PHX Reporter

Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona's largest community college system, continues to be a preferred choice for students aiming for higher education. The system, offering eight bachelor's degrees, plans to introduce three more programs this fall. Recent data, including FAFSA submissions and first-year student enrollment, suggest a sustained interest in college education. Students have access to affordable bachelor's degree programs with a 100% acceptance rate in the Valley.

Tuition costs at U.S. colleges have soared, tripling since 2000, with public four-year universities charging an average of $11,610. Arizona’s rate is slightly lower at $7,556. Community colleges provide a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality education. “Today, more than ever, students need access to opportunities that will help them move into high-demand jobs and earn a living wage,” stated Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges. “Affordability doesn’t mean that students lose out on academic rigor or real-world training, it simply means a student’s dollar stretches further; for the same education a traditional, four-year institution offers.”

Maricopa Community Colleges' bachelor's programs are crafted to meet workforce demands, addressing shortages in fields such as teaching, nursing, public safety, and information technology. Over 5,200 students have enrolled since the launch of these eight programs. The colleges offer realistic education options, helping students manage student debt, learn locally, and enhance their earning potential.

Community colleges are pivotal in workforce development by preparing students for local community roles. From 2021 to 2023, the number of community colleges offering bachelor’s degrees increased by 32%. Currently, 203 public two-year colleges grant bachelor’s degrees. Data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System shows community colleges conferred 25,000 bachelor's degrees nationwide during the 2020-21 academic year. Maricopa Community Colleges will soon offer new degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Business Administration-Accounting, and Business Administration-Management.

Aryanaz Besharatlou, an Information Technology bachelor's degree student, expressed her relief at the affordability of higher education, saying, “When I heard about the program, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders because just the thought about going to college, having to already start paying for loans at 20 was so, so scary.”

Further details on the Valley's affordable bachelor's degrees are available at maricopa.edu/bachelors.