This fall, the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges anticipate enrolling over 100,000 students. This number includes more than 40,000 new and returning students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
"We are incredibly excited to kick off a new academic year," said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges. "These enrollment numbers represent the critical role our system plays as the most accessible higher education provider in the Valley.”
Maricopa Community Colleges, the second-largest producer of college graduates in Arizona annually, has witnessed nine consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. This growth trajectory positions the institution to become the largest community college system in the nation this year.
In the fall of 2023, Maricopa Community Colleges rolled out its first baccalaureate degree programs. Now, only one year later, over 4,100 students are pursuing bachelor's degrees with 60% being first-generation college students.
At just $97 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $145.50 for upper-division courses, the baccalaureate programs save students upwards of $40,000.
At Maricopa Community Colleges, students can earn a four-year degree at a cost comparable to one year of tuition at similar in-state universities. Notably, last spring, Maricopa Community Colleges made history by honoring its first baccalaureate recipients.
In addition to bachelor's degrees, Maricopa Community Colleges has expanded its fall semester offerings with new Fast Track Training programs, including Microcredential Pathways. These pathways provide a modern, flexible, and stackable education model, allowing for shorter, more focused areas of study that can enhance a student's job prospects and be applied toward an associate or bachelor's degree. Whether a student is looking to transition into a new career, advance in a current role, or is seeking specific skills, this flexibility offers targeted, bite-sized learning opportunities that cater to diverse learning needs.
Of the anticipated 100,000 students, over 87% are Maricopa County residents. According to a recent economic impact study, one out of every 28 jobs in Maricopa County is supported by the activities of the colleges and their students.
"Our students come from our local communities across the state. After graduation, most stay in Arizona, becoming future leaders and driving our economy forward," added Dr. Gonzales. "Our graduates are essential to the health, growth, and success of not only our local communities, but the growing region as well.”
Amid the nursing shortage, Maricopa Community Colleges have added the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree program to its lineup of degree programs for the fall semester. Nearly 2,000 nurses graduated this past year. Across its 10 colleges, the system is on pace to educate nearly one-third of Arizona's nurses, producing the highest number in the state.
As Maricopa Community Colleges continues to expand its programs, the 10 colleges remain steadfast in their commitment to people over profits, offering over 600 certificate and degree programs. This includes bachelor's degrees and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality post secondary education that is within reach for everyone.
For more information about Maricopa Community Colleges, visit maricopa.edu.
