Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Weed, California
College of the Siskiyous — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$14,448Annual Cost
$39,098Grad Salary
27.9%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$7,241
Need-Based Aid
27.9% receive Pell
College of the Siskiyous, established in 1957 in rural northern California, combines stunning natural surroundings with comprehensive academic programs. The 250-acre main campus in Weed features an observatory, performing arts center, and outdoor education facilities at the base of Mount Shasta. COS specializes in forestry, fire science, and nursing programs, operating a 4,000-acre college forest and state-certified fire academy. The college serves about 1,500 students across two campuses.
COS is unranked among national colleges but holds distinction for its natural resources programs. The college boasts a 100% job placement rate for fire science graduates and operates one of California's few college-based commercial timber operations. Unique features include astronomy programs utilizing the 24-inch campus telescope and partnerships with the USDA Forest Service. The breathtaking mountain location provides unparalleled outdoor education opportunities.
College of the Siskiyous Acceptance Rate
College of the Siskiyous maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
College of the Siskiyous Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
College of the Siskiyous follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
College of the Siskiyous reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Check Your Admission Chances at College of the Siskiyous
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on College of the Siskiyous's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College of the Siskiyous Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into College of the Siskiyous Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for College of the Siskiyous is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for College of the Siskiyous
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
College of the Siskiyous provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Leverage on-campus housing - a genuine rarity among California community colleges
College of the Siskiyous is one of only about eleven community colleges in California to offer on-campus student housing (two resident lodges at the Weed campus). A student wanting a residential community college experience should specifically ask about the Student Lodges application process and the required co-signer for dependent students (per FAFSA), since this changes both the cost and social experience of attending COS.
Know that the Yreka campus houses the Rural Health Sciences Institute - a separate location for nursing coursework
COS's Nursing programs (Certified Nurse Assistant, Vocational Nurse, and Registered Nurse) are based specifically at the Rural Health Sciences Institute (RHSI) on the Yreka campus, 30 miles north of the primary Weed campus. A nursing-track student should plan transportation or relocation between the two campuses as part of their academic plan, rather than assuming all coursework happens in Weed.
Consider the POST Law Enforcement Academy and Fire/Emergency Response Technology programs as genuinely accredited regional training hubs
COS's Fire/Emergency Response Technology Program is an accredited regional academy for the California State Fire Marshal's Office, and its POST Law Enforcement Academy and Paramedic/EMT programs are accredited by their respective state agencies. Ask specifically about academy start dates and physical/background prerequisites, since these run on their own timelines apart from general education classes.
Use the Mount Shasta setting and outdoor-recreation-integrated coursework as a genuine academic resource
Courses in art, geology, life sciences, and physical/recreational education at COS explicitly use the surrounding mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers as an outdoor classroom - a genuine curricular integration, not just a scenic backdrop. Reference this specific integration when discussing fit for environmental science, geology, or outdoor recreation interests.
Expert Insight:
Don't assume every COS program is based at the Weed campus - nursing programs run through the Rural Health Sciences Institute in Yreka, 30 miles away, and a student who doesn't plan for this geographic split may face real logistical surprises partway through a nursing-track education.
College of the Siskiyous Profile
Full Name
College of the Siskiyous
City
Weed
State
California
ZIP Code
96094-2899
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
Is a College of the Siskiyous Degree Worth It?
Getting into College of the Siskiyous can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. College of the Siskiyous offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at College of the Siskiyous is $45,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.2%.
How much does a degree from College of the Siskiyous Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at College of the Siskiyous is $14,448. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of the Siskiyous is $7,241.
27.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 6.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to College of the Siskiyous and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of the Siskiyous, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist College of the Siskiyous as your choice in the form.
How much does a College of the Siskiyous Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $39,098. An average College of the Siskiyous graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at College of the Siskiyous
Associate Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About College of the Siskiyous Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $39,098 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $14,448 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
27.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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