Best Community Colleges in Arizona (2022)

Our list of the best community colleges in Arizona is a definitive guide to finding a college that is suitable for you.
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Arizona, also known as “The Grand Canyon State,” is home to some of the most unique terrain found in the United States. From Monument Valley to the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona is full of natural wonders and beautiful cities. However, one thing you may not know is that Arizona also has a rich history of providing higher education opportunities, even before it attained statehood. 

Deciding which community college to study at can be an overwhelming process. To help you get a better understanding of your choices, we have compiled a list of some of the best community colleges in Arizona. Please note that these are not ranked in any particular order.

Related: How Much Does Community College Cost in Arizona?

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Arizona Community Colleges Overview

Popular fields to pursue in Arizona

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing 

The average tuition fee for community colleges in Arizona

  • Approximately $1,835 annually for in-state students 
  • Approximately $7,133 annually for out-of-state students
  • For private community colleges, approximately $13,086 annually  

Undergraduate enrollment rates

  • According to research by the College Board, approximately 400,000 students enroll in Public Two-Year institutions in Arizona. 

Interested in free community college? Check out our full guide here! 

Pima Community College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma - $82,440
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $60,606
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions - Associate's Degree - $50,231

Fact

“Pima is one of 87 Federal Aviation Administration-approved programs offering an aviation maintenance degree and the only aviation maintenance and repair school in Arizona focusing on large transport commercial aircraft. It also is one of the few U.S. schools teaching structural repair. “

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Location

Pima Community College (PCC) is a public community college located in Tucson, a city located in Pima County Arizona. With a population of 554,503, Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona and the 33rd largest city in the United States.

Some of the largest businesses found in Tucson include Long Realty, Asarco, and Tucson Electric Power, Ashton Company Inc.

Demographic

  • 49% Hispanic
  • 36% White
  • 5% Black
  • 3% Unknown
  • 3% Asian
  • 2% American Indian/Alaska Native
  • 2% Two or more races

Weather

Summers in Tucson are extremely hot and the winters are cool and dry. The temperature normally ranges from 42°F to 102°F throughout the year, with it rarely falling below 33°F or going over 107°F.

Campus location

The PCC campus is located at 4905C East Broadway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85709-1275. 

Attractions/Places to visit

Tucson, also known as the "City of Sunshine," is perfect for outdoorsy people. The city is famous for its historical sites, mountains, scenic parks, and amazing hiking trails. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Tuscan!

Top fields of study

PCC has one of the largest multi-campus community colleges in the U.S. They offer over 89 distinct undergraduate degrees. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Be sure to check out: Best Paying Trade Jobs in Arizona

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $28,010
  • Monthly Earnings - $2,334
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $7,000
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $67
Number Of Graduates 
  • 1350

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $38,289
  • Monthly Earnings - $3,191
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $5,477
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $52
Number Of Graduates  
  • 192

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings- $41,823
  • Monthly Earnings- $3,485
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $9,500
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $91
Number Of Graduates 
  • 154

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at PCC is $3,583, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients)

Financial Aid 

PCC offers financial aid to over 59.0% of first-year students. These are awarded to students eligible for their scholarships and grants program.

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 34,645 students:

  • 14% graduated
  • 46% withdrew
  • 38% transferred
  • 2% still enrolled

Salary 

The salary of PCC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from  $15,182 - $82,440

Student Body

There are over 17,141 undergraduate students at PCC, with 26% of them being full-time students and 74% being part-time. 

Guide: How To Apply For Community College (And Why You Should)

GateWay Community College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree 
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $57,995
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree - $57,168
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services - Associate's Degree - $48,667

Fact

“GateWay Community College has built a legacy of innovation, pioneering vision and responsiveness to the needs of our community: the first technical college in Arizona; first to use community advisory committees; first to tailor courses to the needs of business and industry; first to offer classes at off-campus locations; even the first to install a computer.”

Location

GateWay Community College (GateWay CC) is located in Phoenix, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. With a population of 1,733,630, Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States

Some of the largest businesses found in Phoenix include Banner Health, ON Semiconductor, Republic Services, Inc., and Freeport-McMoRan Inc

Demographic

“GateWay's Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports a just community college experience in which everyone's stories and backgrounds are valued, and all members are empowered to achieve their goals.”

