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Public, 4-year

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, California · www.canyons.edu

中文

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
Santa Clarita, California
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)

Associate2,78361 international (2.2%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Social Sciences, General
454
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
320
Psychology, General
224
Business Administration and Management, General
203
Biological and Physical Sciences
127
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
109
Economics, General
108
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
104
Mathematics, General
89
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
54

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

Social sciencehas 652 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Social Sciences, General.-
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Geography.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Businesshas 376 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$30,729
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Small Business Administration/Management.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Real Estate.-
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 359 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.-
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.$31,847
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$31,847
Psychology has 224 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Health professionshas 168 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-
Visual and Performing artshas 149 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Interior Design.-
Graphic Design.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.-
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Photography.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 127 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 89 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Homeland security has 82 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.-
Liberal arts has 71 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$21,664-$31,811
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.$21,664-$31,811
Communication has 71 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Journalism.-
Computer and information sciencehas 57 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Science.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Biologyhas 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Physical scienceshas 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physics, General.-
Legal professionshas 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Studies.-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Engineering technologieshas 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.-
Surveying Technology/Surveying.-
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.-
Human science has 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Communications technologies has 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician.-
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design.-
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.-
English has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
History has 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Culinary has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General.-
Mechanic and repair has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Foreign languages has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation.-
Engineeringhas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Precision production has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Philosophy has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Philosophy.-
Construction trades has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Building/Construction Site Management/Manager.-
Building Construction Technology/Technician.-
Natural resources has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Environmental Studies.-
Environmental Science.-
Cultural has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Area Studies, Other.-

Students

18,075 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 55:45 · Freshman retention 70.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (18,075)

Hispanic
9,215 · 51.0%
White
4,701 · 26.0%
Asian
1,740 · 9.6%
Black
1,014 · 5.6%
Two or more races
744 · 4.1%
Unknown
482 · 2.7%
International
106 · 0.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
10.7%
18–19
24.1%
20–21
13.3%
22–24
9.9%
25 and over
42.0%

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.

Undergraduates0.6%

106 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.0%2017: 0.8%2018: 0.7%2019: 0.8%2020: 0.8%2021: 0.6%2022: 0.6%2023: 0.6%2024: 0.7%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

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
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

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

Government grants and contracts
$206M79.4%
Tuition and fees
$11.1M4.3%
Investment return
$10.7M4.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$2.4M0.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.3M0.5%
Gifts and private grants
$726K0.3%
Other
$27.3M10.5%

Expenses$246M

Instruction
$88.1M35.9%
Institutional support
$37.5M15.3%
Student services
$24.7M10.1%
Scholarships
$23.5M9.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$15.0M6.1%
Public service
$6.6M2.7%
Academic support
$5.9M2.4%
Other
$44.3M18.0%

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.

All faculty
$122,161peers $68,588
Instructor
$122,161peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football78-
Soccer4421
Track and Field (Outdoor)2914
Baseball41-
Basketball1611
Golf159
Cross Country99
Softball-16
Volleyball-15
Swimming92
Tennis-9
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football83-
Soccer4425
Baseball34-
Track and Field (Outdoor)218
Golf226
Basketball169
Volleyball-16
Softball-14
Cross Country95
Swimming85
Tennis-8
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football94-
Soccer3225
Track and Field (Outdoor)279
Baseball34-
Basketball1510
Golf177
Swimming109
Volleyball-19
Softball-16
Cross Country85
Tennis-7

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near College of the Canyons:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college is known for its political science and economics programs, as well as its beautiful campus.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
3
Burglary
2
Stalking
2
Fondling
1
Robbery
1
Aggravated assault
1

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).

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.