Did you know that you can start a successful career without going to a four-year university? Community colleges offer quality college education and help you pursue a rewarding career in many fields. This article on the best community colleges in Phoenix will guide you in finding some of the best schools to get an associate degree in the city.
Programs offered by community colleges in Phoenix prepare you for the workforce by training you with the relevant, in-demand skills needed in your preferred industry. Some programs allow you to transfer credits earned in your associate degree to a four-year university and continue your education. Keep reading to find out more about the best community colleges in Phoenix and job prospects after graduation.
How Many Community Colleges Are in Phoenix?
There are 12 community colleges in the Phoenix area. Phoenix is under the Maricopa Community Colleges District, and the majority of community colleges in the city fall under this system. Some of these schools are Phoenix College, GateWay Community College, and Scottsdale Community College.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Phoenix?
Mesa Community College is the biggest community college in Phoenix by enrollment, with a total of 20,351 students. Thirty-three percent of these students study full-time, while 67 percent study part-time. Fifty-three percent of these students are women, 45 percent are men, and one percent are undeclared. Ninety-two percent of the student body are Maricopa County residents.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Phoenix?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrington College | 64% | 35:1 |
| 2 | GateWay Community College | 28% | 11:1 |
| 3 | Paradise Valley Community College | 18% | 13:1 |
| 4 | South Mountain Community College | 16% | 14:1 |
| 5 | Phoenix College | 13% | 13:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Phoenix: Explained
In no particular order, the best community colleges in Phoenix are Carrington College, Phoenix College, GateWay College, and South Mountain Community College. These schools offer a wide range of academic programs, transfer options, decent student-to-faculty ratios, relatively high graduation rates, and helpful student services.
*WUE stands for Western Undergraduate Exchange. WUE tuition is for students in the program.
Best Online Community Colleges in Phoenix
- Phoenix College. Phoenix College is a public community college and is one of the oldest community colleges in the country. The school offers online and hybrid certificate and degree programs for students who cannot attend in-person programs. It offers four online associate degree programs and eight certificate programs.
- Rio Salado College. Rio Salado College is a public two-year institution and is part of the Maricopa Community Colleges District. It offers certificate and associate degree programs, some of which are available fully online.
- Scottsdale Community College. Scottsdale Community College is a public community college and the only two-year higher institution on Native American land. The school offers several fully online certificate and degree programs, from AAS in Administration of Justice to web development certificate programs. It also has online support services.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other Phoenix Community College Rankings
Some Phoenix community colleges are known for having great transfer opportunities or distance education options, and others are known for having better degree programs. This section covers other rankings for community colleges in Phoenix.
Best Community Colleges in Phoenix for Transfer
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College. This school partners with three universities in the state of Arizona that its students and graduates can transfer to, as well as over 35 other schools in other parts of the country. Chandler-Gilbert Community College also works with its students to ensure that they have a seamless transfer experience.
- GateWay Community College. This school allows students who earn an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Business, and Associate of General Studies to transfer credits earned to certain universities, including Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, and Northern Arizona University.
- Mesa Community College. Mesa Community College offers great transfer opportunities to students. MCC partners with 43 universities so its graduates can transfer credits earned. Some of these universities include Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University.
Best Community Colleges for Dental Hygiene in Phoenix
- Phoenix College. Phoenix College is a good choice for a degree in dental hygiene because of its rigorous and science-based curriculum. This curriculum is designed to ensure that students get hands-on experience by learning in a clinical setting. This learning method helps students build the skills necessary to practice in the field.
- Rio Salado College. Rio Salado’s dental hygiene program is designed to prepare students to join the workforce after graduation. Students in this program learn to use power and hand instruments, take x-rays, and administer local anesthetics. The program meets the academic requirements of licensed dental hygienists in Arizona.
- Mesa Community College. Students in the dental hygiene program at Mesa Community College can join the workforce after completing the program and find jobs in public and private healthcare centers. Those who prefer to get an advanced degree can transfer credits to four-year colleges for a bachelor’s degree.
