College of the Siskiyous — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
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
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.
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
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
⚠️ 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?
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.
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by College of the Siskiyous that connect directly to the local job market.
College of the Siskiyous Profile
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
Full list of all degree programs offered by College of the Siskiyous →
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.
