workforce needs while also nurturing artistic and humanitarian pursuits. As educational institutions adapt to changing job markets, the trends observed in this data could inform future program development and recruitment strategies, ensuring alignment with both student interests and labor market demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | - | |
| Anthropology, General. | - | |
| Economics, General. | - | |
| Geography. | - | |
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | - | |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | $31,847 | |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | $31,847 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - | |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $21,664-$31,811 | |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | $21,664-$31,811 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - | |
| Journalism. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Studies. | - | |
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Surveying Technology/Surveying. | - | |
| Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design. | - | |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - | |
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Site Management/Manager. | - | |
| Building Construction Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | - | |
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Area Studies, Other. | - |
Students
18,075 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 55:45 · Freshman retention 70.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 11,998
- First-year undergraduates 1,546
- Transfers and others 4,531
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (18,075)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at College of the Canyons in 2023
The 2023 demographic data from College of the Canyons presents a diverse student body, with a notable focus on undergraduate students. The largest group consists of first-time freshmen, totaling 2,320 students, where male representation stands at 55.6% and female representation at 44.4%. This slight male majority is a common trend observed in many community colleges, reflecting broader enrollment patterns.
Continuing undergraduate students form the second-largest group, with 12,597 students. The gender ratio here shows a higher male presence at 58.6% compared to females at 41.4%. This discrepancy might suggest that males are more likely to continue their studies, which is an area that educational institutions may want to investigate further to ensure equitable support for all genders.
Interestingly, transfer students from other colleges are represented by 1,060 individuals, showcasing equal gender distribution at 50% for both males and females. This balance is encouraging, indicating that transfer policies may be effectively attracting a diverse student population.
The data also reveals a significant number of non-degree seeking students, with 2,098 enrolled. This group has a larger proportion of females at 56.5%, which could reflect trends where women are more inclined to pursue non-traditional education paths or professional development.
Overall, the College of the Canyons demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, although challenges remain in achieving gender equity, especially among continuing students. As this data evolves, ongoing monitoring and tailored support strategies will be crucial in fostering a balanced and supportive educational environment for all students.
Age Distribution of Students at College of the Canyons in 2023
The age composition of students at College of the Canyons in 2023 presents an interesting landscape. The data indicates a significant presence of younger students, particularly those under 18 and in the 18-19 age bracket, which collectively account for over 50% of the total enrollment. This trend aligns with national statistics suggesting that younger individuals are increasingly pursuing higher education immediately after high school.
Interestingly, as students progress into their twenties and thirties, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment numbers. For instance, in the 20-21 age range, the total number of students drops to about 20% of the under-18 population. This trend could be indicative of various factors such as financial constraints, the need to enter the workforce earlier, or personal choices that lead students to delay or forgo college education.
Moreover, the data shows a stark absence of graduate students, highlighting a potential area for growth in advanced degree programs at the institution. The older age brackets (40-49 and 50-64) also demonstrate a modest number of students, suggesting that while there is a commitment to lifelong learning, it may not be as pronounced as in younger demographics.
Overall, College of the Canyons is witnessing a predominantly young student body, reflecting broader societal trends in education. As the demand for skilled labor continues to rise, addressing the needs of older students and graduate programs may become increasingly important for the institution's future.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
106 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at College of the Canyons
The data on international student enrollment at College of the Canyons reveals significant fluctuations over the years. Starting with a modest representation in 2004, where international students constituted only 1.11% of the total undergraduate population, the numbers have seen varying trends. Notably, there was a peak in 2015, where the percentage of international students increased to 1.31%, reflecting perhaps a growing interest in the institution or changes in recruitment strategies.
However, the overall trend shows a decline in the proportion of international students in subsequent years, reaching a low of 0.55% in 2023. This decrease is concerning, especially in the context of global trends where many institutions are actively working to attract international talent. The fluctuations may be attributed to several factors, including changes in immigration policies, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased competition from other colleges and universities.
The decline in international student enrollment is not unique to College of the Canyons. Many institutions across the United States have reported similar trends, as international students often face challenges related to visa regulations and travel restrictions. This situation calls for a strategic reassessment by the college to enhance its appeal to international students, focusing on support services, community integration, and targeted marketing efforts.