Best Phoenix Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
Community colleges in Phoenix do not offer bachelor’s degrees. Instead, you might want to consider affordable public institutions in the state like Arizona State University and Arizona College.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in Phoenix
This section covers the best community college programs in Phoenix. These programs are ranked highly above others because they offer students good transfer pathways, multiple entry-level job opportunities, high salaries, and high demand in the labor market.
Nursing
This is one of the best programs to study in Phoenix because nursing is one of the highest-paying fields in the state. Students can earn an Associate of Science in this field and then proceed to take the state licensure exam. Nursing programs are typically full-time and are rarely offered as online programs. You can complete a nursing degree in a minimum of three years.
Computer Science
Due to technological advancements, computer science is one of the most in-demand degrees in the world today. Even with just an associate degree in this field, you can pursue multiple career opportunities and earn a high salary.
A computer science program typically has areas of specialization that students can choose from, including web development, cyber security, and network administration. There are also certificate of completion programs available for those interested in career training or advancement.
Paralegal Studies
This is another associate degree program that leads to high-paying jobs. Those with this degree can work in many industries, but especially the legal field. Students at community colleges in Phoenix can get a Certificate of Completion in Legal Studies and an Associate Degree in Legal Studies or Law Enforcement. The credits earned in the program can be transferred to a four-year university for a degree in law and related fields.
Social Work
Graduates with an Associate Degree in Social Work can work as social service assistants, patient advocates, or case managers. A social work program can be completed in two years and in online or in-person formats. Students can also transfer the credits earned to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree.
Accounting
To pursue a career in accounting, you can earn an Associate Degree in Accounting or a Certificate of Completion in Accounting. With an associate degree, you can transfer to a four-year university or join the workforce. The certificate of completion can be used for career advancement or professional development.
Phoenix Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for community colleges in Phoenix are a varying minimum GPA, official high school transcripts or GED scores, standardized tests, placement tests, age requirements, and residency requirements. Find more information below.
Phoenix Community College GPA Requirements
The minimum GPA requirement to get into a community college in Phoenix is 2.6 on a scale of 4.0. Many schools don’t require a minimum GPA, but students with a GPA lower than 2.6 will have to make up for it with ACT/SAT and placement exam scores. These scores will serve as evidence to the school that you can maintain the required academic standard of your program.
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This requirement is common to schools in the Maricopa Community Colleges District, which is also the majority of community colleges in Phoenix. While this is a general requirement, some programs may differ and have their own specific GPA requirements.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Phoenix
Community colleges in Phoenix have different requirements for students based on their residency status. Students who are residents of Phoenix are known as in-district students, those who are residents of neighboring cities are known as out-of-district students, and residents outside of Arizona are known as out-of-state students.
Each of these students pays different tuition costs, with in-district students paying the least tuition. Out-of-district students pay slightly higher tuition than in-district students, but lower than out-of-state students. In some schools, in-district and out-of-district students pay the same tuition. This is all dependent on the school and its policy.
As an example, Phoenix College charges the same tuition of $85 per credit hour for all residents of Maricopa County but charges higher tuition of $472 per credit hour for students outside the county. Arizona residents pay $326 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $241 per credit hour.
Phoenix Community College Age Requirements
Prospective students must be at least 18 years old to attend a community college in Phoenix. This is a general requirement. However, some schools may make an exception for high school students. These exceptions will still require students to be at least 16 years old to attend the schools and may require students to demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
Phoenix Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- Official high school transcripts
- Standardized tests
- GED scores
- ACCUPLACER/WritePlacer Scores
- EdReady Scores
Why Study in Phoenix?
You should study in Phoenix because this city has a lot to offer students, including amazing arts and culture, public transportation, and many job opportunities. Below are more details on each of these reasons to study in Phoenix.
Arts and Culture
One of the main attractions of Phoenix are its rich arts and culture. There are lots of performances at many of the city’s theaters, concert halls, and cultural centers. There are also museums that both students and tourists will find very entertaining and educational. There are also art walks and mural walls that are frequently on display for the public to enjoy.
Public Transportation
The public transportation system in Phoenix is another reason to study in the city. Public transportation makes it easier for community college students to move from their housing location to their school. There are different means of public transportation in the city, including the Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Phoenix Dial-a-Ride, and electric scooters.