  • 48% Hispanic
  • 27% White
  • 12% Black
  • 3% Asian
  • 3% American Indian/Alaska Native
  • 3% Two or more races
  • 2% Unknown

Weather

Summers in Phoenix are extremely hot and dry and the winters are mild. The temperature normally ranges from 45°F to 107°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 37°F or going over 112°F.

Campus location

GateWay CC is located on 108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States.

Attractions/Places to visit

Phoenix is a city known for its unique desert landscape. The city is rich with art, culture, and historic neighborhoods. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Phoenix!

Top fields of study

GateWay Community College offers over 160 degree and certificate programs. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $57,995
  • Monthly Earnings - $4,833
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $9,500
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $91
Number Of Graduates 
  • 211

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, is and Nursing Assistants - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $37,208
  • Monthly Earnings - $3,101
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $4,750
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $45
Number Of Graduates  
  • 193 

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings- $57,168
  • Monthly Earnings- $4,764
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $10,031
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $96
Number Of Graduates  
  • 112

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at GateWay CC is $10,315, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients)

Financial Aid 

GateWay CC offers financial aid in the form of grants, loans, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships. Click here to learn more about their financial aid program.

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 10,134 students:

  • 18% graduated
  • 45% withdrew
  • 37% transferred
  • 1% still enrolled

Salary 

The salary of GateWay CC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $16,610 - $57,995

Student Body

There are over 4,162 undergraduate students at GateWay CC, with 30% of them being full-time students and 70% being part-time. 

Related: Best Community Colleges in New Mexico

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree


Degrees With The Highest Salaries

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $60,623
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma - $54,192
  • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma - $51,273

Fact

Each year, Chandler-Gilbert Community College serves over 19,000 students, with a 71% freshman retention rate.

Location

The Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) is a public community college located in Chandler, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. With a population of 269,123, Chandler is the fourth largest city in Arizona and the 77th largest city in the United States.

Some of the largest businesses found in Chandler include Intel, NXP Semiconductors, Microchip Technology, and Northrop Grumman.

Demographic

  • 49% White
  • 30% Hispanic
  • 5% Two or more races
  • 5% Black
  • 5% Asian
  • 3% Unknown
  • 2% American Indian/Alaska Native
  • 1% Non-resident alien

Weather

Summers in Chandler are extremely hot and dry and the winters are cold.  The temperature generally ranges from 39°F to 106°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 31°F or going over 111°F.

Campus location

The CGCC campus is located at 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225, USA.

Attractions/Places to visit

Chandler is best known for its world-class golf facilities, renowned skate park, antique stores, and diverse restaurants. The city also has many recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, etc. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Chandler!

Top fields of study

CGCC has four campuses and offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $25,194
  • Monthly Earnings - $2,100
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $8,000
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $76
Number Of Graduates 
  • 643

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $54,192
  • Monthly Earnings - $4,516
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation -$9,831
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $94
Number Of Graduates  
  • 133 

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings- $60,623
  • Monthly Earnings- $5,052
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $9,000
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $86
Number Of Graduates  
  • 76

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at CGCC is $9,926, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients)

Financial Aid 

CGCC offers financial aid in the form of grants, loans, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships. Click here to learn more about their financial aid program.

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 13,228 students:

  • 15% graduated
  • 36% withdrew
  • 48% transferred
  • 1% still enrolled

Salary 

The salary of CGCC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $25,194 - $60,623.

Student Body

There are over 9,233 undergraduate students at CGCC, with 39% of them being full-time students and 61% being part-time. 

Phoenix College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree 
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations - Associate's Degree

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $57,811
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions - Associate's Degree - $49,436
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree - $42,682

Fact

Phoenix College has 22 students per classroom, allowing for greater interaction with teachers.

Location

Phoenix College (PC) is a public community college located in Phoenix, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. With a population of 1,733,630, Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States.

Some of the largest businesses found in Phoenix include Banner Health, ON Semiconductor, Republic Services, Inc., and Freeport-McMoRan Inc. 

Demographic

“Today, the College continues to be a place of diversity, equity, and access. Our focus on transformation includes seeking out partnerships that work with opportunity youth, refugee and immigrant populations, Hispanic, Asian, Native American populations, third-largest and adult learners. PC is dedicated to providing access to valuable and affordable education and community services.”

