College of the Canyons was ranked among the best U.S. colleges for adult learners in Washington Monthly magazine’s “Best Two-Year Colleges for Adult Learners” list.

Out of the 10 California community colleges that made the list, COC ranks as No. 1 in Los Angeles County, No. 2 in Southern California and No. 53 nationally.

Citing a lack of college rankings for adult students — defined as students who are over the age of 25 — Washington Monthly analyzed data from 978 two-year colleges to create its list of the top 100 two-year colleges in the nation.

“It is an honor to be included among the top 100 two-year colleges that provide a wide array of opportunities for adult students,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “College of the Canyons is committed to providing all students, including adult learners, with the flexible options and services they need to successfully balance their educational goals with full-time jobs and family responsibilities.”

At the time of the ranking, students age 25 and over made up 34 percent of COC’s student population in 2017-18.

“College of the Canyons works hard to identify the needs of adult students and provide them with the options and resources they need to meet their educational goals,” said Joe Gerda, assistant superintendent/vice president at the college. “We are very proud to have been distinguished by Washington Monthly for our efforts.”

Washington Monthly analyzed data from the College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges, Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System survey, as well as the department’s College Scorecard database to rank colleges using the following eight metrics:

* Ease of transfer/enrollment
* Flexibility of programs
* Services available for adult students
* The percentage of adult students at the college
* Graduation rates of part-time students
* Mean earnings of adult students ten years after entering college
* Loan repayment rates of adult students five years after entering repayment
* Tuition and fees for in-district students

On a scale of 19 possible points, COC scored 17 points — 4 out of 4 for ease of transfer, 7 out of 9 for flexibility of programs, and 6 out of 6 for adult student services.

A valuable resource is the college’s Adult Reentry program, which helps new, returning, and continuing students 25 years of age and older. Reentering students can benefit from information sessions, support groups, continuous advisement, as well as campus and community referrals.

Founded in 1969, Washington Monthly is a bimonthly nonprofit magazine devoted to U.S. government and politics based in Washington, D.C.