Maricopa Community Colleges is proud to join institutions nationwide in celebrating Community College Month. Observed annually in April, this year’s theme, “Best Decision Ever,” highlights the life-changing opportunities community colleges create for learners of all backgrounds. With 10 colleges and 31 satellite locations strategically positioned throughout the Valley, Maricopa Community Colleges educates more Arizona residents than any other higher education institution in the state.
“For more than 100 years, our system has been a leader in higher education, connecting students with meaningful learning opportunities and an affordable pathway to postsecondary education,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “We know our colleges are the number one choice in the Valley because time and time again, students make us their first choice.”
By the Numbers
Across the U.S., community colleges play a vital role in educating the growing workforce by enrolling 41% of undergraduates. As the largest community college system in the state, Maricopa Community Colleges serves more than 140,000 students annually. Each year, Maricopa Community Colleges:
- Accepts the top 100% of students who apply.
- Produces the second-largest number of college graduates in the state.
- Supports over 47,000 first-generation college students with resources for success.
- Provides early college access to 26,000+ high schoolers through programs like Achieving a College Education, dual enrollment, and concurrent enrollment.
- Contributes nearly $8 billion in added income to Maricopa County’s economy.
The Best Decision a Student Can Make
Maricopa Community Colleges offers the lowest tuition rate in the county, helping students achieve their academic goals through a variety of credential offerings, including microcredentials, certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Known for focusing on people over profit, many students graduate with little to no student loan debt. Since introducing the highly-anticipated bachelor’s degrees in 2023, over 5,000 students are now enrolled in one of the eight programs—with three additional programs beginning this fall. By providing the most affordable bachelor’s degree option in the Valley, students can save 75% on their tuition.
Delivering the Best for Arizona’s Workforce
When it comes to workforce development, Maricopa Community Colleges stands out as a leader in preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s roles. By partnering with business, industry, and government leaders, the system addresses the workforce needs of Arizona’s in-demand sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, bioscience, construction trades, healthcare, and semiconductors. Today, Maricopa Community Colleges trains over 8,000 students annually in healthcare-related academic programs—educating nearly one-third of Arizona’s nurses. With bachelor’s degrees in high-demand areas like education, healthcare, information technology, and public safety, homegrown talent moves directly into their communities, giving back as teachers, nurses, cybersecurity specialists, police officers, and mental health professionals.
Fueling Maricopa County’s Economy
As a major player in Maricopa County, the system contributes nearly $8 billion in income to the local economy. Additionally, the activities of the 10 colleges and their students support one out of every 28 jobs in the county. Alumni currently working throughout Greater Phoenix positively impact the workforce, generating $6.4 billion in added income. Furthermore, nearly 90% of Maricopa Community Colleges students stay in Maricopa County to build careers and serve their communities.
Local Leaders Remain Committed to Community Colleges
This year, local leaders are sharing their support for community colleges, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who once again proclaimed April as Arizona Community College Month, recognizing the essential role the state’s 10 community college districts play in residents’ lives and their impact on the regional workforce and economy.
Your best decision ever starts at maricopa.edu.