College of the Canyons is an open access educational institution. New students may complete and submit an application for admission either online or in person prior to enrollment at College of the Canyons. Particular questions on the admission application will ask students to declare an academic major, choose an educational goal and list previous colleges attended. Students are also asked to send official transcripts from high school and any previous college work at the time of admission.

The college uses the information received from the application and transcripts to refer students to specialized services across campus, and to determine exemption criteria for assessment and orientation. Following the Matriculation New Student’s Steps to Success is the best way to learn about College of the Canyons and to prepare for college level study.