Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), located in Maricopa County, Arizona, is the single largest provider of postsecondary education in Arizona. More than a quarter million students attend the Maricopa County Community Colleges District each year taking credit and special interest/non-credit courses. The District is also the largest provider of health care workers and job training in Arizona, thus serving as a major resource for business and industry and for individuals seeking education and job training. Additionally, students may enroll in special interest/non-credit classes at each of our colleges.

The District also provides a variety of direct services to the community, including:

KBAQ FM Public Radio, 89.5 Classical
KJZZ FM Public Radio, 91.5 News/Jazz/Talk
Sun Sounds Radio Reading Service (for the visually impaired)

The MCCCD is comprised of ten colleges, two skills centers and numerous education centers dedicated to quality education in meeting the needs of businesses and the citizens of Maricopa County. While each college is part of the larger system of the Maricopa County Community College District, each college is individually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), the accrediting agency for our region.

Geography, Population, State and Local Economy

Maricopa County is located in the south central part of Arizona, and serves as the major population, economic and political center in the State. The County includes the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area which is comprised of Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Peoria, as well as other smaller cities and towns and the unincorporated areas of the County.

The County has grown by roughly 45% from 1990 to 2000, and then nearly another 20% from 2000 to 2005. It has been one of the most rapidly growing counties in the U.S. in terms of population, employment and personal income. Today, Maricopa County has slightly over 60% of the State’s population and 65% of the State’s labor force. An even larger percentage (nearly 80%) is employed in the service areas (such as transportation/utilities, trades, government, education and healthcare and leisure/hospitality).

According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the State’s economy is expected to grow in 2006 and 2007, and for the increase to occur primarily in the construction and professional and businesses and construction sectors. 

For existing and new and expanding businesses, the Maricopa Community Colleges (along with other higher education institutions such as colleges and universities) will continue to play a key role in providing the needed workforce development and job training opportunities to meet the current and growing employment markets.

Colleges Overview

The Maricopa Community Colleges began with our flagship college, Phoenix College, founded in the heart of the City of Phoenix in 1920. The District was established in 1962 under the provisions of legislation enacted in 1960 by the Arizona Legislature. The legislation created the Arizona Junior College System and made provide for the formation of junior college districts on a county basis throughout Arizona. Since 1962, more colleges were founded, leading to today’s ten college District. The most recent colleges have been established on the east side, north side and west side of the valley.

Fiscal Year Enrollment

Our fiscal year enrollment tells us the number of students enrolled during the year at MCCCD.  In 2007-08  we had nearly a quarter-million students - with 217,364 students  in credit courses, 31,333 students in non-credit courses, 10,243 students in Adult Basic Education/General Education Development, and 1,527 students enrolled at the Skills Centers.

Fall Enrollment

45th Day (fall, spring) is the official census date which is the basis for reporting credit course enrollment to the Arizona state legislature. The Maricopa Community Colleges enrolled over 120,000 students in fall 2008 (45th day census) in credit courses. 

Students in the district show considerable diversity:

• 56% women
• 33% non-Anglo
• 40% age 25 or older
• 75% part-time
• 22% evening

Students enroll in credit courses at MCCCD with varied admission status:

• 39% no college or university
• 30% some college or university - no degree
• 3% Associate's degree
• 5% Bachelor's degree
• 2% Master's degree
• 21% unknown

Students also have varied educational purposes:

• 45% plan to transfer to a college or university
• 33% intent to gain or improve workforce skills
• 14% attend for personal interest
• 7% undeclared

Individual college enrollments in fall 2008 ranged from over 5,100 students at SMCC to over 23,800 students at MCCC.


For more information on enrollment:

MCCCD Fact Book, Card and Student Profiles, Fall 2008
MCCCD 10 Year Trend Data
MCCCD Heath Care Data
MCCCD Center for Workforce Development
MCCCD Office of Institutional Effectiveness