Job Opportunities
There are various job opportunities in Phoenix for entry-level professionals and for career advancement. This makes it easy for students and graduates of community colleges to find employment during or after completion of their program.
They can apply to any of the various organizations in the city and land good jobs that can help them practice their learned skills. Students who would like to work part-time while earning their degree or certificate will also find jobs to satisfy this from government and private organizations.
Phoenix Employment Outlook for Community College Students
The employment outlook for community college students in Phoenix differs based on the employment industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those in education and health services have a job outlook of 3.1 percent. This includes careers like social work, nursing, and teaching. Those in the financial sector have a job outlook of -1.3 percent.
The total job outlook for all nonfarm wage and salary employment is 3.8 percent. These figures are subject to change quite often and are only calculated annually. This means that the job outlook for specific careers may increase or decrease in the future based on the demand for professionals in these fields.
5 In-Demand Phoenix Jobs
This section covers some of the most in-demand jobs in Phoenix for community college graduates. These are some of the highest-paying jobs in the city and are in high demand by employers. They include nursing, social work, computer science, dental assisting, and paralegal. Find more details on each job below.
What Community Colleges in Phoenix Have Dorms?
No community colleges in Phoenix have dorms. Instead, there are housing options near the schools that students can rent. Living on campus makes it easier for students to get to class and access school resources. It is also a cheaper option than living off-campus. However, that is not an option at any Phoenix community college.
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Phoenix?
Some community colleges that offer winter intersession in Phoenix are Gateway Community College, Mesa Community College, Phoenix College, and Estrella Mountain Community College. A winter intersession is a short session between the fall and spring semesters where students can make up missed academic credits.
These classes allow students to graduate earlier, get a chance to increase their GPA, ease their workload, explore different subjects, prepare for harder classes, save on tuition and other expenses, and build skills for an internship. Some students may want to avoid these classes because they find them draining and have less time during winter break for themselves or family.
Phoenix Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Estrella Mountain Community College
- GateWay Community College
- Mesa Community College
- Phoenix College
What Community Colleges in Phoenix Have Summer Classes?
Community colleges in Phoenix that have summer classes include Phoenix College, GateWay Community College, and Rio Salado College. Summer classes are offered in the summer months and allow students to stay ahead of their classes and graduate early. It is best for those who want to complete their associate degree quickly and transfer to a four-year school.
Phoenix Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- GateWay Community College
- Paradise Valley Community College
- Phoenix College
- Rio Salado College
- South Mountain Community College
How to Apply to Community College in Phoenix
You can apply to community colleges in Phoenix by completing an online application, submitting proof of identification, determining your course placement, registering for courses, attending new student orientation, and paying tuition and fees. Below is a step-by-step guide.
Phoenix Community College Application Steps
- Complete an online application.
- Submit proof of identification.
- Submit high school transcripts or GED, ACT/SAT scores, and other supplemental materials.
- Register for courses.
- Attend student orientation.
- Pay tuition and fees.
Cost of Community Colleges in Phoenix
The cost of attending community college in Arizona is between $2,151 and $7,642 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition differs based on students’ residency status. In-state students pay an annual average of $2,151, while out-of-state students pay a yearly average of $7,642. This cost includes tuition, fees, and other school expenses.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Phoenix?
Community colleges are never free in Phoenix. However, if you want to attend a community college at no cost, you can apply for financial assistance like scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers. These options make it possible for students to complete their programs without paying a dime. You’ll have to check for the schools in the city that offer them and their terms.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in Phoenix?
Mesa Community College is the only community college in Phoenix that offers free tuition options to students through the Mesa College Promise. It allows recent high school graduates living in Mesa to attend the school for free. This program is available to students who have financial needs but have not received enough federal student aid or scholarships to cover their tuition and college costs.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Phoenix?
Students who qualify for free community college in Phoenix have financial needs that have not been fully covered by federal financial aid or scholarships. The Mesa College Promise gifts these students the remaining sum required to cover their tuition costs throughout community college.
How to Apply for Free Community College in Phoenix
- Connect with a Mesa College Promise Advisor.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the admissions process at Mesa Community College.
