Local Community Colleges in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles Suburbs

When it comes to education, Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys are known for being home to exemplary community colleges. Local community colleges in the valleys are well connected and have great programs that prepare students for either joining the work force, or getting further education via transferring to universities all over the state and across the country. There are plenty of opportunities for people who want to retrain for new careers. Below are some top community colleges in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley communities.

College of the Canyons: 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, California 91355 661-259-7800

College of the Canyons is the Community college of choice for most Santa Clarita Valley residents, as well as residents from other neighboring communities such as Palmdale, Lancaster, and even Los Angeles area residents. The school offers most majors found in most universities including Accounting, Economics, Nursing, Biology, English, Liberal Studies, Journalism, Film/Video Production, Theatre, Interior Design, Undeclared, and so much more. You can usually get the courses you want in the semester you want it, and there are many day, evening, online, hybrid (online and on site), as well as weekend classes to accommodate those who work or have other obligations. College of the Canyons' nursing program is one of the best in the state; their nursing program is partnered with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital where students get hand on practical knowledge of what they learn in theory.

Upon graduation from College of the Canyons, most students go on to pursue their baccalaureate degree at top universities including the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), at Berkley (Cal), University of Southern California (USC), California States Universities at Northridge, Los Angeles, Long Beach, as well as Ivy League schools and universities out of the state.

Price wise, College of the Canyons is pretty affordable. The cost is $20 per unit for resident students, and international or out of state non resident students pay a bit more (approximately $4500 per year for tuition). Of course financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Talk to an adviser in the Financial Aid office. There are paid and unpaid internship opportunities available.

Another great thing about College of the Canyons is that it has branches and extensions at several community locations throughout the valley. There is the Canyon Country Campus that offers various classes both online, weekend, hybrid, and evening just like the main campus. They also have locations at local libraries.

There is also community and continuing education opportunities, which allow people of all ages to freshen up a skill, take new and interesting classes for fun, for wellness, or for whatever. ESL classes are also offered to learners of English at little or no charge.

You can find more information at www.canyons.edu., or call the number above.

Los Angeles Mission College 13356 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, California 91342 818-364-7600www.lamission.edu

Just like College of the Canyons, Mission College also has great academic and community programs. It is closers to residents of San Fernando Valley and nearby communities. Students have options of majors including Addiction Studies, African American Studies, Food Service Management, Finance, Chicano Studies, Law/Paralegal Studies, health Science, and so much more. I like this school for its diversity of majors and programs, which is appropriate for its diverse community. They have Community Extensions, which are classes that local residents and others can take often during the summer to get ahead, have fun or just learn.

Tuition is also $20 per unit, and more for international and out of state students. Financial aid is available to those that qualify. High School students can also take classes here fore free.

Most students go on to universities like UCLA, USC, Cal State Northridge, and other top universities to earn advanced degrees.

Pierce College 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, California 91371 818-719-6401www.piercecollege.edu

Pierce College is another great local community college with myriad of opportunities. Programs include Computer Science, business Administration, Child Development, Architecture, Speech Communications, and much more. There's Pierce Extension, online programs, and many opportunities for people to get ahead and improve themselves.

Tuition is also $20 per unit, and out of state and international students pay more. Financial aid is available on need-based, qualification basis.

Local university like UCLA, USC, the California States Universities, as well as schools out of state are often places where graduates of Pierce go to continue their education. Contact the school at the above address or phone number for more information.