College of the Canyons: A Comprehensive Overview
College of the Canyons (COC) is a public community college located in Santa Clarita, California. As part of the California Community College system, it serves a vast area and plays a vital role in the region's educational and economic landscape. This article provides a detailed overview of College of the Canyons, covering its history, academics, campus, student life, and contributions to the community.
History and Establishment
Local voters approved the formation of the college in 1967. College of the Canyons has served the community since 1969. It officially opened in 1969, operating in temporary quarters on the campus of William S. Hart High School in Newhall. In 1970, the college purchased a permanent campus site along the east side of Interstate 5, south of Valencia Boulevard and north of McBean Parkway. In 2007, the college opened its Canyon Country campus on a 70-acre (28 ha) site located at 17200 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Location and Service Area
The college is located in Santa Clarita, California, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, and covers a 367-square-mile service area in northern Los Angeles County. With a 2020 census population of 228,673, Santa Clarita is the third-most populous city in Los Angeles County. The city lies within the Santa Clarita Valley, bounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the east, the Santa Susana Mountains to the south and west, and the Sierra Pelona Mountains to the north. The Santa Clara River passes through the city from east to west. This strategic location allows the college to serve a diverse population within the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.
Campuses and Facilities
College of the Canyons operates two campuses: one in Valencia and another in Canyon Country.
Valencia Campus
The Valencia campus is the original and larger of the two. It houses the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, which offers advanced degrees through partnerships with other institutions.
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Canyon Country Campus
In 2007, the college opened its Canyon Country campus on a 70-acre (28 ha) site located at 17200 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351. The campus had an enrollment of 3,845 in the fall of 2009. Its first permanent building, the Applied Technology Education Center, was scheduled to open in 2011 to provide education and training in a variety of high-demand "green" technology fields. The campus is composed primarily of modular buildings that are situated to accommodate planned permanent buildings as they are built. The campus has an outdoor venue, the Carl A. In 2021, the college opened a 55,000 square foot science and laboratory facility at the Canyon Country campus. New buildings were completed at the Canyon Country campus in 2021 and '22.
Academics and Programs
College of the Canyons offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and a bachelor's degree.
Degrees and Certificates
College of the Canyons offers 105 associate degrees, one bachelor's degree, and 206 certificates at campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country. With 319 full-time faculty members (as of fall 2022), the college offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in 103 academic programs, as well as credentials in 199 certificate programs. The college's first bachelor's degree program - a Bachelor of Science in Building Performance - was introduced in 2025. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 76 different fields. Popular programs include: Social Sciences, General, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General, and Business Administration and Management, General.
Enrollment and Student-Faculty Ratio
Annual enrollment is 39,360 students. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 27-to-1.
Transfer Programs
If you plan to continue your studies at a four-year university, schedule an appointment with a counselor at your college's transfer center.
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Open Admissions and Credit for Life Experiences
The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The in-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $1,146, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $8,682. There is no application fee. At College of the Canyons, 43 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $2,966. In-state tuition and fees $1,146 Out-of-state tuition and fees$8,682 Books and supplies $1,125
Dual Enrollment
You can even get a head start on college and enroll in community college classes while still in high school. Academy of the Canyons, a middle college high school operated by the William S. Hart Union High School District, opened on the College of the Canyons campus in 2002 allowing promising high school students to attend high school and college concurrently.
Student Life
College of the Canyons provides a vibrant campus life with various activities, clubs, and athletic programs.
Athletics
In addition to meeting the academic needs of students seeking transfer and career technical education, the college fields 17 men's and women's athletic programs and plays a key role in driving the local economy. Since 1994, the COC Speech Team has been recognized nationally at six consecutive Phi Rho Pi National Tournaments for all three major areas of speech competition. The men's golf team has won nine state championships 1991 and 8 since 2000 (2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015,2017 and 2019) women's golf won the state championship in fall of 2001,2007 and back to back championships in 2018 and 2019. This is the third time that the women's and men's team have won back to back state championships in the same academic year (Fall 2001, Spring 2002, Fall 2007, Spring 2008 and in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019) The men's football team won the national championship in 2004. The men's ice hockey club won the ACHA Division III National Title in 2011. As of 2017, COC had won 179 conference titles, 31 state titles, and 1 national title.
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Student Support Services
Get additional support to help remain focused on your education and your success. Empowering Native American students throughout their educational journeys through a supportive community, culturally relevant resources and guidance. NASSSP helps students thrive academically and personally. Skip Wherever you are in life, we support you. Every community college campus has a foster youth liaison to help support students throughout their educational journey. Academic/career counseling serviceYes Placement services for completersYes On-campus day care for students' childrenYes
Student Demographics
Total Entering Students4,184 Full-time enrollment6,078 Part-time enrollment14,495 Ethnicity Distribution Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Gender Distribution Age Distribution Under 189% 18-2448% 25-6442% Over 650%
Community Engagement and Partnerships
The college participates in a variety of innovative partnerships that have redefined the traditional role of community colleges. The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, located at the Valencia campus, allows students to earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from partner institutions, improving access to education by eliminating the need to commute long distances to obtain advanced degrees. Community college helps returning veterans make a smooth and affordable transition from military service into the highly competitive job market.
Motto
Start here. Go anywhere.
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