- Submit the Mesa College Promise application through the Maricopa Community Colleges Scholarship Manager.
- Register for 12 or more credits.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Phoenix
There are various scholarships for community college students in Phoenix. Students at Phoenix community colleges can take advantage of financial aid that will cover part or all of their tuition. Below is more information on these scholarship opportunities, including a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Phoenix
- Complete a scholarship profile.
- Apply to multiple scholarships.
- Reach out to the department of financial aid and wellness.
Phoenix Community College Scholarships List
- Diane H. Thomas Scholarship for Phoenix College Graduates | Amount: $10,000. This is a scholarship for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college. To qualify, students must be enrolled in Phoenix College, maintain a GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need in the application.
- Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarship | Amount: Unspecified. This scholarship is available to students who are low-income single moms enrolled in a community college in Phoenix and live in Phoenix and surrounding cities or are online students living in Maricopa County.
- Maricopa Community Colleges Scholarships | Amount: Varies. There are various scholarships listed under this umbrella. Interested students will have to check through the platform for available scholarships.
Other Phoenix Community College Financial Aid Options
There are many other Phoenix community college financial aid options that students can explore if they don’t get scholarships. There are federal and state grants, student loans, federal work-study, and tuition waivers.
Federal Grants
Federal grants are a form of financial aid given by the federal government to students to help them fund their tuition and other schooling or personal expenses. It is given to students in college, career school, or any other type of accredited higher institution. The amount given varies based on different factors and it does not need to be repaid.
Arizona Grants
State grants are similar to federal grants, but they are sponsored by the state. These grants are given as gifts to students in any accredited higher institution to help them fund their tuition and other living expenses. Some examples are the LEAP grant, SLEAP grant, PFAP grant, ACAAP grant, PEG program, and Early Graduation Scholarships.
Student Loans
Student loans are loans borrowed from the federal government or private lenders to fund educational expenses like tuition, books, supplies, living expenses, and other materials. The loans vary in amount based on the financial need of the student and are to be paid back with interest that differs depending on the lender.
Tuition Waivers
Tuition waivers are a form of financial aid that allows students to forego paying a part of their tuition. Students who qualify for a tuition waiver will have to pay the balance of the tuition not covered by the waiver. The eligibility requirements differ from school to school, and students will have to contact the schools to see if they qualify for tuition waivers.
Federal Work-Study
Federal work-study is a program organized by the federal government to provide students in higher institutions with part-time jobs that help them earn money to fund their education. This form of financial aid is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The jobs are typically on campus, but in some cases can also be off campus.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Phoenix?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Phoenix are enrollment, good academic standing, demonstrated financial need, residency status, and annual FAFSA completion. Below is an overview of these requirements.
Phoenix Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- Enrollment in a community college program
- Good academic standing
- Financial need
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Complete FAFSA annually
Should You Attend Community College in Phoenix?
Yes, you should attend a community college in Phoenix, especially if you reside in the city or surrounding areas. These schools have affordable tuition rates for in-district students that are relatively cheaper than other schools. There are also multiple transfer programs that enable easy transfer to four-year universities at the end of the program.
Many schools also offer career services that help students understand their industry and career options. These services help students figure out what programs best suit them and how to navigate the labor market after graduation. These schools also don’t have strict admission barriers, making it easy for high school graduates of any academic standing to enroll.
Phoenix Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Phoenix community colleges is based mainly on graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best Phoenix Community Colleges FAQ
Yes, community colleges give scholarships. Students in community colleges receive scholarships just like at other higher educational institutions. However, these scholarships may be limited to students enrolled in a degree program, not certificate programs. Community colleges also let students apply for external scholarships during their enrollment.
Yes, there are several good community colleges in Arizona. Some of them are Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, GateWay Community College, and Glendale Community College.
Yes, Phoenix College is a community college. It is part of the Maricopa Community Colleges District and offers various certificate and degree programs online, in person, part time, and full time. Students who attend this school will get high-quality education that will help them attain their academic goals.
The community college with the highest graduation rate in Phoenix is Carrington College. It has a graduation rate of 63 percent and no acceptance rate as it has an open admission policy.
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