  • 21% White
  • 9% Black
  • 3% Unknown
  • 3% Two or more races
  • 3% Asian
  • 3% American Indian/Alaska Native
  • 1% Non-resident alien

Weather

Summers in Phoenix are extremely hot and dry and the winters are mild. The temperature normally ranges from 45°F to 107°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 37°F or going over 112°F.

Campus location

The PC campus is located at 1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.

Attractions/Places to visit

Phoenix is a city known for its unique desert landscape. The city is rich with art, culture, and historic neighborhood third-largest Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Phoenix!

Top fields of study

Phoenix College offers over 150 degree and certificate programs. They have programs such as Behavioral Sciences, Fine And Performing Arts, Applied Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, etc. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $28,019 
  • Monthly Earnings -$2,335
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $11,000
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $105
Number Of Graduates 
  • 423

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $57,811
  • Monthly Earnings - $4,818
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $10,051
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $96
Number Of Graduates  
  • 130

Business Administration, Management and Operations - Associate's Degree 

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings- $21,052
  • Monthly Earnings- $1,754
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $15,563
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $148
Number Of Graduates  
  • 91

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at PC is $8,744, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients)

Financial Aid 

PC offers financial aid in the form of grants, loans, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships. Click here to find out more about their financial aid program.

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 14,452 students:

  • 14% graduated
  • 42% withdrew
  • 42% transferred
  • 1% still enrolled

Salary 

The salary of PC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $20,687 - $57,811

Student Body

There are over 8,866 undergraduate students at PC, with 30% of them being full-time students and 70% being part-time. 

Mesa Community College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
  • Fine and Studio Arts - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree 

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $55,964
  • Ground Transportation - Associate's Degree - $49,019
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions - Associate's Degree - $44,170

Fact

Mesa Community College conferred a total of 4,361 awards by IPEDS in the year 2019-20

Location

Mesa Community College (MCC) is a public community college located in Mesa, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. With a population of 538,146, Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and the 34th largest city in the United States.

Some of the largest businesses found in Mesa include HEC Engineering, Savane International Corp., and Crescent Crown Distributing, L.L.C. 

Demographic

“Mesa Community College (MCC) commits to dismantling structural barriers to equity by investing in equity-focused policies, practices, and behaviors that work to support all students and employees.”

  • 44% White
  • 32% Hispanic
  • 6% Black
  • 4% Two or more races
  • 4% Asian
  • 4% American Indian/Alaska Native
  • 3% Unknown
  • 2% Non-resident alien

Weather

Summers in Mesa are extremely hot and dry and the winters are mild.  The temperature generally ranges from 43°F to 106°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 35°F or going over 111°F.

Campus location

The MCC campus is located at 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA. 

Attractions/Places to visit

Mesa is home to some breathtaking natural attractions like the Superstition Mountains, Apache Trail, Salt and Verde Rivers, and Usery Mountain Regional Park. The city is also known for its amazing museums, iconic broadways musicals, and old west towns. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Mesa!

Top fields of study

MCC offers over 48 majors with completions and 2,102 undergraduate degrees. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $33,565
  • Monthly Earnings -$2,797
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $8,750
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $83
Number Of Graduates 
  • 1264

Fine and Studio Arts - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings - $18,498
  • Monthly Earnings - $1,542
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - N/A
  • Monthly Loan Payment - N/A
Number Of Graduates  
  • 1154

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing
  • Median Earnings- $55,964
  • Monthly Earnings- $4,664
Financial Aid & Debt
  • Median Total Debt After Graduation - $8,000
  • Monthly Loan Payment - $76
Number Of Graduates  
  • 178

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at MCC is $9,669, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients)

Financial Aid 

MCC has offered over $1.2 million in scholarships to students in Spring 2021. Click here to learn more about their financial aid program.

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 28,936 students:

  • 12% graduated
  • 42% withdrew
  • 45% transferred
  • 2% still enrolled

Salary 

The salary of MCC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $18,498 - $55,964

Student Body

There are over 16,010 undergraduate students at MCC, with 36% of them being full-time students and 64% being part-time. 

Honorable mentions 

No items found.

Frequently Asked Questions

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