PHX Reporter

Maricopa Community Colleges is joining institutions across the nation to celebrate Community College Month this April. The theme, "Best Decision Ever," emphasizes the transformative opportunities community colleges provide for students from diverse backgrounds. With 10 colleges and 31 satellite locations throughout the Valley, Maricopa Community Colleges serves as the largest higher education institution in Arizona.

Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor, stated, “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. We know our colleges are the number one choice in the Valley because time and time again, students make us their first choice.”

Community colleges nationwide contribute significantly to the education sector, enrolling 41% of undergraduates. In Arizona, Maricopa Community Colleges teaches over 140,000 students yearly, accepting all applicants, producing the second-largest number of graduates, and supporting more than 47,000 first-generation students. Early college access is provided to over 26,000 high school students annually through programs such as Achieving a College Education.

Maricopa Community Colleges offers the lowest tuition rates in the county, supporting students in achieving credentials that range from microcredentials to bachelor's degrees. Since introducing bachelor's degrees in 2023, over 5,000 students have enrolled in these programs. The institution's bachelor's degrees are touted as the most affordable in the Valley, allowing students to save significantly on tuition expenses.

In terms of workforce development, Maricopa Community Colleges partners with various sectors to meet Arizona's employment needs. The system’s programs focus on fields like advanced manufacturing, bioscience, healthcare, and semiconductors. It educates 8,000 students in healthcare annually, supplying nearly a third of the nurses in the state.

Maricopa Community Colleges also play a vital role in the local economy, contributing nearly $8 billion annually. The system's operations support one out of every 28 jobs in Maricopa County, and alumni generate $6.4 billion in added income. Almost 90% of its students remain in the county to contribute to their communities.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has declared April as Arizona Community College Month, recognizing the contribution of the state's community college districts to residents' lives and the economy.