
College of the Canyons is a two-year community college offering associate's degrees in more than 60 programs, and professional certificates in more than 65 programs. Academic programs range from television, film and video production to video game animation, or biotechnology to child development studies, from paralegal studies to industrial manufacturing or theatre arts.
College of the Canyons has recently received funds to improve existing programs and expand into new areas. It will soon add more classrooms, labs and facilities at its new Canyon Country campus. It will also upgrade its technology at the existing Valencia Campus in Santa Clarita, California, and expand instruction in public safety and a variety of other high-demand professions.
History
The College of the Canyon was created in 1967, and it officially opened in temporary quarters in the local high school in 1969. In 1970, the college purchases 153 acres in Santa Clarita along the Interstate 5. Since that time, College of the Canyons has expanded from a small community college holding its classes in modular buildings, to one of the nation's fastest-growing community colleges. The college is currently undergoing the highest rate of construction on its campus since its first buildings were erected in the early 1970s.
Academics
The academic calendar for College of the Canyons follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is a winter "intersession" between the fall and spring semesters. There are several short sessions offered within the 10-week summer semester.
Colleges and Schools
The academic units at College of the Canyons are divided into academic departments, rather than into colleges and schools. The academic departments are comprehensive, covering traditional disciplines and high-demand career areas such as fire technology, nursing or administration of justice.
Student Life
College of the Canyons has many student clubs and organizations available for participation on campus. Students that don't find a club that covers their interests among the nearly 100 existing clubs or organizations may establish their own club.
Student services at College of the Canyons include:
- Admissions, Records, and Online Services
- Adult Reentry
- Assessment Center
- Associated Student Government
- Campus Safety
- Career Center
- Continuing Education
- Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Counseling
- Disabled Students Program and Services
- Extended Opportunities Program and Services
- Financial Aid
- International Students Program
- Matriculation
- Service Learning Program
- Student Business Office / Cashier
- Student Development
- Student Health Center
- Transfer Center
- Veterans Affairs
Traditions
The traditional school colors for College of the Canyons are yellow, black and white. The school mascot is the cougar, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Canyons "Cougars."
Athletics
In addition to the option of studying sports medicine and strength and conditioning, the College of the Canyon "Cougars" athletes compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross County
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
In addition to its main Valencia Campus in Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons has a satellite Canyon Country campus, also in Santa Clarita.
Community Life
College of the Canyons offers many non-credit classes for the community. Current offerings include a series of classes on the issues of aging, a Federal and State Tax class, classes for English learners, and traffic school online.
College of the Canyons offers a variety of resources to the community, including many events that serve locals. The college staff participates in workshops, forums and information sessions that provide valuable assistance. Community members are encouraged to visit the College of the Canyons events calendar for a list of events and resources.
Single Mothers Outreach through College of the Canyons empowers single parents and their children by providing support and resources to help families become self-sustaining.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,900. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- The estimated tuition range is around $1,100-$1,300 per year
- Per unit charges are around $51 for part time students
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 57% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 56% | $4,012 |
Receiving Student Loans | 3% | $4,376 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, College of the Canyons may offer student services including:
- Distance learning
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
- Child care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how College of the Canyons compares against other community colleges in Los Angeles County and community colleges in California as a whole.
College of the Canyons | Los Angeles County | California | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 28.8% | 22.2% | 24.3% |
Transfer-out Rate | 15.4% | 12.0% | 13.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1995)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in California
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by College of the Canyons by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Sales Manager (A, C)
- Small Business Management (A, C)
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (A)
- Real Estate (A, C)
Communication Technology
- Animation (A, C)
- Photographic and Film Technology (C)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A)
- Journalism (A)
- Radio and Television
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Science (A)
- Computer Networking (A, C)
Construction Trades
Education
- Education, Early Childhood Special Education Programs (C)
Engineering
- Pre-Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Recycling Technology (A, C)
- Survey Technology (A, C)
- Architectural Drafting cad (A)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician
English Language and Literature
- English (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Child Care (C)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Sign Language Interpretation and Translation (A)
- Spanish Language and Literature (A)
- French Language and Literature (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Athletic Training (A)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
History
- History (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Library Science
- Library Assistant
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts (C)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (A)
Physical Sciences
- Physics (A)
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Sports Medicine (A)
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (A)
- Parks and Recreation (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
Social Sciences
- Social Science (A)
- Sociology (A)
- Political Science (A)
- Geography (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (A)
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (A)
- Cinematography And Film (A)
- Photography (A, C)
- Interior Design (A, C)
- Music (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to College of the Canyons.
- Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, CA (11 miles away)
- Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA (16 miles away)
- Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA (17 miles away)
- Los Angeles Valley College in Valley Glen, CA (18 miles away)
- Glendale Community College in Glendale, CA (25 miles away)