As Arizona’s largest provider of workforce development training, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), with 10 colleges and 31 satellite locations, offers the most accessible pathway to a higher education in Maricopa County. With more than 600 degree and certificate programs, including new bachelor’s degree offerings, students can gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed in today’s ever evolving workforce.
Launched in fall 2023, MCCCD’s bachelor’s degree programs are uniquely designed to address workforce needs and student demand, while avoiding duplication of programs already offered by traditional universities in Arizona. These programs are strategically developed to focus on alleviating Arizona’s workforce shortages in critical high-demand, high-wage, and high-impact industries such as healthcare, information technology, K-12 education, and public safety.
Making Higher Education Accessible
The total national student loan debt currently stands at $1.77 trillion, with the average Arizonan carrying $34,881 of student loan debt. The cost of attendance plays a key factor in a student’s decision to pursue postsecondary education. At one third the cost of a traditional four-year university, MCCCD’s bachelor’s programs save students approximately $7,000-$10,000 each year compared to an in-state university’s average annual tuition. Today, MCCCD students can choose from eight bachelor’s programs, including Behavioral Sciences, Early Childhood Education – Dual Language, and the highly anticipated Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Strengthen Arizona’s Workforce
Across the state, key industries are experiencing workforce shortfalls. Last fall, the state’s teacher shortage—now in its eighth year, struggled to fill vacant positions. The National Center for Health Workforce, predicts Arizona will see a dramatic shortage of nearly 30,000 nurses by 2025. MCCCD’s bachelor’s degrees are not only helping workforce shortages, but move the state’s Achieve60AZ attainment goal—with 60% of the state’s population of working adults ages 25 -63 having a certificate, degree or license by 2030.
Demonstrated Success and the Future Ahead
The response to MCCCD’s bachelor’s degrees has been overwhelming, with over 4,000 students currently enrolled in one of the eight bachelor’s degree programs. This spring, in a historic first for MCCCD, two students from Rio Salado College and four students from South Mountain Community College graduated with the state’s first community college bachelor’s degrees. Looking toward the future, MCCCD will expand its four-year degree offerings with three additional programs: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Business Administration – Accounting, and Business Administration – Management, all of which are pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission.
MCCCD plays a pivotal role in Arizona’s workforce, connecting education with careers. Learn more at maricopa.edu.