When students choose a college, they’re making one of the most important investments of their lives — of time, effort, and money. At College of the Canyons, we are committed to making sure that investment pays off.
A new statewide report confirms that it does. Out of 327 California community colleges and certificate-granting institutions ranked by the College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group, College of the Canyons placed No. 14 statewide for return on investment.
In fact, among 25 L.A. County community colleges, COC ranks first in the Northern L.A. region.
In other words, COC students are getting real results for their time and money.
According to the report, our students recoup their out-of-pocket costs in just 0.3 years — only a few months — and earn a median salary of $49,022 a decade after enrolling. That’s $16,546 more than the typical California high school graduate earns.
The study, titled “Golden Returns: A Regional Look at the ROI of California’s Community and Career Colleges,” truly highlights the powerful role community colleges play in driving economic mobility.
We see these outcomes play out every year.
Among our 2025 graduating class, business administration was the leading major, and graduates are applying their skills in high-paying fields. Labor market data show that jobs in business and financial operations are both in demand and well-compensated, with median hourly earnings ranging from $31 to $41 — clear evidence that their education is opening doors to rewarding careers.
This data echoes findings from “The Economic Value of the California Community Colleges System” report, which revealed that students who graduate with an associate’s degree earn an average of $11,300 more each year — nearly $486,000 more over a lifetime — than those with just a high school diploma.
Reports like this confirm what so many in our community already know: that College of the Canyons is a smart, affordable path to a better future.
Every day, we’re looking for new ways to help students thrive — from creating more programs in high-demand fields to making it easier to access financial aid and student support services.
I want to thank our faculty, staff, and community partners for their part in making College of the Canyons a place where opportunity is real. Whether students come to COC to earn a degree, transfer to a four-year university, or prepare for a career, they are making an investment that pays off for the rest of their lives.
For those who are thinking about starting or continuing their education, there has never been a better time to enroll. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Jasmine Ruys is the acting superintendent/president at College of the Canyons.