As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, Colleges and universities must adapt to the evolving landscape of international education to reclaim and boost their international student populations.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$33,044
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,958
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,166
- Room and board
- $22,086
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 850% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 85%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$259M
Expenses$246M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 78 | - |
| Soccer | 44 | 21 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 29 | 14 |
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 11 |
| Golf | 15 | 9 |
| Cross Country | 9 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Swimming | 9 | 2 |
| Tennis | - | 9 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 83 | - |
| Soccer | 44 | 25 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 21 | 8 |
| Golf | 22 | 6 |
| Basketball | 16 | 9 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Cross Country | 9 | 5 |
| Swimming | 8 | 5 |
| Tennis | - | 8 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 94 | - |
| Soccer | 32 | 25 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 27 | 9 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 10 |
| Golf | 17 | 7 |
| Swimming | 10 | 9 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Cross Country | 8 | 5 |
| Tennis | - | 7 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 24.1 mi
U.S. News #20
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 28.0 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 31.0 mi
U.S. News #27
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 31.3 mi
U.S. News #5
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 53.1 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 53.2 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 53.2 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 53.2 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Pitzer CollegeClaremont · 53.4 mi
Liberal Arts #44
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near College of the Canyons:
-
University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) - Ranked 15th in the 2024 US News rankings, UCLA is a prestigious public research university known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and diverse programs.
-
University of Southern California (USC) - Ranking 28th, USC is a private research university with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, arts, and sciences, also known for its extensive alumni network.
-
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - With a high rank of 7, Caltech is renowned for its rigorous science and engineering programs, as well as its small student-to-faculty ratio.
-
Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college is known for its political science and economics programs, as well as its beautiful campus.
-
Harvey Mudd College - With a rank of 16, Harvey Mudd is recognized for its engineering and science programs, combining a strong liberal arts education with technical training.
-
Pomona College - Ranked 4th, Pomona is one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the country, offering a diverse curriculum and a close-knit community.
-
Scripps College - This women's college ranks 35th and is known for its commitment to liberal arts education and its beautiful campus.
These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at College of the Canyons
The crime statistics at College of the Canyons over the past decade reveal a fluctuating but generally declining trend in criminal incidents per 1,000 students. In 2013, the crime rate was notably higher at 0.53 incidents per 1,000 students, leading to concerns about campus safety. However, following a peak in 2016 with a rate of 0.54, the figures began to decline significantly.
By 2022, the rate had dropped to 0.19 per 1,000 students, indicating a marked improvement in campus safety. The data shows particularly low numbers in recent years, with only 3 recorded incidents in both 2022 and 2023, translating to a crime rate of approximately 0.17 per 1,000 students. This decline is encouraging and suggests that initiatives aimed at enhancing campus security and promoting a safe environment may be having a positive effect.
Despite the overall reduction in crime, it is crucial for the institution to remain vigilant and continue to address specific issues such as domestic violence, drug-related arrests, and theft, which were recorded in various years. The ongoing commitment to safety and prevention measures will be essential in maintaining this positive trend and ensuring the wellbeing of all students on campus. As educational institutions face challenges related to safety and security, the data from College of the Canyons serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures in creating a safe learning environment. For further insights on crime rates and calculation methods, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of College of the Canyons include Kevin McHale (Actor and singer known for Glee), Matt Moore (Former NFL quarterback) and Ivan Dorschner (Actor, television host and model in the Philippines).
-
Kevin McHale 1988–
Actor and singer known for Glee
-
Matt Moore 1984–
Former NFL quarterback
-
Ivan Dorschner 1990–
Actor, television host and model in the Philippines
-
Jason Pierre-Paul 1989–
NFL linebacker, 2010 first-round draft pick
-
Marquise Brown 1997–
NFL wide receiver nicknamed Hollywood
-
Domata Peko 1984–
Former NFL nose tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach
-
Isaac Sopoaga 1981–
Former NFL nose tackle, drafted by San Francisco 49ers
-
Christy Smith 1969–
Former California assemblywoman and Democrat
-
Suzette Martinez Valladares 1980–
California state senator, Republican
More alumni (1, by field)
Sports
-
Aaron Mitchell 1956–
Former NFL cornerback for Cowboys and Buccaneers
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.