The Maricopa vision
Your goals matter to us. Maricopa Community Colleges is focused on supporting the success of our students and the future of Maricopa County by providing high-quality, affordable options for higher education and workforce training. It’s a vision we’ve held since our beginnings.
Our history so far …
In the early 1960s, the Arizona Legislature and Maricopa County voters established and approved our college system, known then as the Maricopa County Junior College District. Branch campuses were established in Glendale and Mesa, eventually becoming independent junior colleges, with Estrella Mountain Community College and more to follow. Over the years, we have continued to evolve and innovate to support your success.
1920
Arizona’s first community college, the Phoenix Junior College (now Phoenix College), was established.
1962
Maricopa Community Colleges began as the Maricopa County Junior College District.
1971
We updated our name to “Maricopa Community” to emphasize the general public and to best reflect the constituencies we serve.