Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Maricopa Community Colleges

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Blog
An image of Glendale Community College students sitting in a row outside

Choosing the right post-secondary education can often feel like assembling a puzzle. With so many pieces and options available, it’s easy to overlook hidden gems that can significantly impact your academic and professional journey. Maricopa Community Colleges, with its distinct offerings, stands out from the crowd and offers a remarkable choice for students. Let’s uncover the best-kept secrets that make Maricopa Community Colleges shine.

1. Affordable Tuition – Alternative to In-State Universities

College students looking to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree will need to take core courses, which can include topics like English, Public Speaking, College Algebra, Microeconomics or Macroeconomics, and Natural Sciences to meet the general requirements of their degree programs. By starting your postsecondary journey at Maricopa Community College, you’ll save a lot of money in tuition on the required classes as compared to Arizona’s three in-state universities.

At Maricopa Community Colleges, we prioritize people over profits; therefore, we are committed to keeping college affordable and accessible to everyone. Our tuition is $97 per credit hour for 100- and 200-level courses and $145.50 per credit hour for 300- and 400-level courses. Do the math before you commit to an expensive university.

2. Ten Colleges and Unlimited Opportunities

Maricopa Community Colleges has ten colleges and 31 satellite locations strategically placed throughout the Valley. The ten colleges are Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), GateWay Community College (GWCC), Glendale Community College (GCC), Mesa Community College (MCC), Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), Phoenix College (PC), Rio Salado College (Rio Salado), Scottsdale Community College (SCC), and South Mountain Community College (SMCC).

With nine Fields of Interest that include Applied Technology, Behavioral Science and Human Services, Business, Entrepreneurialism, and Management, Computer and Information Technology, Culture and Society, Education, Health Sciences, STEM, and Visual and Performing Arts, there’s time to explore your interests and discover your passions. Learn more about our colleges.

3. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

Maricopa Community Colleges currently offers eight Baccalaureate Degree Programs to meet industry demands. Maricopa Community Colleges’ bachelor’s degrees are one-third the cost of Arizona’s in-state universities, saving students $7,000 to $10,000 annually. The current bachelor’s degree programs available include:

Maricopa Community Colleges is expanding bachelor’s degree offerings, pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, the next round of degrees in development are:

4. Building a New Economy – Priority Sectors

Maricopa Community Colleges offers 600 certificates and degrees, including Arizona’s top five priority in-demand sectors – Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Business, Finance, and Construction. These fields represent the backbone of Arizona’s evolving economy, and Maricopa Community Colleges remains committed to preparing students to thrive within these high-wage industries.

5. A Diverse Student Population

One of the standout features of Maricopa Community Colleges is its diverse student population. The average student is 25 years old, which means that whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking for a career change, you’ll find peers who share your experiences and aspirations. Furthermore, 39% of students at Maricopa Community Colleges have not previously attended a college or university, making our colleges a welcoming environment for first-time students. View our Fast Facts dashboard.

6. Study Abroad Programs – Exploring the World

Maricopa Community Colleges incorporates learning and cultural experiences with summer study abroad programs. During the affordable study abroad programs, students can earn up to six academic credit hours while exploring different countries and cultures. According to Open Doors, 188,753 American students studied abroad for academic credit during the 2021-22 academic year, with Europe hosting more than half of all students participating in study abroad programs. Interested students have several options to assist with the costs, including scholarships available through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, Gilman-McCain Scholarship for undergraduate dependents of active military personnel, Financial Aid, Federal Pell Grants, and student loans. Learn more about our study abroad programs. Read our blog on the benefits of student abroad programs.

7. Scholarships – Making Education Affordable

Maricopa Community Colleges offers over 600 scholarships to ease your financial burden. Unlike student loans, scholarships are monetary gifts that do not need to be repaid. Students can use the scholarship to pay for tuition, books and supplies, course fees, and other expenses.

The MCCF offers a variety of scholarships and, during the 2022-23 academic year, awarded over $3.7 million in scholarships to Maricopa Community Colleges students. Each year, MCCF opens the Foundation Scholarship cycles in the Fall and Spring, allowing students to apply to hundreds of scholarship opportunities with just one application. If you need assistance with the essays, visit your college’s Writing Center. Apply for scholarships at www.mcccdf.org.

Additionally, Maricopa Community Colleges also offers specialty scholarships, such as the Honors Achievement Award, Nina Scholars Program, Presidents’ Honors Scholarship, and Spouses of Military Veterans.

8. Honors Program – Elevate Your Academic Journey

For students seeking an academically rigorous experience, the Honors Program at Maricopa Community Colleges provides a challenging curriculum, access to specialized resources, and opportunities for research and leadership development.

There are two entry points into the Honors Program, which include the Presidents’ Honors Scholarship or the Honors Achievement Award. Learn more about the requirements for the Honors Program.

9. Food Pantries and Other Community Partnerships

Food insecurity is a significant issue among college students nationwide. Maricopa Community Colleges support students facing hardships by providing food pantries and forming other community partnerships. These partnerships ensure students have access to non-perishable food options, enabling them to focus on their studies without the distraction of hunger. Students needing additional support services can apply through the MCCF for food assistance, emergency funds, and greatest needs funds. Learn more about basic needs and community resources.

10. Athletics – Balancing Academics and Sports

While academics are the primary focus, Maricopa Community College also encourages students to participate in athletics. Nine of the colleges are part of the National College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and offers a variety of men’s and women’s sports, including:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball.

Engaging in sports helps student-athletes develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are valuable on and off the field. Learn more about athletics.

Whether you’re starting your academic journey or looking to advance your career, Maricopa Community Colleges provides the tools and opportunities to help you succeed. Maricopa Community Colleges accept the top 100% of students, and there is no application fee, ensuring a postsecondary education remains affordable and within reach for everyone. Learn more at Maricopa.edu.