Arizona has more than 20 community colleges, all of which offer associate degrees and programs for students entering four-year universities. These community colleges are accredited by educational organizations, such as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Students receive the same education that they would receive at four-year universities for half the price. The top five community colleges in Arizona prepare student for continued education or the workforces.
Pima Community College
Pima Community College has been a staple of higher education in Tucson, Arizona, since 1969. This community college consists of six campuses and one learning center throughout the city and surrounding areas. Pima enrolls more than 60,000 students each year and awards more than 2,000 associate degrees each year. The college has a partnership with more than 85 educational and governmental institutions and more than 300 businesses in the community. Students can go right to work in professional careers after two years or transfer to one of Arizona’s four-year universities. The Northwest Campus has a special partnership with Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, letting Tucson residents earn university credit at home.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. Founded in 1985, CGCC enrolls more than 16,000 students a year and offers associate degrees in teacher education, engineering, fire science, law enforcement, dietetics and nutrition, and the arts and humanities. Most of the students come from the Southeast Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The college has educational partnerships with Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University.
Yavapai College
Yavapai College, established in 1965, has a main campus in Prescott with other locations in Clarksdale, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Sedona. Each year, more than 20,000 enroll in this community college in more than 80 associate degree, certificate and transfer programs of study. It offers associate degrees in fine arts, general studies, nursing, business and elementary education. Yavapai is the home of Yavapai College Gunsmithing School. Graduates of the gunsmithing school earn an associate of applied science, enabling them to get an entry-level job in firearm and metal industries.
Cochise College
Founded in 1964, Cochise College has campuses in Sierra Vista and Douglas and offers workforce training, online education and transfer associate degrees. Annually, more than 8,000 students attend Cochise College. Cochise College has more than 50 associate degree programs, including anthropology, early childhood care and education, fine arts, economics, secondary education, theater arts and sociology. It also offers degrees specifically designed for college transfer or entry-level employment. Entry-level employment degrees include registered nurses, paramedicine, game design and creation, and professional pilot technology.
Central Arizona College
Established in 1961, Central Arizona College is located in Coolidge and serves more than 12,000 students per year. The school offers more than 40 associate degree programs that transfer to four-year universities. Associated degree programs include art history, creative writing, dramatic theory, exercise science, hotel/restaurant management, interdisciplinary arts/performance, journalism, media arts and public relations. Its Business Outreach program trains students entering the workforce, weekend classes and GED classes.
Arizona’s top community colleges offer a range of programs that in the arts, business and industrial fields. Students can start their road to higher education for half of what it would cost them at a four-year university. All together, these community colleges provide more than 100 degree options.
